Literal Non Literal

Figurative Language

What is figurative language?

• the phrasing, or way we write, that goes beyond the literal meaning of words to get a message or point across. 

• makes writing more interesting or dramatic

Figurative language is not literal.

• Literal means true or factual

• Figurative means not real or exaggerated when comparing

• Similes and metaphors are two types of figurative language.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is literal?

• The woman is taller than the man.

• The woman is as tall as a giraffe.

​Simile

​A comparison using like or as.

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​The day was as long as the Nile River.

​What is being compared?

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​The brother and sister fight like cats and dogs.

​What is being compared?

Multiple Choice

What is a simile?

• A comparison using like or as

• A comparison that does not use like or as

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of a simile?

• The boy is a cheetah when he runs.

• The boy runs as fast as a cheetah.

• The cheetah is faster than the boy.

​Metaphor

​-a comparison not using like or as

​-a word or phrase is applied to an object that is not literally applicable.

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​Laughter is the best medicine.

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​The new parents had stars in their eyes.

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​My heart is his pinata.

Multiple Choice

What is a metaphor?

• a comparison using like or as

• a comparison that does not use like or as

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of a metaphor?

• My mouth was as dry as the desert.

• It is very dry in the desert.

• My mouth was a desert.

Open Ended

Change this boring sentence to a simile:

The teacher is angry.

(Remember, you must compare the angry teacher to something else.)

Open Ended

Change this boring sentence to metaphor:

School is boring.

(Remember, you must compare the boring school to something else that is boring.)