Go Figure!

Figurative Language

Recognizing Figurative Language The opposite of literal language is figurative

language. Figurative language is language that means more than what it says on the surface.

Literal language is language that means exactly what is said. Most of the time, we use literal language.

What is figurative language?

Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else or grossly exaggerate something, you are using figurative language.

Types of Figurative Language

Imagery Simile Metaphor Alliteration Personification Onomatopoeia Hyperbole

Recognizing Figurative Language “I’ve eaten so much I feel as if I

could burst!”

The person is exaggerating how full they are. They are not really going to burst. This kind of figurative language is called hyperbole.

Imagery Imagery is language that appeals to

the senses. Descriptions of people or objects stated in terms of our senses.

• Sight • Hearing • Touch • Taste • Smell

Simile A simile is figure of speech which

involves a direct comparison between two unlike things, usually with the words like or as. Example: The muscles on his brawny

arms are strong as iron bands.

Examples of Similes

Mr. Kinder’s voice is as clear as a bell. Jane’s room is as clean as a whistle His explanation was as clear as mud. That baby is as cute as a cup cake. Her skin is as delicate as a flower’s petal. My mouth is as dry as dust. Mrs. Beffa’s face is like a ray of sunshine; it

brightens my day.

Simile Practice

With a partner, generate a list of 5 similes. Write them in your notes and place a star next to your best simile.

Metaphor A metaphor is a figure of speech which involves

an implied comparison between two relatively unlike things using a form of “be.” The comparison is not announced by like or as.

It is basically a simile without using “like,” “as,” or “than.”

Example: The road was a ribbon wrapped through the dessert.

Metaphor Practice

With a partner, generate a list of 5 metaphors. Write them in your notes and place a star next to your best metaphor.

Alliteration Alliteration is repeated consonant (not

vowels) sounds occurring at the beginning of words or within words.

Example: She was wide-eyed and wondering while she waited for Walter to waken.

Personification Personification is a figure of speech which

gives the qualities of a person to an animal, an object, or an idea.

Example: “The wind whispered in my ear."

Onomatopoeia

The use of words that mimic sounds.

Example: The firecracker made a loud ka-boom!

Hyperbole Hyperbole is an exaggerated

statement used to heighten effect. It is not used to mislead the reader, but to emphasize a point.

Example: She’s said so on several million occasions.

Other examples of Hyperbole I could sleep for a year. This box weighs a ton. I've told you a million times not to exaggerate. Your mother is so small she does chin-ups on the

curb. I nearly died laughing. I tried a thousand times.

Such statements are not literally true, but people use them to sound impressive or to emphasize something, such as a feeling, effort, or reaction.

Hyperbole Activity

Draw a cartoon about school or your favorite sport that includes a hyperbole. You might draw and exaggerate a situation.

OR

Write a 10-line poem using hyperbole.

OR

Write 5 examples of hyperbole.

Write the hyperbole in a different color to make it obvious.