Figurative Language & Songs: Personification, Similes, Metaphors

Figurative Language Practice

Literal language means exactly what is said. The audience does not need to interpret.

Literal Language

Figurative language conveys meanings beyond the literal and enhances understanding by appealing to the reader's imagination.

Figurative Language

Multiple Choice

means exactly what it says

• Figurative language

• Literal language

Multiple Choice

creatively uses language that asks the audience to use its imagination and interpret

• Figurative language

• Literal language

Multiple Choice

Robert thinks doing schoolwork is like one big video game.

• Figurative

• Literal

Multiple Choice

Sara has decided to volunteer every Tuesday after school.

• Figurative

• Literal

Multiple Choice

Thinking about summer camp makes me feel like a bundle of nerves.

• Figurative

• Literal

Multiple Choice

As I delivered my speech, my voice sounded as if I'd swallowed rocks and sand.

• Figurative

• Literal

Multiple Choice

Jacob expresses many feelings through his photography.

• Figurative

• Literal

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I have a ton of paperwork to do before I can enjoy the sun this summer.

• Figurative

• Literal

Multiple Choice

What is a language that uses words in ways that shift from their literal interpretation to achieve a more complex or powerful effect

• Figurative Language

• Literal Language

​3 Common Types of Figurative Language: Personification, Similes, Metaphors

A type of figurative language where inanimate (non-living) things are given human qualities

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​Personification

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• Writers use personification to establish mood or to build imagery

• Personification can also be used in everyday language to make things more relatable

Multiple Choice

The moon smiled at me

• personification

• metaphor

• simile

Multiple Choice

What takes non-human things and describes them as having human attributes?

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Simile

a figure of speech where two unlike things are compared

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Simile

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• The key words in this type of figurative language are “like” or “as”

• Writers use similes to make their writing sound more impressive

Unlocking Similes

Similes compare two different things using 'like' or 'as'. They create vivid imagery and enhance understanding.

To unlock their power, identify the two elements being compared, analyze their similarities, and consider the intended effect on the audience.

Multiple Choice

What makes a comparison between two unrelated things stating that one thing is like another thing.

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Simile

Multiple Choice

Compares 2 unlike things using like or as

• metaphor

• personification

• simile

Multiple Choice

I am as hungry as a bear!

• metaphor

• simile

• personification

Multiple Choice

A simile is what?

• A comparison between two unlike things using the words "like" or "as".

• A comparison between two unlike things in which one thing becomes another.

• Expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite.

an implied comparison between two unlike things​

​Metaphor

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• A smile and a metaphor are both types of comparisons, but there’s an easy way to recognize the difference​

• Unlike a simile that uses “like” or “as” which implies that something is somewhat like another item, a metaphor makes a direct comparison

Multiple Choice

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unrelated things by stating that one thing is another thing

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Imagery

Multiple Choice

Time is money!

• simile
• metaphor

Multiple Choice

Simile and metaphor both compare two unlike things. The difference between them is:

• A simile turns one of the unlike things into the other while a metaphor just compares them to each other using like or as.

• A metaphor turns one of the unlike things into the other while a simile just compares them to each other using like or as.

Now, let's determine if the figurative language in a few songs are personification, similes, or metaphors.

Multiple Choice

"Maybe I'm too emotional

But your apathy's like a wound in salt" -"good 4 U"

• personification

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

"My lover’s got humor

She’s the giggle at a funeral

Knows everybody’s disapproval

I should’ve worshipped her sooner" -"Take Me to Church"

• simile

• metaphor

• personification

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"Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go." -"Good Riddance"

• simile

• personification

• metaphor

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"Switch it up like Nintendo" - "Espresso"

• simile

• personification

• metaphor

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"I was born in a city

Where the winter nights don't ever sleep" -"Sacrifice"

• personification

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

"And there we are again when nobody had to know

You kept me like a secret, but I kept you like an oath" -"All Too Well (10 Minute Version)"

• simile

• metaphor

• personification

Multiple Choice

"You're the sunflower

I think your love would be too much

Or you'll be left in the dust

Unless I stuck by ya

You're the sunflower

You're the sunflower" - "Sunflower"

• simile

• personification

• metaphor

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"See the line where the sky meets the sea it calls me" -"How Far I'll Go"

• metaphor

• personification

• simile

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"And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind" -"Candle in the Wind"

• simile

• metaphor

• personification

Multiple Choice

"Just like a moth drawn to a flame

Oh, you lured me in, I couldn't sense the pain" -"Stitches"

• personification

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

"Can't stop thinkin' of your diamond mind" -"Ocean Eyes"

• personification

• metaphor

• simile

Multiple Choice

"I’m just like my country
I’m young, scrappy and hungry" -"My Shot"

• simile

• metaphor

• personification

Multiple Choice

"Hear Santa Monica

I swear it's calling me" -"Pink Pony Club"

• simile

• personification

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

"I'm diamond, you know I glow up
Hey, so let's go" -"Dynamite"

• personification

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

"You are the thunder and I am the lightning" -"Naturally"

• personification

• metaphor

• simile

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"Love is a temple
Love a higher law"- "One"

• metaphor

• simile

• personification

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"I just win again, then win again like Wimbledon, I serve" -"DNA"

• metaphor

• personification

• simile

Multiple Choice

"Hit me like a ray of sun
Burnin' through my darkest night" - "Halo"

• simile

• personification

• metaphor