Literal vs. Figurative
Language
How do I differentiate between
literal and figurative language?
1
Know
Hyperbole
Personification
Simile
Metaphor
(Pun)
Understand
Do
Authors use
figurative
language to make
the reader see
familiar things in a
new way.
We all use figures
of speech every
day.
Figures of speech
are not literally
true, but are used
to elaborate on a
subject.
Differentiate
among the types
of figurative
language.
Write in a variety
of modes using
figurative
language.
Analyze the use of
figurative
language in poetry
and prose.
Create an extended
metaphor.
Key Learning: Writers use figurative language to enhance the reader’s
understanding. It is used in various types of writing.
How does understanding figurative
language enhance comprehension? 0701.8.10
Unit Essential Question:
Concept:
Literal vs
Figurative
Lesson Essential
Questions:
How do I
differentiate
between
literal and
figurative
language?
Concept:
Similes and
Metaphors
Lesson Essential
Questions:
How do I
recognize
and create
similes and
metaphors
in writing?
Concept:
Hyperboles
Concept:
Personification
Lesson Essential Questions:
Lesson Essential Questions:
How do I
analyze
hyperboles
for literal and
figurative
meanings?
How do I
interpret the
use of
personification
in writing?
Unit Vocabulary
Literal
Figurative
Simile
Metaphor
Hyperbole
Personification
Personify
Anthropomorphism
Activator
What does this really mean?
It’s raining cats and dogs.
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Activator
What does this really mean?
Break a leg!
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Literal vs. Figurative
Literal
means straightforward
or factual; the dictionary
meaning of a word. (Think
denotation!)
–When someone says “I mean
that literally.” They mean
“exactly” -- just the facts!
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A
Literal vs. Figurative
figurative meaning is far more
interesting. It is imaginative, and
conveys not just the facts, but an
idea. (Think connotation!)
– Figurative meanings encourage
us to use our imagination.
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Literal vs. Figurative
Example
of Figurative
Language:
–Marvin runs like a duck.
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Literal vs. Figurative
We
know that Marvin does not
run exactly like a water bird.
But, it wouldn’t portray quite
the same visual if we said
“Marvin is awkward and he
waddles when he runs.”
So, we compare Marvin to a
duck to paint a mental picture.
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Puns

Puns are also examples of figurative language.
A pun is a play on words.
Examples:
The new smoking laws really burn me up!
The grammarian was never late; he was always
very punctual.
The Atlanta Lightnings took the field by storm.

Assessment Prompt 1
Use figurative language to make
these sentences more colorful.
Kevin ate his dinner
quickly.
2. Mandy likes to talk a lot.
3. Jennifer is not intelligent.
1.
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Let’s Practice
Make these sentences more colorful. Use
figurative language.
1.
Kevin ate his dinner
quickly.
Kevin ate like a pig.
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Let’s Practice
Make these sentences more colorful.
Use figurative language.
2.
Mandy likes to talk a lot.
Mandy talks a mile a minute.
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Let’s Practice
Make these sentences more colorful. Use
figurative language.
3.
Jennifer is not intelligent.
Jennifer is not the brightest
crayon in the box.
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T-Chart
As
we read “Wild Ride”, find
some examples of literal and
figurative language and record
them on your chart.
Literal Language
Figurative Language
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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T-Chart
Literal Language
Figurative Language
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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Power Questions
1. Read the poem below and use the figurative
language images to help determine the subject
matter of the poem.
The Ball Dances
A big flaming ball of fire
Prances across the sky each day
But perishes every night
A rebirth occurs the next morning
And because of it
Life is possible
A.
B.
C.
D.
sun
star
moon
earth
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Power Questions
1. Read the poem below and use the figurative
language images to help determine the subject
matter of the poem.
The Ball Dances
A big flaming ball of fire
Prances across the sky each day
But perishes every night
A rebirth occurs the next morning
And because of it
Life is possible
A.
B.
C.
D.
sun
star
moon
earth
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Power Questions
2.
The saying in our family was, "If Mama drops a
biscuit, jump out of the way or risk losing a
toe." This is another way of saying
Mama is very clumsy.
B. the biscuits she bakes are hard.
C. the biscuits are soft and chewy.
D. if Mama drops a biscuit, she will step on your
toe.
A.
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Power Questions
2.
The saying in our family was, "If Mama drops a
biscuit, jump out of the way or risk losing a
toe." This is another way of saying
Mama is very clumsy.
B. the biscuits she bakes are hard.
C. the biscuits are soft and chewy.
D. if Mama drops a biscuit, she will step on your
toe.
A.
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Power Questions
3. The following quote is an example of what type
of figurative language?
"Roll down this hill—if you are so inclined."
A. metaphor
B. pun
C. personification
D. simile
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Power Questions
3. The following quote is an example of what type
of figurative language?
"Roll down this hill—if you are so inclined."
A. metaphor
B. pun
C. personification
D. simile
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You
Summarizer
are writing a letter to an
absent student (Dear Absent
Student,)
–Tell the student what we learned
today about literal and figurative
language.
–Include what you think is
important.
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Finishing Up
Skip
lines.
Your letter must be AT LEAST
five sentences long.
–Watch spelling and punctuation.
This
is a friendly letter, so use
that format. 
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More Figurative Language
to Come…
Similes
and Metaphors
Hyperboles
Personification
Idioms
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