Figurative Language
Body Language
What Are They Thinking About?
Hidden Meanings
100
What does it mean to take things literally?
The literal meaning is what exactly what the words are saying. Sometimes they actually have a different meaning. You may miss the true meaning if you take things literally.
100
What are two ways we can show someone we are listening with our bodies?
We can face them, make eye contact, and keep our bodies quiet.
100
Eric is talking to James about his science experiment. James keeps looking down at this comic book. What might Eric think James is thinking about?
Eric will probably think that James is thinking about his comic book and not their conversation.
100
Danny is tapping his pencil on his desk. Kristi is sitting next to him and says “Pretty loud in here isn’t it?”. What does Kristi really mean?
Kristi wants Danny to stop tapping his pencil.
200
How can you tell when someone is being sarcastic? How does a sarcastic voice sound?
People who are being sarcastic may look like they are laughing and sound like they are using a different tone of voice. They usually mean the opposite of what they say.
200
What is personal space? How close should we be to someone when we are speaking?
Personal space is the bubble around everyone that we shouldn't enter, so they feel comfortable. A good distance is to stay an arm's length away.
200
Brooke's teacher handed the class back their quiz. Brooke looks sadly at hers and turns it over. Her friend Janine notices. What can Janine guess about what Brooke is feeling and thinking about right now? What could Janine say to her?
Janine can guess that Brooke feels sad about her grade on the quiz. She can say "It's okay. It was really hard."
200
Julia knows Maddie is really good at math. Julia says “I wish I had a tutor that could explain this to me.” What is Julia asking Maddie?
Julia wants Maddie to help her with math.
300
You ask a friend for help in science class. They say “You’re barking up the wrong tree. I barely passed the last quiz.” What did they mean?
"Barking up the wrong tree" means you aren't asking the right person for help - your friend needs help with science too!
300
Are there any times it is okay to be closer than usual when talking?
If we need to be quiet or whisper something to someone, we can get closer to them. We shouldn't stay close for too long though!
300
Mike is over Tom's house after school. Tom asks Mike if he wants anything to eat, and Mike says "No, I'm fine." When Tom gets himself a bowl of popcorn, Mike looks over at the bowl for a long time. What do you think Mike is thinking about?
Mike said he didn't want anything to be polite but you can tell he wants some popcorn because he is looking at it.
300
Evan told Graham he was going to the mall this weekend. Graham asked "What time will you be there?" What is Graham really wanting to ask Evan?
Graham wants to ask if he can meet Evan at the mall.
400
Say this phrase in a serious tone and then again in a sarcastic tone: “That was a lot a help.” What is the difference in the 2 meanings?
When you say it in a regular tone, it means something was really helpful. In a sarcastic tone, it will meaning changes to the opposite, meaning it was not helpful at all.
400
Describe 3 ways how you can tell how someone is feeling without anyone saying a word.
You could look at their mouth and eyes, where their body is facing, and their shoulders. Are they slumped, or standing upright? Do they look like they are smiling? Are they making eye contact, or staring at the ground?
400
Lauren and Erica are going to the movies. Lauren wants to make sure they get there early. Erica wants to get snacks but Lauren says the line will take too long. Erica says "We have time they're just playing the previews now." Lauren looks upset and is tapping her foot. What can Erica guess about Lauren?
Erica could guess that Lauren really likes to watch all of the previews at the movies.
400
Jenna asks Brett if he wants one of her mint cookies. He says "No thanks, I'm fine." Jenna says "Have you ever had them before? They're awesome!". Brett says "Yeah, I've tried them before. I'm fine." What is Brett thinking?
Brett doesn't like mint cookies. He doesn't tell that to Jenna to be polite.
M
e
n
u