Literal vs.

Figurative
Language

How do I differentiate between

literal and figurative language?

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 Know Understand Do
Authors use Differentiate
Hyperbole figurative among the types
Personification language to make of figurative
the reader see language.
Simile familiar things in a Write in a variety
Metaphor new way. of modes using
(Pun) We all use figures figurative
of speech every language.
day. Analyze the use of
Figures of speech figurative
are not literally language in poetry
true, but are used and prose.
to elaborate on a Create an extended
subject. 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

Unit Essential Question:
language enhance comprehension? 0701.8.10

Concept: Concept: Concept: Concept:

Literal vs Similes and Hyperboles Personification

Figurative Metaphors
Lesson Essential Lesson Essential Lesson Essential Questions: Lesson Essential Questions:
Questions: Questions:
How do I How do I
How do I How do I interpret the
analyze
differentiate recognize use of
hyperboles personification
between and create
for literal and in writing?
literal and similes and
figurative
figurative metaphors
meanings?
language? in writing?
 Unit Vocabulary
Literal Personification
Figurative Personify
Simile Anthropomorphism
Metaphor
Hyperbole
 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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 Literal vs. Figurative
A 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. 10
 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.

1. Kevin ate his dinner

quickly.
2. Mandy likes to talk a lot.
3. Jennifer is not intelligent.
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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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 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. sun

A big flaming ball of fire B. star
Prances across the sky each day C. moon
But perishes every night D. earth
A rebirth occurs the next morning
And because of it
Life is possible
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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. sun

A big flaming ball of fire B. star
Prances across the sky each day C. moon
But perishes every night D. earth
A rebirth occurs the next morning
And because of it
Life is possible
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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

A. 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.

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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

A. 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.

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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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 Summarizer
Youare 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. 22
 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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