Figurative Language Notes

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE NOTES

Introduction to Figurative Language

• Figurative language refers to using words or phrases that convey meanings beyond their literal sense.

• It makes communication more interesting, humorous, vivid, or easier to understand.

• Emphasizes that figurative language is not literal language.

The 8 Types of Figurative Language

1. Idiom

   • Definition: A common cultural phrase that means something different than its literal interpretation.

   • Example: "The exam was a piece of cake."

2. Simile

   • Definition: A phrase that compares two unlike things using "like" or "as."

   • Example: "I wish my backpack was as light as a feather."

3. Hyperbole

   • Definition: An extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect.

   • Example: "I have told you a million times."

4. Alliteration

   • Definition: The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of each word in a phrase.

   • Example: "She sells seashells by the seashore."

5. Metaphor

   • Definition: A phrase that compares two unlike things without using "like" or "as."

   • Example: "Her life was a fashion show."

6. Personification

   • Definition: Assigning human traits or abilities to non-human things, such as objects or animals.

   • Example: "The worn-out car rested in the garage."

7. Onomatopoeia

   • Definition: Words that mimic the sounds they represent.

   • Example: "The bee buzzed in my ear."

8. Oxymoron

   • Definition: A phrase made of words that have opposite meanings.

   • Example: "I have a love-hate relationship with video games."

Real-World Examples of Figurative Language

• Idiom: "Cruel to be kind, it's a very good sign." - Nick Lowe

• Simile: "I'm like a small boat on the ocean." - Rachel Platten

• Hyperbole: "I have loved you for a thousand years." - Christina Perri

• Alliteration: "Whisper words of wisdom, Let it be." - The Beatles

• Metaphor: "Life is a highway." - Tom Cochrane/Rascal Flatts

• Personification: "It's the house telling you to close your eyes." - Of Monsters and Men

• Onomatopoeia: "Boom, boom, boom. Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon." - Katy Perry

• Oxymoron: "It's a bittersweet symphony." - The Verve

Figurative Language in Everyday Life

• Encourages students to reflect on their experiences with figurative language outside the classroom.

• Example of student scenario:

  • A student listening to a song might recognize the idiom "Thinking Out Loud" which means to express true feelings verbally, rather than literally thinking out loud.

Lesson Closure/Exit Ticket

• Exit tickets focus on reviewing comprehension and differentiation strategies, allowing students to express their understanding of figurative language.

• Two formats for exit tickets:

  1. Multiple-choice version

  2. Free-response version

Mini Quizzes

Scaffolded Version of Mini Quiz

• Example Questions:

  1. Choose the sentence that could be considered an idiom:

  • A) She is as busy as a bee.

  • B) The ball is in your court.

  • C) Money is the only friend I have.

  1. Similes and metaphors are used to:

  • A) Give human traits to non-human things.

  • B) Exaggerate.

  • C) Compare two unlike things.

On Level Version of Mini Quiz

• Example Questions:

  1. Which of the following phrases could be considered an idiom?

  • A) She is as busy as a bee.

  • B) The ball is in your court.

  • C) Money is the only friend I have.

  • D) Miranda is a night owl.

  1. Extreme exaggeration is known as:

  • A) Hyperbole.

  • B) Personification.

  • C) An idiom.

  • D) An oxymoron.

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