Name:______________________________________________________Date:____________Period:______!
04.02 Sensory Language and ACE!
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Figurative language is language that does not mean exactly what it says. Instead, words are used beyond their
literal meaning for effect or to create an image in the reader’s mind.!
Types of Figurative Language
Definition
Example
An allusion is an indirect reference to a well-known
person, place, event, or object in history or in another
literary work.
I was surprised his nose was not growing like Pinocchio’s.!
An analogy is a comparison of similar qualities between
two things that are otherwise dissimilar.
Carbohydrates are to people what gasoline is to cars.!
Hyperbole is a deliberate exaggeration for effect,
If my mom finds out I am failing Reading, she will kill me!
Imagery is the use of descriptive language that appeals to
the five senses (sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste) to
create a picture in the reader’s mind.
The foamy waves dampened the golden sand,
transforming it into a beige carpet speckled with
multicolored seashells.
A metaphor is a comparison between two unlike things,
without using the words like or as.
Cassandra has always been a magnet for trouble.!
A simile is a direct comparison of two unlike things, using
the word like or as.
Jake’s cologne smells like a dirty sock dragged out of the
sewer.
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Let’s review the examples in the chart. !
The allusion example uses a reference to the famous Disney character, Pinocchio, whose nose grew
every time he told a lie. When we say someone’s nose is growing, we mean that they are telling lies.
The analogy example shows that both carbohydrates and gasoline provide energy that allows
something to work.The hyperbole example illustrates how concerned the mother is about her
student’s grades in Reading class. The imagery of the foamy waves and sand helps the reader
picture the colors and beauty of the beach. Metaphorically calling Cassandra a magnet for trouble is
another way of saying she attracts trouble, probably quite easily.The simile comparing Jake’s cologne
to a dirty sock from a sewer allows the reader to imagine just how awful his cologne must smell.!
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Sometimes a test will ask you to identify the type of figurative language used in a passage. You may
also be asked to interpret the example. When you read figurative language, consider the relationship
between ideas. For instance, if you need to explain what an allusion means, think of the historical or
literary significance of the person, place, event, or object that is being alluded to. Then, figure out how
this relates to the sentence. Imagine you read the following sentence in a passage.!
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The teacher’s methods for dealing with unruly students were draconian.!
Maybe this is the first time you ever came across the word draconian, and you don’t know what it
means. What if the author also tells you that Draco was a legislator in ancient Greece who instituted
extremely harsh laws? The allusion to Draco then helps you figure out that the teacher’s methods are
“exceedingly harsh or severe.”!
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Keep in mind that figurative language, while creative, must also be logical. If you interpret “Kay’s face
was an open book” to mean that it was difficult to figure out Kay’s feelings, you have misunderstood
the metaphor. An open book is easy to read. !
Read the following paragraph, and then answer the question that follows.!
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Kelly could hear her heart pounding as she walked into the classroom. When she opened the
door, she was comforted by the teacher’s welcoming smile. “Hello, Kelly,” she said. The teacher rose
from her chair and motioned for Kelly to stand beside her. “Class,” she announced, “this is Kelly
O’Neary. She’s new to our school.” Kelly felt twenty-five pairs of eyes staring at her intently. She
squirmed like an insect under a magnifying glass.!
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Identify the figurative language used in the paragraph, and explain what it means. (Hint: look for
a comparison)!
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ACE QUESTION:!
How can figurative language enhance a text? Support you answer with evidence from the text.!
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My ANSWER:_____________________________________________________________________!
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My CITATION:_____________________________________________________________________!
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My EXPLANATION:________________________________________________________________!
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My ELABORATION:________________________________________________________________