Figurative Language
Answer: A form of figurative language that uses extreme exaggeration.
hyperbole
Read the excerpt:
“As a teacher for over twenty years, I have witnessed firsthand how reading changes lives.”
Which rhetorical appeal is the speaker using to build credibility?
Ethos
This is a group of lines in a poem, like a paragraph in prose.
the part of a story that introduces important background information, such as the characters, setting
The primary point an author wants to communicate about a topic, usually summarized in one sentence.
Central Idea
Identify the metaphor and explain the meaning: In the dark of night, her eyes were fireworks that dampened with tears of sadness.
Metaphor: her eyes were fireworks
Meaning: her eyes were once bright, lively, or full of emotion, but the tears of sadness caused that excitement or happiness to fade.
A student writes:
"School uniforms should be mandatory because they reduce bullying, improve focus, and create equality among students."
What is the student’s claim?
School uniforms should be mandatory.
This poetry device is the repetition of beginning consonant sounds, like “wild and woolly”.
alliteration
This is the turning point or most intense moment in a story.
climax
These are facts, examples, or explanations that help develop and support the central idea in a text.
Supporting Details
What is one example of figurative language in the sentence, and how does it contribute to the mood?
Text:
“The frightened kitten trembled like a leaf during the thunderstorm.”
The phrase “like a leaf” is an example of a simile because it compares the kitten to a leaf using the word “like.”
It contributes to a nervous and fearful mood by emphasizing how badly the kitten is shaking.
Read the excerpt:
“Some people argue that social media distracts students from learning. However, when used responsibly, educational apps and discussion platforms can increase collaboration and engagement.”
Which rhetorical strategy is the author using?
Refuting a counterclaim.
This type of figurative language compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”
metaphor
How does the setting impact the plot in the excerpt below?
Text:
“Because the river flooded after days of heavy rain, the villagers were forced to abandon their homes and travel to higher ground.”
The setting impacts the plot because the flood creates the main conflict and forces the characters to leave their homes, causing the story’s events to unfold.
This text structure organizes information by explaining reasons and results, often using signal words like “because,” “since,” and “as a result.”
Cause and Effect
What is one example of figurative language in the sentence, and what mood does it convey?
Text:
“The icy wind howled through the empty streets late at night.”
The phrase “wind howled” is an example of personification because the wind is given a human or animal-like action.
It conveys a dark and eerie mood.
Read the excerpt:
“According to a 2025 national education study, students who read at least 20 minutes daily scored 18% higher on comprehension assessments.”
Why is this evidence considered strong in an argument?
It uses credible, research-based statistics to support the claim.
This element of poetry refers to the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, creating a beat.
rhythm
The main character in a story is called this.
This text structure orders events or steps chronologically using words like first, next, then, finally.
What is sequence/chronology?
What is one example of figurative language in the sentence, and how does it contribute to the reader’s understanding of the setting?
Text:
“The aroma of fresh bread drifted through the crowded market while golden lanterns glowed against the dark evening sky.”
The descriptions “aroma of fresh bread” and “golden lanterns glowed” are examples of imagery because they appeal to the senses of smell and sight.
They contribute to the reader’s understanding of the setting by helping the reader vividly imagine the warm and lively market scene.
Read the excerpt:
“If schools continue cutting arts programs, students will lose opportunities to develop creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills that are essential for future careers.”
Which type of appeal is MOST evident in this argument, and why?
Pathos, because it appeals to emotions and concern about students’ futures.
This is the pattern of end rhymes in a poem, often shown using letters like AABB or ABAB.
rhyme scheme
Analyze how the setting contributes to the central conflict and reveals the protagonist’s character traits in the excerpt below.
Text:
“Trapped in the freezing mountains during a blizzard, Jamal ignored his fear and led the injured hikers toward a distant cabin glowing through the snow.”
The freezing mountain setting creates the dangerous central conflict because the characters are stranded during a blizzard.
The harsh setting also reveals Jamal’s bravery and leadership because he overcomes fear to help the injured hikers reach safety.
This text structure discusses similarities and differences between two or more items using words like similarly, however, on the other hand, unlike.
What is compare/contrast?