Figurative Language

Figurative Language

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Figurative Language

Lesson, Notes, and Practice

What is figurative langauge?

*Imaginative language that is NOT meant to be taken literally

*Types of figurative language include:

simile metaphor

personification hyperbole

idiom alliteration

onomatopoeia

*Authors may use figurative language to:

Create mental images (Imagery)

Elicit emotional response

Engage the reader

Help to develop meaning behind words

What does it mean?

• "That test was a piece of cake!"

  • Was the test literally a piece of cake?

• "The Olympic Athlete was as fast as lightning."

  • Lightning is actually 270,000 mph, is the athlete really that fast?

• Phrases like these are examples of figurative language.

• We use figurative language to clearly express our ideas/feelings, to emphasize a point, to help others connect to the idea/feeling, and to make our writing (or conversation) more engaging.

• As readers we must interpret figurative language to understand what the author is trying to communicate.

What is imagery?

How do authors create imagery?

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​Imagery

Imagery is the use of vivid or figurative language to represent objects, ideas, or actions an appeal to our senses.

Imagery

Imagery appeals to your senses. This could be sight, smell, touch, taste, or hearing.

Our Senses

Can be used literally or in figurative language.

Imagery

Multiple Choice

Which imagery example below appeals to your sense of sight?

• The eerie silence made him stop in his tracks.

• As she entered the warm house, she was welcomed by the scents of hot apple cider and cinnamon.

• She couldn’t wait to sink her teeth into the succulent, salty steak.

• As they sat on the beach waiting for the sunset, the blue sky transformed into beautiful shades of purple and pink.

Multiple Choice

Which imagery example below appeals to your sense of hearing?

• The sweet fragrance of honeysuckle always reminded Jenny of her mother’s perfume.

• The eerie silence made him stop in his tracks.

• Her eyes lit up the moment she saw him, and she ran into his arms.

• She raked her fingers through her hair in an attempt to smooth out the knots

Multiple Choice

Which imagery example below appeals to your sense of touch?

• She pulled the fuzzy blanket up to her chin and felt warm and cozy.

• The pitter-patter of rain and whispering breeze had progressed into a gushing downpour and howling wind.

• I dropped the plate with a loud BANG!

• He woke up to the smell of burnt toast and greasy bacon.

Multiple Choice

Which imagery example appeals to your sense of taste?

• My mouth watered as I looked at the chocolate cake and imagined the sweet, creamy dessert rolling on my tongue.

• As she entered the warm house, she was welcomed by the scents of hot apple cider and cinnamon.

• His legs ached after climbing so many flights of stairs.

• The eerie silence made him stop in his tracks.

Multiple Choice

Which imagery example appeals to your sense of smell?

• The dog yelped after stepping on a prickly burr.

• He enjoyed watching the palm trees swaying in the wind as rain drizzled from the sky.

• The sweet fragrance of roses always reminded Jen of her mother’s perfume.

• She clenched her fists and then threw her hands in the air as he continued to yell at her.

A comparison between two unlike things using like or as.

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Simile

Multiple Choice

Which is example of a simile?

• I had a ton of homework.

• We go together like peanut butter and jelly.

• The trees danced in the wind.

• My heart was beating out of my chest.

A comparison between two unlike things (does NOT use like or as).

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Metaphor

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of a metaphor?

• Life is like a box of chocolates.

• It's going to take forever to finish my homework!

• My sister is a night owl.

• I'm all ears!

Giving human qualities to non-human things.

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Personification

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of personification?

• Lying to your parents is a slippery slope.

• The science test was a piece of cake.

• Don't be such a Debbie Downer!

• The wind whispered through the windows.

An exaggeration of something that is probably untrue or unlikely

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Hyperbole

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of hyperbole?

• I've told you a million times!

• He has a heart of gold.

• The moon winked goodnight to us.

• My grandpa is like a big teddy bear.

A group of words or a phrase that means something other than what is actually being said.

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Idiom

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of an idiom?

• I have a thousand things to do today!

• The car complained as the was key roughly turned in the ignition.

• The plate fell witn a loud bang!

• We are two peas in a pod.

When two or more words begin with the same sound.

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Alliteration

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of alliteration?

• Lightning dance across the sky.

• My dad snores like a chainsaw.

• Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

• The snow is as white as a blanket.

A word that makes a sound.

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Onomatopoeia

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of onomatopoeia?

• The dog knocked over the vase with a CRASH!

• She cried so long, she made a lake.

• The classroom was a zoo.

• My dad is as brave as a lion.

Poll

How do you feel about figurative language?

• I'd like help in a small group.

• I can identify 2-3 types of figurative language. I need more practice.

• I can identify and give examples for 4-5 types of figurative language.

• I can define and give examples for every type of figurative language type.