Figurative Language
Similes My little brother is as clumsy as a bull in a china shop when he runs through my room! Mary Ellen acts like a big baby when she doesn t get her way. The sunset looks like a dazzling watercolor painting.
Similes Similes, similes, similes! They re everywhere! When we compare two things, using the words like or as, it s called a simile. Picturing something in your mind helps you understand it better. Similes show us the qualities of an object or person by comparing it to something else.
Picture the Image: You get a picture here of the man s big grin: His grin was as toothy as a great white shark s. The writer wants you to know his character s smile was toothy, and it s easy to picture when it is compared to a shark s.
Try finishing these simile beginnings so your reader gets a vivid picture of what you re trying to describe: 1. Hannah was as mad as. 2. Waiting for the doctor, I was as nervous as. 3. Mother hyenas protect their young like. 4. Manatees, also known as sea cows, are like.
Simile City Miles Magnum: (Private detective voice) It was a city that could break your heart into a million pieces. A city that never sleeps. I was feeling as worn out as an old piece of shoe leather when the phone rang. (Ring, Ring.) Hello. You ve reached Like-or-As Detective Agency, Miles Magnum, private investigator speaking. Jane Doe: My name is Jane Doe, Mr. Magnum. I have a problem. A perplexing problem. Miles Magnum: For me, solving problems is like taking candy from a baby. Jane Doe: Well, I m new in town. Just off the bus from Mundane. I ve only been here one day and (Begins to cry) everyone is comparing me to things. Why? WHY? (Cries harder) Miles Magnum: (To audience) She was sobbing like a baby with an empty bottle. (To Jane) Comparing you...to things. Can you give me an example, Miss Doe? Jane Doe: (Sniffling) I ll...try...to...i got off the bus yesterday and the bus driver said, You look as tired as a new mother with triplets. Miles Magnum: I see Jane Doe: And then, a lady in the hotel lobby said, Welcome to town, Honey. Why you re as cute as a button. (Sob) Next, I called an employment agency and after I explained who I was she said, You sound like a woman who s looking for a job. (Sob) See what I mean? Everyone in town compares me to something! Miles Magnum: I see your dilemma...hmmm...let me ask you a question. Do they use the words like or as when they make these comparisons?
Jane Doe: Yes! Oh, Mr. Magnum. How did you know? Miles Magnum: You ve got nothing to worry about, Sister. Don t you know what town you re in? Jane Doe: Well, it s a cute little town, but I didn t actually catch the name Miles Magnum: You re in Simile City, where similes are as common as fleas on a hound dog. Jane Doe: Similes? Miles Magnum: When we compare two things, using the words like or as, it s called a simile. We do it all the time and...it s a very mature thing to do, I might add. Jane Doe: So it s not just me? Oh, thank you, Mr. Magnum. I m as relieved as a patient who s just gotten good news from the doctor. (Cheerfully) Good-bye, and thank you. You ve helped me a great deal. Miles Magnum: Any time. Take care of yourself. (To audience) I locked my office and stepped out into the night. It was as cold as a polar bear s nose, but that didn t slow me down. I was from Simile City and I d just helped a lady in distress. I felt like a million bucks.
Writing Prompt #1 You wake up, groggily look out the window, and can t believe your eyes! There is snow, SNOW outside your window! You jump out of bed, run down the stairs, and run outside. Big, beautiful flakes are falling down all around you. Use two similes to describe the scene. You can simply describe the scene, or you can write a SHORT paragraph about what you do once you get outside!
Writing Prompt #2 Your gym teacher has just made you run 6 miles! It is 98 degrees outside! You have just run your last lap. Write a short paragraph describing how hot you are. Use at least 2 similes in your description.
Writing Prompt #3 When my little brother came home today, just after soccer practice, he took off his smelly cleats Complete the prompt. Write a paragraph about this scene. Include at least 2 similes in your paragraph to describe the smell of your little brother s feet...
Introduction to Personification Note to Teacher: Check out Personification Video by Michelle Greene to teach Personification https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cltxfxiilxe Next, slow slide-show from Teacher s Pay Teachers
Personification Giving human-like qualities to something that is not human
Example The ship began to creak and protest as it struggled against the rising sea.
