Figurative Language
This figurative device compares two unlike things using like or as.
What is a Simile?
What is the theme of a poem?
The central message or lesson about life the poem communicates.
Tone refers to the poet’s ______ toward the subject.
What is attitude?
A stanza in poetry is similar to what in prose?
What is A paragraph?
What should a reader look at first when analyzing a poem?
Title and first lines for clues about meaning
"My backpack weighs a thousand pounds."
Which figurative language device is being used?
What is hyperbole?
A poem shows a character learning from failure and becoming stronger.
What possible theme could this support?
Failure can lead to growth / Perseverance builds strength
Mood refers to the ______ the reader feels while reading.
What is Emotion / feeling?
Words that share the same ending sound create:
What is Rhyme?
If a poet repeatedly uses the image of storm clouds, what literary device may this represent?
What is Symbolism?
"The wind whispered through the trees."
Which figurative language device is being used?
What is personification?
Which is a better theme statement?
A. Friendship
B. Friends are important
C. True friendship can survive difficult challenges
C. True friendship can survive difficult challenges
A poem describing war using dark imagery and sad language likely has what tone?
What is Serious / somber / mournful?
The pattern of rhyme in a poem is called:
What is Rhyme scheme?
Why do poets repeat words or phrases in poems?
What is To emphasize an idea or theme
The poet writes:
"Her smile was sunshine in winter."
What figurative language device is used?
What is a metaphor?
What is the difference between theme and topic?
Topic = subject of the poem
Theme = the message or lesson about the subject
What literary element helps create the mood of a poem?
A imagery
B word choice
C figurative language
D all of the above
D — all of the above
Poetry that does not follow a consistent rhyme scheme or meter is called:
What is Free verse?
If the poet describes nature as calm and peaceful while a character is upset, this contrast helps reveal:
What is The character’s emotional state
Why might a poet use figurative language in a poem?
To create imagery, express emotions, and help readers visualize ideas more vividly.
Why must theme be supported by text evidence?
Because theme must be inferred from details in the poem, not guessed.
If a poem’s language includes hopeful words, bright imagery, and uplifting descriptions, the mood is likely:
What is Optimistic / hopeful?
Why might a poet break a line before the sentence ends?
To emphasize words, control pacing, or create meaning.
Which strategy helps students best answer STAAR poetry questions?
A reread key lines
B identify figurative language
C connect details to theme
D all of the above
D — all of the above