Ms. Miller / L.A. 6
Name: _________________________________________________________________________ Section: POETRY
Figurative Language
* Introductory Worksheet *
As we just discussed, figurative language is imaginative, creative language.
Figurative language is when you describe something by comparing it to something else:
Norma Noodle is an angel! (because she’s so sweet and kind and pure)
Humperdink is like a bad dream! (because he follows you around, and makes you uncomfortable)
Figurative language is when you exaggerate:
Oswaldo is so hungry he could eat a hamburger! (but he won’t, because that’d be gross)
Figurative language is when you’re just being interesting, and/or descriptive with words:
Glistening and glassy icicles were sinister fingers reaching down from the roof.
The wind hissed and snarled. * The pencil waited eagerly on the table. * Morning murmured meow.
Figurative Language is often used in poetry, as a “poetic device”
but can be used in books, essays, and conversation as well.
(A) DEFINITIONS – Define each of the following figurative language terms.
1. Alliteration: ____________________________________________________________
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2. Hyperbole: ____________________________________________________________
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3. Imagery: ______________________________________________________________
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4. Metaphor: _____________________________________________________________
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5. Onomatopoeia: _________________________________________________________
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6. Personification: _________________________________________________________
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7. Simile: _______________________________________________________________
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(B) RECOGNITION – The terms in use.
Read the following statements, and circle the concept/s you think is/are being used.
1. Suddenly, a ton of rain fell on Oswaldo and Norma.
alliteration
hyperbole
imagery
metaphor
personification
simile
2. The meatball and the noodle tried furiously to flee the falling flood.
alliteration
hyperbole
imagery
metaphor
personification
simile
3. On the other side of the pond, the Flurtle sat in a dewy meadow, which glistened and
sparkled with shiny droplets of morning rain.
alliteration
hyperbole
imagery
metaphor
personification
simile
4. Even though Oswaldo was nervous; he was a beacon of hope for Norma.
alliteration
hyperbole
imagery
metaphor
personification
simile
5. High above, the impatient sun forced itself through the clouds.
alliteration
hyperbole
imagery
metaphor
personification
simile
personification
simile
6. A rainbow appeared like a precious and perfect gift.
alliteration
hyperbole
imagery
metaphor
(C) CREATION – Show your understanding of the six types of figurative language
by writing short examples of each:
1. Use alliteration in a sentence about a mouse.
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2. Write a sentence about waiting for summer vacation using hyperbole.
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3. Using imagery, describe a really cold day.
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4. Write a metaphor about your bed.
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5. Personify your shoes. (Don’t just make them talk, give them an emotion or human behavior!)
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6. Write a simile about snow.
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