Context Clues
Hints in the sentence that help you figure out what a word means. Look at the words around the tricky word.
What is Context Clues?
Words that don’t mean exactly what they say—they make writing more fun or creative.
What is Figurative Language?
Recycling is a very good way to take care of our planet. When we recycle paper, plastic, and glass, we don't have to use as many new materials. Making new things from scratch uses a lot of energy and pollutes the air and water. By recycling, we save energy and keep our Earth cleaner for everyone.
What is Author's Claim?
Author's Claim: Recycling is one of the best ways to take care of our planet.
"busy little blur of brown fur"
What type of figurative language is used here?
Alliteration
The children danced to the music with merry JUBILATION. What does JUBILATION mean?
a) delight
b) distress
c) surprise
a) delight
Compares using “like” or “as” (e.g., “as fast as lightning”)
What is Simile?
What is the purpose of an author's claim?
What is to share a main idea or point of view about something?
Marcus's new red bicycle was a racecar, gleaming in the morning sun. The handlebars felt like the wings of a jet as he flew down the street. With every turn, the tires sang on the pavement, a happy song just for him. He had been waiting forever, and the afternoon felt like a sweet, never-ending song.
What does "The afternoon felt like a sweet, never-ending song" mean?
This comparison describes how happy and long the afternoon seemed because he was having so much fun.
The substitute teacher felt EXASPERATED because she could not get the students to stop talking and listen. What does EXASPERATED mean?
a) lonely
b) frustrated
c) depressed
b) frustrated
Liam gripped the string tightly as his red kite danced in the sky, a tiny crimson bird against the vast blue. The wind, a wild and invisible artist, painted loops and swirls with the kite. But a sudden gust pulled hard, and the string was ripped from Liam's hand. His heart dropped like a stone into his stomach as he watched the kite float away, a bright star fading into the clouds.
What does his heart dropped like a stone really mean?
It means Liam's heart felt heavy and sad in his chest.
How does an author's claim differ from a fact?
What is a claim is an opinion, while a fact is something that can be proven true?
The student lugged her backpack to the classroom, which felt like a ton of bricks with all her books and supplies. She slumped into her seat and felt her stomach rumble so loudly it could be heard across the entire school. It had been forever since she last ate, and now, facing a mountain of homework, she was certain this day would never end. The thought of the amount of work she had to do was literally killing her.
What type of figurative language is used in this paragraph? Tell the sentence first and then name the figurative language.
hyperbole
Arnold approached the snake CAUTIOUSLY. He thought it was dead, but he didn't know for sure. What does CAUTIOUSLY mean?
a) quickly
b) carefully
c) carelessly
b) carefully
Gives human traits to something not human (e.g., “The wind whispered.”)
What is Personification?
Learning a second language is a good idea for many reasons. It can help you connect with more people and understand different cultures. Being able to speak more than one language can also be a big help for your brain, making you a better problem-solver. Plus, many jobs today are looking for people who can communicate in more than one language.
What is the author's claim?
Author's Claim: Learning a second language is a great idea.
Squeaky the squirrel was a busy little blur of brown fur, a ninja on a mission to gather acorns. He raced up the tall oak tree, the bark rough under his paws. The winter wind was a icy blanket wrapping around his body, telling him that colder weather was on its way. Below him, a fat, orange cat stretched in the sun, a furry statue that watched him with unblinking eyes. Squeaky knew he had to be as quiet as a mouse to get past the cat and find his buried treasure.
Identify one sentence with figurative language and the type of figurative language.
Metaphor
A metaphor is a direct comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as".
Simile
A simile compares two things using the words "like" or "as".
Personification
Personification gives human qualities or actions to non-human things.
Luke was COMPENSATED for the yard work he had done over the summer. He spent the money he had earned on a new bike. What does COMPENSATED mean?
a)thanked
b) complimented
c) paid
c) paid
Uses extreme exaggeration to make a point or emphasize something.
What is Hyperbole?
Sending humans to Mars is a worthwhile and important goal. If we can send astronauts to other planets, we will be able to learn a lot more about space and our own planet. A mission to Mars would also encourage new inventions and discoveries as scientists work to solve tough problems. This kind of exploration pushes us to be brave and think big. Exploring Mars is a giant leap for all of humankind.
What is the author's claim?
Author's claim: Sending humans to Mars is a worthwhile and important goal.
The ancient maple tree, with its gnarled branches, groaned as it fought against the blustering wind. Its leaves, a riot of autumn colors, danced and whirled before surrendering to the ground. In the distance, the angry thunder grumbled its disapproval, while the lightning, a mischievous child, winked mischievously across the dark sky. The little cottage, nestled at the foot of the hill, bravely pulled its shutters closed and held its breath, hoping the storm would soon pass.
What type of figurative language is used in this paragraph? Tell the sentence.
personification