Figurative Language in Matilda by Roald Dahl

Activity Overview

Matilda uses several examples of figurative language including similes and personification. In this activity, students will directly quote an example of figurative language from the text. Students can display their understanding of figurative language by identifying the examples and creating a literal and/or figurative portrayal of the language:

The first example is a simile: "'Welcome to borstal,' she added, spraying bits of crisp out of her mouth like snowflakes."
A second example is also a simile: "She saw the child white in the face, as white as paper, trembling all over..."
Lastly is an example of personification: "In the space of thirty seconds the atmosphere in the tiny room had changed completely and now it was vibrating with awkwardness and secrets."

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Template and Class Instructions

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Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that shows three examples of figurative language in Matilda.

Click "Start Assignment".
Identify use of figurative language in the text.
Put the type of figurative language (such as simile or metaphor) in the title box.
Give an example from the text in the description box.
Illustrate the example using using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 4-5

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Figurative Language

Common Core Standards

[ELA-Literacy/RL/5/4] Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.

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Rubric

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Figurative Language

Create a storyboard that shows illustrations of three examples of figurative language from the text.

	Proficient	Emerging	Beginning
Examples of Figurative Language	There are three examples of figurative language in the description boxes.	There are two correct examples of figurative language in the description boxes.	Only one of the examples of figurative language is correct.
Types of Figurative Language	All three examples are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other).	Two examples of figurative language are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other).	Only one example of figurative language is correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other).
Illustrations	Illustrations show attention to the details of the story and demonstrate connection to the figurative language.	Illustrations demonstrate connection to the figurative language.	Illustrations do not make sense with the examples chosen.