1. FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE Mrs. Garcia 7 th Grade Reading

2. FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE  (n.) Language layered with meaning by word images and figures of speech, as opposed to literal language.

3. SIMILE  A comparison of two unlike things using the words “like” or “as”  The two things being compared must be completely different (unlike). Not every sentence that contains “like” or “as” is a simile!  Ex: As the girl was humiliated, her cheeks turned red as an apple.  Non-Ex: The girl is as tall as her brothers. (The girl and her brothers are not unlike things; they both describe people).

4. METAPHOR  A comparison of two unlike things by saying that one thing is a dissimilar object or thing.  Usually contains words such as “am,” “are,” “is,” “was,” “were”  Ex. Dad is a monster in the morning before he drinks coffee. (Dad and monster are dissimilar and the comparison is explained)  Non-Ex: Dad is a boat. (Dad and a boat are dissimilar, but there is no clear reason for the comparison).

5. HYPERBOLE  An exaggeration that cannot possibly be true  Tip: Often intended to be funny. If it could happen in real life, then it is not a hyperbole!  Ex: Josie’s new friend is as skinny as a tooth pick. (No person could be as skinny as a tooth pick).  NON Ex: Josie’s new friend is as skinny as a fashion model (this could be true, so is not a hyperbole).

6. PERSONIFICATION  Giving human qualities to non-human things.  Tip: The human quality must be completely unique to humans  Can be an action ( The sun smiled) or an adjective (the angry wind howled).  EX: The sun smiled at the world as it rose this morning. (Smiling is unique to humans)  NON-EX: The flowers swayed in the breeze. (Flowers and humans can sway).

7. IDIOM  A group of words whose collective meaning is quite different from their individual, literal meaning.  Tip: When translated to another language, idioms do not make sense; many have a historical explanation.  Ex. “When Bill joined the military, dad said he was swimming with the sharks.” (There were no sharks; he meant Bill was in danger).  NON-Ex: “When I fell overboard, I was swimming with the sharks.”

8. ALLITERATION  The repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a series of words.  Tip: Often used in brand names- “Dunkin Donuts,” “Coca-Cola”  Ex: “Harry hit the house hard with a hammer.”  Non Ex: “Andy hit the nail hard with the hammer.”

9. ALLUSION  A reference to a person, place, or event from literature, sports, history, movies, or the arts.  Tip: The reader must have prior knowledge of what is being referenced to “get” the allusion.  Ex: Heather’s mysterious smile rivaled that of the Mona Lisa.  Non- Ex: The Mona Lisa can be viewed in Paris.

10. ONOMATOPOEIA  Words whose sounds suggest their meaning.  Tip: Animal noises are often examples (Oink, Moo, Quack, etc.)  Ex: The door slowly creaked open and then slammed shut!  Non-Ex: “Hello!” I screamed into the empty house.