Example We bought the house instead of the one on Maple because this one is more friendly.
Example The coffee is strong enough to get up and walk away.
Example I can t get the fuel pump back on because the bolt is being uncooperative.
Example After two hours of political platitudes, everyone grew bored. Even the chairs were bored.
Your Turn! My bedroom door. The puppy when I left for school. The leaf from the tree. The CD player. The chair.
Writing Activity #1 You just saw the scariest movie you have ever seen. You are describing how scared you felt during the movie to a friend. In a short paragraph, describe how scared you felt during the movie, using at least two examples of personification.
Writing Activity #2 You just got a haircut at a barbershop you have never been to. The stylist has just finished working on you. After 45 minutes of clipping and shaving, she spins you around. And the haircut is.awful! USe at least 2 examples of personification to describe your really bad haircut.
Figurative Language In Class Writing In class, we have been learning about using figurative language when we describe settings and people. In one to two paragraphs, create a character sketch of someone you know. This might be a family member, a friend, a teacher, or a coach. Describe their looks and their personality. Use at least two similes, and two examples of personification in your piece. Use lots of description, and be thoughtful with your word choices. Have fun with this assignment!
Metaphors ** Introduce metaphors-youtube The Bazillions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uosbvnuo2lu Next, complete lesson by: -Melissa Forney
Examples of Metaphors She was fairly certain that life was a fashion show.
Examples of Metaphors: The boy s room was a disaster area.
Examples of Metaphors The children were roses grown in concrete gardens, beautiful and forlorn.
More Metaphors His cotton candy words did not appeal to her taste. Kathy arrived at the grocery store with an army of children. John s answer to the problem was just a Band-Aid, not a solution. The cast on Michael s broken leg was a plaster shackle.
Writing Activity #1 Your mom picks you up from school early and announces that the two of you are going on an ice cream date together. You order your ice cream and when the waiter comes, he brings you the largest helping of ice cream you have ever seen! It is topped with hot fudge, sprinkles, and a cherry. You dig in In a paragraph, describe the scene. Using at least two metaphors, write about how good the ice cream is, how huge the ice cream sundae is, or how happy you feel to be getting a fun treat when you are supposed to be in school.
Writing Activity #2 You woke up at 5am, jumped into a taxi, and barely made it to your flight, which was to leave at 6:45am. The flight is 5 hours long, but the crew has just announced that food will not be served. You didn t have time to eat breakfast, and now you are starving! Use at least 2 metaphors to describe how hungry you are. Paint a mind movie for your reader.
Writing Activity #3 You get a call from your big brother. He left for college last September, and he couldn t make it home for Christmas. You haven t seen him for 7 months! He informs you that he is coming into town to spend a week with you. And he is arriving...in an hour! You are so excited, you cannot speak! In a paragraph, describe the scene. Use at least 2 metaphors to describe how you are feeling.
Hyperbole Definition Noun 1. obvious and intentional exaggeration. 2. an extravagant statement or figure of speech not intended to be taken literally
Examples of Hyperbole It was so cold I saw polar bears wearing jackets. I am so hungry I could eat a horse. I had a ton of chores to do. If I can't get a Smartphone, I will die. She is as thin as a toothpick. This car goes faster than the speed of light. Our new house cost a bazillion dollars.
Introduce Hyperbole Hyperbole: What is HYPERBOLE by Flocabulary on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuzwldwm6zs
Activity #1(Complete Activity in Your Grammar Notebook.) Write a descriptive paragraph about a person in a hot desert using at least 3 examples of hyperbole.
Activity #2 Imagine you are at a noisy dance. You can hardly hear a thing! Write a paragraph about this scene using at least 3 examples of hyperbole!
Activity #3 In a paragraph, describe the speed of an Olympic runner using at least 3 examples of hyperbole.
Activity #4 Imagine you are a contestant on the show survivor. You haven t eaten for days! Write a paragraph describing this using at least 3 examples of hyperbole.