Figurative Language Review

Figurative Language

A word or phrase that does not have its normal, everyday, literal meaning. It is used by the writer to create a mental picture for the reader, for dramatic effect, or to make writing more interesting and clear.

• I read this slide.

• I did not read this slide.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.5A

CCSS.RL.3.4

Simile

A figure of speech that directly compares two different things using the words "like" or "as."

Example: “The water made a sound like kittens lapping.” — The Yearling, by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Which example below is a simile?

• The water was blue.

• The water was a blue mirror.

• The water was like a blue mirror.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Which of these is a simile?

• He went after the ball like a tiger pouncing on prey.

• He was fast and pounced on the ball.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Which of these is a simile?

• He's incredibly strong.

• He's as strong as an ox.

• He's a strong ox.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Metaphor

A figure of speech used to make a comparison between two things WITHOUT using "like" or "as." A metaphor makes the comparison by saying one this IS another thing.

Example: He is a rock.

• Okay, I get it.

• I don't get it. I will reread the slide.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Which of the following is a metaphor?

• She woke up with really bad bed-head.

• Her hair was messy.

• Her hair was a cheerful scribble when she woke up in the morning.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Which one is a metaphor?

• The child squawked loudly in the dark.

• The child squawked like a crow.

• The child was a crow squawking in the dark.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Personification

When you give human qualities or abilities to an object or animal.

Example: “Once there was a tree, and she loved a little boy.” (“The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein)

• Personification is giving human qualities to non-human things.

• Personification is a metaphor.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5A

Which one is personification?

• The sun kissed our skin.

• The leaves were bright green.

• My dog slept on his back.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5A

Which of these is an example of personification?

• The lightning struck a building.

• The lightning was bright.

• The lightning danced across the sky.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5A