Figurative Language Definitions
Figurative Language Examples
Text structure
Signal words/phrases
Story
100
The formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named
What is onomatopoeia?
100
There once was a cat who ate a rat.
What is rhyme?
100

What is the text structure?

The cardinal and the cedar waxwing are two common birds. Both have crests on their heads. Both are common at birdfeeders. But the birds have some differences. The male cardinal is a bright red, while the waxwing is brown.  The cedar waxwing often migrates from place to place. On the other hand, the cardinal stays in one place year after year.

What is Compare/contrast

100

Identify at least two signal words in the following passage.

Have you ever made macaroni and cheese? It’s simple! First, boil some water and make some macaroni. Then, make your cheese sauce. After the cheese sauce is ready, mix it with the macaroni. Bake the entire thing in the oven. Finally, it’s time to eat!

What is first, then, after, finally

100
The most exciting part of a story.
What is the climax?
200
The use of exaggeration as a rhetorical device or figure of speech.
What is a hyperbole?
200
As I was sitting in the sun, I slicked back my hair like one of the Greasers in The Outsiders. Hint: Not a simile (though it is, but that is not the device we are looking for)
What is an allusion?
200

What is the text structure?


The night’s snowstorm had many effects. People were out shoveling snow from their sidewalks. The power lines were draped with ice. Snow plows drove down every street. Children were the happiest of all. The unexpected snow caused school to be cancelled!

Cause/effect

200

What are two signal words/phrases in the passage.

The cardinal and the cedar waxwing are two common birds. Both have crests on their heads. Both are common at birdfeeders. But the birds have some differences. The male cardinal is a bright red, while the waxwing is brown.  The cedar waxwing often migrates from place to place. On the other hand, the cardinal stays in one place year after year.

What is both, on the other hand
200
How a text makes you feel.
What is mood?
300
A type of analogy and is closely related to other rhetorical figures of speech which achieve their effects via association, comparison or resemblance
What is a metaphor?
300
I was rounding the last corner of the race, I felt like I was running as fast as a gazelle.
What is a simile?
300

What is the text structure?

Through the ages, Pennsylvania has seen many interesting events. The state was founded in 1681 by William Penn. Later, Pennsylvania was the site of important Revolutionary War battles. After that, Pennsylvania was home to new factories during the Industrial Revolution. Today, Pennsylvania continues to make history.

Chronological/Sequential

300

It refers to HOW the author organizes the information they wish to present.

What is text structure

300
Pony boy caught up in the Greasers vs. the Socs is this type of conflict.
What is character vs. society?
400
The simple repeating of a word, within a sentence or a poetical line, with no particular placement of the words, in order to secure emphasis.
What is repetition?
400
I was walking my dog when the wind whistled in my ear.
What is personification?
400

What is the text structure?


Park School had a terrible problem. Every day at recess, students would argue over the slides. Teachers had to spend time every day taking care of the arguments. Finally, one teacher came up with a great solution. They bought another set of slides that everyone could enjoy.

What is Problem/Solution

400

What are two signal words in the passage?

Park School had a terrible problem. Every day at recess, students would argue over the slides. Teachers had to spend time every day taking care of the arguments. Finally, one teacher came up with a great solution. They bought another set of slides that everyone could enjoy.

What is problem, finally, and solution.

400
This is the force that works against the main character.
What is an antagonist?
500
Visually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work.
What is imagery?
500
A Canadian flag was sewn into the traveller's backpack, showing where he was from.
What is a symbol?
500

What is the text structure?


The pond was a beautiful place to visit. The falling leaves, all different colors, decorated the surface of the water. At the edges of the pond, small wildflowers grew. The golden forest glowed faintly in the distance.

Description

500

Name three signal words/phrases in this passage.

Through the ages, Pennsylvania has seen many interesting events. The state was founded in 1681 by William Penn. Later, Pennsylvania was the site of important Revolutionary War battles. After that, Pennsylvania was home to new factories during the Industrial Revolution. Today, Pennsylvania continues to make history.

What is later, after that, today

500
The message the author is trying to say.
What is theme?