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:
Turk Tornado is an angel! (because he’s so sweet and kind and pure)
Gobblegork is like a bad dream! (because he follows you around, and makes you uncomfortable)
Figurative language is when you exaggerate:
Mush is so hungry she could eat a pound of potatoes! (but she 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. This morning, a ton of rain fell on Turk and Mush.
alliteration
hyperbole
imagery
metaphor
personification
simile
2. The teeny tiny tornado and the mashed potatoes tried furiously to flee the falling flood.
alliteration
hyperbole
imagery
metaphor
personification
simile
3. On the other side of the butter puddle, Gobblegork sat in a dewy meadow, which
glistened and sparkled with shiny droplets of morning rain.
alliteration
hyperbole
imagery
metaphor
personification
simile
4. Even though Turk was nervous, he was a beacon1 of hope for Mush.
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 six of the 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 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. (Try not to 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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beacon: a lighthouse or other signal for guidance