Exploring Figurative Language in Songs

Which of the following best describes figurative language?

• Language that is meant to be taken literally

• Language that uses comparisons, symbolism, or exaggeration to create meaning

• Language that only uses facts and statistics

• Language that is only used in scientific writing

What is a metaphor?

• A direct comparison using 'like' or 'as'

• A word that imitates a sound

• A figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true

• A type of rhyme

Nora, Scarlett, and William are reading a poem together. Which of the following lines is an example of symbolism?

• "The sun smiled down on us"

• "A dove flew overhead, bringing peace"

• "He ran as fast as a cheetah"

• "The car was red"

James, Hannah, and Benjamin are discussing Maya Angelou’s powerful poem "Still I Rise". Which theme do you think stands out the most in their conversation?

• Despair and hopelessness

• Resilience and overcoming adversity

• Material wealth

• Nature’s beauty

What is the most common reason why people love listening to music?

• To memorise facts

• To experience emotional impact

• To avoid learning

• To improve eyesight

Hey Anika and Aiden, imagine you’re singing along to Katy Perry’s hit song and you hear the lyric: "Cause baby, you’re a firework." Which poetic device is Katy using to make this line shine?

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Alliteration

• Hyperbole

Kai and Anika are discussing their favorite empowering works: Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise" and Katy Perry's song "Firework." What theme do these two pieces have in common?

• Both focus on giving up in the face of challenges

• Both celebrate personal strength and self-worth

• Both are about romantic relationships

• Both describe natural disasters

Harper, Isla, and Abigail are playing a game to spot figurative language in sentences. Which of the following sentences does NOT use figurative language?

• "Her eyes were as bright as stars"

• "He is a rock in times of trouble"

• "The book is on the table"

• "The wind whispered through the trees"

Luna and Daniel are listening to Katy Perry’s "Firework" and start wondering: What does the firework really symbolise in the song?

• Literal fireworks at a celebration

• The explosive nature of anger

• The unique and powerful potential within each person

• Pollution in the sky

Liam, David, and Avery are exploring Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise." Which line do you think is a metaphor, painting a vivid picture with words?

• "I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide"

• "I rise"

• "You may write me down in history"

• "Does my sassiness upset you?"