Hyperbole

Match each sentence to the type of figurative language it uses.

• Simile

• He runs as fast as the wind.

• Metaphor

• This class will last forever.

• Hyperbole

• Her smile is a ray of sunshine.

Answer explanation

Each sentence is matched to its correct figurative language type: a simile uses 'like' or 'as', a hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration, and a metaphor is a direct comparison.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.5A

CCSS.RL.3.4

When a character says, "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse," what do they really mean?

• They want to eat a horse.

• They are extremely hungry.

• They are not hungry at all.

• They are on a farm with horses.

Answer explanation

This hyperbole is an exaggeration used to express that the person is very, very hungry, not that they literally want to eat a horse.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5A

Sort the following sentences into two categories: Hyperbole or Literal Statement.

Groups:

(a) Hyperbole

,

(b) Literal Statement

• I've told you a million times.

• The car is blue.

• He's older than the hills.

• I walked to the store.

Answer explanation

Hyperboles are impossible exaggerations ('a million times,' 'older than the hills'), while literal statements are factual and not exaggerated.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5A

A writer wants to show a character is extremely tired. Which hyperbole would best achieve this?

• "I could use a short nap."

• "I'm so tired I could sleep for a year."

• "I feel a little sleepy."

• "My eyes are as heavy as lead."

Answer explanation

'Sleep for a year' is a strong exaggeration that effectively communicates extreme tiredness. 'My eyes are as heavy as lead' is a simile, and the other options are understatements.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5A

Match each hyperbolic sentence on the left to what the speaker actually means on the right.

• I am going to be in a lot of trouble.

• This suitcase weighs a ton.

• This suitcase is very heavy.

• I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.

• I am extremely hungry.

• My mom is going to ground me for a thousand years.

Answer explanation

Hyperbole uses extreme exaggeration that isn't meant to be taken literally. 'Eating a horse' means being very hungry, 'weighs a ton' means something is very heavy, and being grounded 'for a thousand years' means the punishment will be severe.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5A

Read the sentence: 'After the long hike, my backpack felt as heavy as an elephant.' Which two types of figurative language are combined in this sentence?

• Metaphor and Personification

• Simile and Hyperbole

• Personification and Hyperbole

• Simile and Alliteration

Answer explanation

The sentence uses 'as' to compare the backpack to an elephant, which makes it a simile. The comparison is also a massive exaggeration for effect (a backpack cannot literally be as heavy as an elephant), which makes it a hyperbole.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5A

Sort these phrases into the correct figurative language categories: Hyperbole, Simile, or Metaphor.

Groups:

(a) Hyperbole

,

(b) Simile

,

(c) Metaphor

• He is a walking encyclopedia.

• This book weighs a ton.

• She sings like an angel.

• I'm freezing to death.

• He runs as fast as the wind.

• The clouds were fluffy cotton balls.

Answer explanation

Phrases are sorted based on their structure: Hyperbole (extreme exaggeration), Simile (comparison using 'like' or 'as'), and Metaphor (direct comparison).

Tags

CCSS.L.3.5A

CCSS.RL.3.4

Match each hyperbole to its real meaning.

• He is very strong.

• I'm dying of laughter.

• Something is very funny.

• He's stronger than an ox.

• This will take a long time.

• She has a million things to do.

• She is very busy.

• This will take forever.

Answer explanation

This matches the exaggerated statement (hyperbole) with the actual, non-literal meaning it is meant to convey.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5A

Read each hyperbolic sentence. Sort them based on the main effect the exaggeration is meant to create.

Groups:

(a) To Create Humor

,

(b) To Show Frustration

• I've told you a million times to take out the trash!

• I had to wait in line forever to get my lunch.

• The comedian was so funny, the audience died laughing.

• His snores were so loud, they probably woke up the next town.

Answer explanation

Hyperbole is exaggeration used to make a point. Some exaggerations are meant to be funny (like 'died laughing' or waking up the next town). Others are used to express strong feelings, such as the frustration of repeating a request 'a million times' or waiting 'forever' in line.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5A

In a story, a character says, "This tiny scratch is the worst injury in the history of the world!" What does this hyperbole tell us about the character?

• The character is brave and doesn't feel pain.

• The character is being dramatic and exaggerating.

• The character has a very serious, life-threatening injury.

• The character is a doctor who knows about injuries.

Answer explanation

Using such an extreme hyperbole for a minor injury shows that the character is likely being overly dramatic or trying to get attention by exaggerating their feelings.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5A