Activity Overview
Many novels and stories have examples of figurative language that enhance the reader's understanding and help them visualize the events of the story, the characters, their motivations and their emotions. Figurative language is a technique employed by the author to describe something by comparing it to something else. The words or phrases are not literal but use metaphors, similes, hyperboles, personification, and other examples to describe the object, feeling, or event they are talking about. In this activity, students will identify different instances of figurative language and illustrate the examples from the text.
To scaffold or tailor this assignment, teachers may provide students with a list of figurative language elements in the text, or they may ask students to identify them on their own. They may also want students to explain the literal meaning of the element in addition to what it represents. Be sure to update the student instructions as necessary!
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Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies figurative language such as similes, metaphors, hyperbole, or personification found in the text. Illustrate each and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify figurative language from the story that you wish to include and type them in the title box at the top.
- Create an image for examples that represent each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/6/2] Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/8/2] Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the text
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/8/4] Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts
- [ELA-Literacy/W/6/6] Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of three pages in a single sitting.
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/5/1] Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples of Figurative Language | There are three examples of figurative language. | There are two correct examples of figurative language. | Only one of the examples of figurative language is correct. |
| Types of Figurative Language | All three examples are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, or personification (or other) in the title box. | Two examples of figurative language are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, or personification (or other). | Only one example of figurative language is correctly identified as simile, metaphor, or personification (or other). |
| Illustrations | Illustrations depict the example of figurative language from the story with clear visuals of appropriate scenes, characters, items, etc. | Illustrations depict the example of figurative language from the story but are unclear or incomplete. | Illustrations do not make sense with the examples chosen. |
| Descriptions | There are descriptions for all three example of figurative language that correctly explain what the figurative language means in the context of the story. | One of the descriptions is missing or the descriptions do not fully explain what the figurative language means in the context of the story. | Two or more descriptions are missing or they do not explain what the figurative language means. |
How To Help Students Improve Their Creative Writing Using Figurative Language
Introduce Figurative Language
Teachers can first introduce the concept of figurative language to students and then explain different forms of figurative language in detail. Some common types of figurative language that teachers can explain in class are simile, metaphor, allusion, hyperbole, and personification. Explain to the students how these elements help enhance the imagery present in the narrative and leave things up to the reader’s interpretation.
Show Samples
Show students some examples of these elements and types of figurative language. Begin with simple examples and as students start to understand the concept more, teachers can move towards more complex examples. Another activity that teachers can perform in class is to show students how simple and plain text can be converted into something interesting with the help of figurative language.
Create Language Banks
Assist your students in creating metaphorical word banks. For every kind of figurative language, urge students to create lists of terms, phrases, and instances. These databases can be used as easy access points for when students want to work on their creative writings.
Give a Challenge
Give students a challenge where they provide them with some simple text and ask them to enhance that text and make it more interesting for the audience using figurative language as shown previously. Teachers can keep a small incentive for this challenge where students with the best performance can get a small prize such as a chocolate. This will keep the motivation high and induce a competitive environment.
Encourage Reflection
Help the students reflect on the use of language to influence readers and the different elements of literary devices. Conduct a general discussion on the importance of correct use of language and how it can impact many people and influence their decisions and interpretations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Analyzing Figurative Language
What is the significance of figurative language in literature and how can it help students enhance their understanding and comprehension of the narrative?
Literary works get emotional impact, depth, and vivid imagery via the use of figurative language. It enables authors to communicate difficult concepts, provide readers with a more interesting and lasting reading experience, and help them connect with the story on a deeper level. Once students understand the meaning and use of this language, they will be able to comprehend the story in a better way.
What is a hyperbole in literature?
A statement or claim that is over-exaggerated and not meant to be taken literally is called hyperbole. It's used to highlight a point, convey humor, or make an idea more powerful.
How can students further practice their figurative language to improve their writing techniques?
There are numerous activities on Storyboard That, that provide worksheets and activities for practicing figurative language analysis. These tools walk students through the process of interpretation and frequently contain literary examples.
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