Group A Candice Lockett Shawn Byrd Xavier Garth Martina Diaz Figurative Language Group A Candice Lockett Shawn Byrd Xavier Garth Martina Diaz

What is figurative language? Figurative language is when words or phrases do not literally mean what they say It is used to give a more vivid description Writers employ many types of figurative language For example: simile, metaphor, and personification

Simile A simile compares two unlike things, using the signal words “like” or “as” To identify and understand a simile, follow these three steps: Point out the signal word (“like” or “as”) Identify the two things that are being compared Ask yourself what the two things have in common

Simile Let’s use our three steps to understand the following simile Example: Her smile was bright as the sun. Point out the signal word Identify the two things that are being compared. Ask yourself what the two things have in common.

Metaphor A metaphor compares two unlike things, without using signal words (“like” or “as”) Often a form of the verb “be” is used For example: am, is, are, was, were To identify and understand a metaphor, follow these three steps: Point out the signal word (form of “be”) Identify the two things that are being compared Ask yourself what the two things have in common

Metaphor Let’s use our three steps to understand the following metaphor Example: Your room is a pigsty. Point out the signal word Identify the two things that are being compared. Ask yourself what the two things have in common, which is inferred. Pigs are messy and filthy, like your room.

Personification Personification is giving human qualities or abilities to a nonhuman object Action verbs are used to portray the human quality or ability To identify and understand personification, follow these three steps: Point out the action verb Determine what object is doing the action Ask yourself if the action is something a human usually does, not an object

Point out the action verb. Determine what object is doing the action. Personification Let’s use our three steps to understand the following personification Example: The tree danced in the wind. Point out the action verb. Determine what object is doing the action. Ask yourself if the action is something a human usually does, not an object. Humans dance, not trees.

Let’s Practice Tell whether each sentence contains a simile, metaphor, or personification The wind whispered to the children as they ran through the woods. personification The baby was grabbing things like an octopus. simile The heat ripped the breath from her lungs. The sun stretches its warmth across the meadow. This class is like a three-ring circus.

Let’s Practice Tell whether each sentence contains a simile, metaphor, or personification The giant’s steps were thunder as he chased after the gnome. metaphor The bar of soap was a slippery eel during the toddler’s bath time. The leaves danced in the breeze. personification He was lightning on the tennis court. The twins are like two peas in a pod. simile