Fun with Figurative Language

A StAIR by Lisa Mele

Objective

Students will learn figurative language terms and demonstrate understanding of each term’s meaning

North Carolina Standard Course of Study 8th Grade ELA: 5.02 Study the characteristics of literary

genres (fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry)

Audience

This StAIR has been developed for 8th grade ELA students, but could be used for all middle grades students.

Figurative Language

Definition: speech or writing that departs from literal meaning in order to achieve a

special effect or meaning

We will be using various types of figurative language as we study poetry

Examples of Figurative Language

Click the following links to learn about figurative language terms:

Figurative Language Terms VideoFigurative Language Glogster

Now that you’ve got a basic idea of each term, let’s review the specific definitions

Types of Figurative Language

Click each link to review the terms. When you finish, click the arrow on the right

Personification Alliteration Metaphor Simile Hyperbole Onomatopoeia Assonance

Personification

Definition: Giving human

characteristics to something that is non-human

Example: The stuffed bear

smiled as the little boy hugged him close

Alliteration

Definition: The repetition of the

initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables

Example: The wild and woolly

walrus waits and wonders when we'll walk by

Metaphor

Definition: Comparing two

things by using one thing/object in place of another to suggest the likeness between them

Does not use the words “like” or “as”

Example: Her hair was silk

Simile

Definition: A figure of speech

comparing two unlike things using the words “like” or “as”

Example: The sun is like a

yellow ball of fire in the sky

Hyperbole

Definition: An exaggerated

figure of speech, often with humor

Example: Mile-high ice cream

cone

Onomatopoeia

Definition: Naming a thing or an

action by imitating the sound associated with it

Examples: Buzz Hiss Roar Woof

Assonance

Definition: A repetition of vowel

sounds within words

Examples: holy & stony Fleet feet sweep by

sleeping geese

REVIEW TIME

Go through each review in the order listed here. Review 1 Review 2 Review 3 Review 4: Fireworks Song/Lyrics Review 5 Review 6 Review 7 Review 8 Click here when you finish all reviews

Review Time!

“The sky is as blue as a smurf” is an example of a metaphor.

True or FalseFALSETRUE

Review Time

Honk, Ka-Pow, Boom, Buzz are all examples of:

HyperboleOnomatopoeia

Review Time

Sammy saw a slithering snake is an example of alliteration.

TRUE FALSE

Review Time- Listen to the song and identify the figurative language used

“Firework” by Katy PerryDo you ever feel like a plastic bagDrifting through the windWanting to start again

Do you ever feel, feel so paper thinLike a house of cardsOne blow from caving in

Do you ever feel already buried deepSix feet under screamBut no one seems to hear a thing

Do you know that there's still a chance for you

Cause there's a spark in you

You just gotta ignite the lightAnd let it shineJust own the nightLike the Fourth of July

Cause baby you're a fireworkCome on show 'em what you're worthMake 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby you're a fireworkCome on let your colors burstMake 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"You're gonna leave 'em fallin' down-own-own

Boom, boom, boomEven brighter than the moon, moon, moonIt's always been inside of you, you, youAnd now it's time to let it through

Review Time

“You’re a firework” is an example of a

Simile Metaphor

Review Time

“Boom, boom, boom even brighter than the moon, moon, moon” is an example of two types of figurative language. Choose which two:

Assonance and Onomatopoeia

Alliteration and Onomatopoeia

Review Time

“Already buried deep/Six feet under scream/But no one seems to hear a thing”

Is an example of…

Personification Hyperbole

Review Time

“Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin/

Like a house of cards/ One blow from caving in?”

Is an example of…

Simile Metaphor

YOU GOT IT!

SORRY, TRY AGAIN…

Congratulations!

You’ve finished the figurative language terms review! You should now be able to read a poem and identify the seven types of figurative language you worked with here!