Comparing two things using the words "like" or "as."
Simile
The pop and sizzle of the frying bacon woke me up. What type of figurative language is used here?
Onomatopoeia
An author writes, "The baby’s cry was a siren piercing the air." What is the author trying to say here?
To show just how urgent or annoying the sound was or to create a strong "sound" in the reader's head.
"The classroom was very messy." Make this a more interesting simile.
"The classroom looked like a tornado had come through it."
Comparing two unlike things without using the word “like” or “as”
Metaphor
My sister has a heart of gold. What type of figurative language is used here?
Metaphor
The author wrote "The door groaned as it opened." What was the author trying to say.
The door is old.
"The thunder was loud." Make a personification.
"The thunder growled across the sky."
Non-literal exaggeration. Evokes emotion and passion.
Hyperbole
The toasted marshmallow was as soft as a cloud. What type of figurative language is being used here?
Simile
: If a character says, "I'm so hungry I could eat a skyscraper." What is the author trying to tell us about how the character feels?
The character is very hungry.
"I have a lot of homework tonight." Make hyperbole.
Students answer
Giving an object human traits.
Personification
The stars winked at us from the dark night sky. What type of figurative language is being used here?
Personification
An author uses onomatopoeia like CRACKLE and POP when describing a campfire. Why use these words instead of just saying "the fire made noise"?
To help the reader hear the story and make the scene feel more realistic.
"The soda was fizzy when I opened it." Make it an onomatopoeia.
Student answer
The naming of a thing or action by imitation of sounds
onomatopoeia
I've told you a million times to clean up your Legos! What type of figurative language is being used here?
Hyperbole
“The wind danced through the trees.” What does the author mean?
The wind was blowing through the trees.
"The moon was bright in the dark sky." Make a metaphor.
Students answer