Types of Figurative Language
A comparison of two unlike objects using the words "like" or "as"
What is a simile?
This morning, Mia woke up early to prepare for the school science fair. First, she packed her project about solar energy into a box. Then, she carefully carried it to the car and rode with her mom to school. After checking in at the gym, she set up her display and waited for the judges. By lunchtime, the results were announced—and Mia had won second place! The text structure is...
What is chronological?
The turning point or peak of the story, where the conflict reaches its highest point.
What is the climax?
“The classroom was a zoo” is this type of figurative language.
What is metaphor?
Sentence: “The frigid air made Ava shiver as she stepped outside without a coat.”
Question: Based on the sentence, what does frigid most likely mean?
What is extremely cold?
Gives human characteristics to inanimate objects or abstract ideas
What is personification?
When Luis started studying an hour each night, his grades began to improve. Because he reviewed his notes daily, he remembered important facts during tests. His teachers noticed his efforts, which led to better comments on his report card. As a result of his hard work, Luis felt more confident and even helped his classmates study too. The text structure is...
What is cause and effect?
The final outcome of the story, where the conflict is resolved or the story concludes.
What is the resolution?
“The leaves danced in the wind” is this type of figurative language.
What is personification?
Sentence: “Even though the directions were ambiguous, we still managed to figure out where to go.”
Question: What does ambiguous most likely mean based on the context?
What is unclear or confusing?
Repetition of the same sound at the beginning of words
What is alliteration?
Cats and dogs are both popular pets, but they are very different animals. Dogs are usually social and love to play outside with their owners. In contrast, cats are more independent and often prefer quiet time alone. While dogs often need walks, cats are happy using a litter box indoors. Despite their differences, both pets can offer love and companionship. The text structure is...
What is compare and contrast?
The events that occur after the climax, leading towards the resolution.
What is the falling action?
“Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers” is this type of figurative language.
What is alliteration?
Sentence: “After the long hike up the steep mountain, Lena felt weary and needed to sit down.”
Question: Based on the context, what does weary most likely mean?
What is tired or worn out?
A reference to a historical, literary, mythical, or biblical figure or event
The rainforest is a warm, lush environment filled with life. Tall trees stretch high into the sky, their thick leaves forming a green ceiling. Colorful birds fly overhead while monkeys swing from branch to branch. The air feels wet and smells earthy, and the sounds of insects and animals fill every moment. It’s a place full of wonder and mystery. The text structure is...
What is description?
The events that build tension and suspense as the conflict develops.
What is the rising action?
“I told you a million times” is this type of figurative language.
What is hyperbole?
Sentence: “Because he never studied or completed assignments, his grades began to plummet.”
Question: What does plummet most likely mean in this sentence?
What is drop quickly or fall sharply?
A phrase whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meaning of the words
What is idiom?
The school playground had a big problem—trash was piling up after recess. It made the area messy and unsafe. To fix this, the student council started a clean-up campaign. They placed more trash cans around the yard and made posters to remind students to throw away their garbage. Soon, the playground looked clean again, and everyone was proud of their efforts. The text structure is...
What is problem and solution?
Introduces the characters, setting, and initial conflict or situation.
What is the exposition?
"Barking up the wrong tree" is this type of figurative language.
What is idiom?
Sentence: “The odor was so pungent that my eyes began to water.”
Question: What does pungent most likely mean in this sentence?
What is strong-smelling?