personification

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PERSONIFICATION

One type of figurative language.

EXPLANATION

Sometimes a writer will give human characteristics to nonhuman things.

Objects, ideas, places or animals may be given human qualities. They may perform human actions. This type of figurative language is called personification. It helps the writer create an exciting picture in the reader’s mind.

Map Tap Personification (figurative language)

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EXAMPLES:

• The sailboat danced gracefully past us.

• The flames ate hungrily at the burning house.

• The once-proud trees bent meekly before the storm.

• The broad, flat rock lay sunning itself by the stream.

Map Tap Personification (figurative language)

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Whole Class PRACTICE:

Read the sentence, think about the meaning, notice how personification creates a word picture. Identify the noun given human characteristics in the sentence. What human quality is the noun given?

1.

The fog crept silently into the valley.

2.

The tree fought the wind with its branches

3.

The computer devoured information all day long.

4.

The hikers left the meadow and were swallowed by the forest.

Map Tap Personification (figurative language)

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Independent Practice:

The following sentences begin with a noun. Give each noun human qualities by completing the sentence with human actions. Do this now on looseleaf from Reading section of your binder.

1.

The bird___________________________.

2.

The book__________________________.

3.

The wave__________________________.

4.

A water bottle_____________________.

5.

The garage ________________________.

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REVIEW

• Sometimes a writer will give human characteristics to nonhuman things.

• Objects, ideas, places, or animals may be given human qualities.

• They may perform human actions.

• This type of figurative language is called personification.

Map Tap Personification (figurative language)

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HELPFUL HINTS

• To recognize personification:

1.

Read the sentence carefully.

2.

Try to see the meaning of the words in your mind.

3.

Notice how personification creates a word picture and makes the sentence more interesting.

Map Tap Personification (figurative language)

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