2. Figurative Language? What is
Figurative language is language that uses words or expressions that are different than the literal meanings.
Figurative language helps the reader get a clearer picture
of what is happening in the story.
Figurative language can be used to simply entertain the
reader.
Figurative language “spices up” your reading and
writing!

3. John is really tall! John is as tall as a giraffe!
Let’s “spice up” some sentences by using figurative language!
John is really tall!
John is as tall as a
giraffe!

4. No, but figurative language
helps us to understand
that John is very tall. We
get a clearer picture of John.
Is John really as tall
as a giraffe (literally)?

5. My sister has been talking on the phone for a long time!
Let’s “spice up” another sentence by using figurative language!
My sister has been talking
on the phone for a long time!
My sister has been talking
on the phone for a year!

6. Has the sister really
been talking on the phone
for a year (literally)?
No, but figurative language
helps us to understand that she has
been talking on the phone for a
loooong time! It gives us a clearer
picture.

7. figurative language. There are different types of hyperboles
alliteration
metaphors
onomatopoeia
idioms
similes
personification

8. simile
A simile compares two things using the words “like” or “as”.
The clouds floated through the sky like puffy marshmallows.
metaphor
A metaphor compares two things without using the words “like” or “as.”
The clouds are puffy marshmallows.
idiom
An idiom is a saying that has a different meaning from its literal meaning.
literally
meaning of the idiom:
Who let the cat out of
the bag?
Who told the secret?

9. personification alliteration hyperbole
Personification is when an idea, animal, or object is
given human characteristics.
The gentle breeze kissed the children’s cheeks.
alliteration
Alliteration places two or more words together that
begin with the same sound.
The alligator ate an apple!
hyperbole
A hyperbole uses an exaggeration
to get a point across.
My brother has a million toys!
Not really, but he does have A LOT of toys!

10. onomatopoeia Onomatopoeia is when a word imitates the sound that
it represents.

11. Now, let’s look at some comics that relate to figurative language!

12. Sample Discussion Questions:
This comic has an example
of figurative language
in it. What is it, and what
point is the comic’s author
trying to get across?
What type of figurative
language is used in this comic?
What is the literal meaning
of, “It’s raining cats
and dogs!”?

13. Frame 1 Frame 2 Sample Discussion Questions:
The mother is using two examples of idioms in this comic. What are they?
The kids do not understand figurative language, so they take the mom’s comments literally. What point is the mom trying to get across to
the kids in frame 1? Frame 2?

14. Sample Discussion Questions:
What attributes identify this figurative language as
a simile?
What two items are being
compared using the word
“as?”
How do you know that this
pizza is not “fresh out of the
oven?”

15. Sample Discussion Questions:
Pooky
Sample Discussion Questions:
Garfield states that he used alliteration. What is the example of alliteration
that he is referring to?
Can you use another example of alliteration that would make sense in this
comic?

16. Sample Discussion Questions:
This comic shows an example
of figurative language comparing two things. The dad is comparing the _________ to a ________.
The dad is using the word, “like,” to compare two items. What type of figurative language is this an example of?
“The engine is purring like a
kitten.” What does this tell you about the engine?

17. Sample Discussion Questions:
“Stop bugging me!” What does this mean?

18. Sample Discussion Questions:
What is the key word that
makes this an example
of personification? Why?
What word do you see hidden
in “personification?”

19. Sample Discussion Questions:
A hyperbole uses exaggeration
to get a point across. What is the exaggeration in this
sentence?
Describe the backpack based
on the use of figurative language.
What would be another example of a hyperbole
that could be used to describe something really heavy?

20. danced whistled whispered Sample Discussion Questions:
“The trees are sneezing.” What type of figurative language is this comic
demonstrating?
Fill in the blanks with words that demonstrate personification:
The leaves ___________________ in the wind.
The wind _______________ in my ear.
The wind _______________ through the window crack.
danced
whispered
whistled

21. Sample Discussion Questions:
Note: “Play through” in golf means that you let someone pass you on the golf course.
What does the man actually mean by, “Time to pick it up, guys.”?
“Pick it up” can also be used in another context. If your mom tells you to “Pick up your room,” what does she mean (literally)?

22. There is a common statement that utilizes a hyperbole:
“I am so hungry, I could eat a horse!”
What does this mean? Now, explain the comic and its humor.

23. The End!