"The Unsinkable Wreck of the R.M.S. Titanic" has several examples of figurative language including personification, simile, and hyperbole. In this activity, students can display their understanding of figurative language by identifying the examples and creating a literal or figurative portrayal of the language from this informational text.
| DESCRIPTION | EXAMPLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Personification | Giving human-like characteristics to non-human objects or abstract ideas | “Effortlessly we rose up the side of the famous bow, now weeping great tears of rust, past the huge anchor and up over the rail.” |
| Simile | A comparison using 'like' or 'as' | “Like a ghost from the ancient past, the bow of the Royal Mail Steamer Titanic, the greatest shipwreck of all time, materialized out my viewport.” |
| Metaphor | An implied comparison between two things | “I crouched on my knees, my eyes glued to the tiny viewport.” |
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows three examples of figurative language in "The Unsinkable Wreck of the R.M.S. Titanic" .
Turn your lesson into an engaging challenge by having students search for personification, simile, and metaphor within the Titanic text. This interactive approach boosts reading comprehension and excitement for literary devices!
Let students know they'll be racing to find as many examples of figurative language as possible in a set amount of time. Clarify that each type counts, and encourage teamwork or friendly competition. Clear expectations help everyone stay focused and motivated.
Hand out copies of selected paragraphs from "The Unsinkable Wreck of the R.M.S. Titanic" along with simple charts for students to record the type of figurative language, the example, and its meaning. This organization keeps students on track and reinforces close reading skills.
Invite groups or individuals to present one example they found and explain why it’s figurative language. Facilitate a short discussion about how figurative language adds mood or imagery. This sharing deepens understanding and builds classroom community.
Have students write their own short paragraph about the Titanic using at least two types of figurative language learned. Encourage drawing or storyboarding to illustrate their writing. This step cements learning and inspires imagination!
Examples of figurative language in "The Unsinkable Wreck of the R.M.S. Titanic" include personification ("the famous bow, now weeping great tears of rust"), simile ("Like a ghost from the ancient past"), and metaphor ("my eyes glued to the tiny viewport").
Students can identify figurative language by looking for phrases that compare things in creative ways, use human traits for objects, or exaggerate. Words like "like," "as," or vivid descriptions often signal similes, metaphors, or personification.
Personification is giving human qualities to non-human things. In the Titanic text, the ship's bow "weeping great tears of rust" is an example, making the ship seem alive and emotional.
To create a storyboard, select examples of figurative language, label them (like simile or metaphor), include the quote, and illustrate the scene using drawings or digital tools to show the literal or figurative meaning.
Teaching figurative language helps students in grades 4-5 understand deeper meanings, improve comprehension, and make reading more engaging by recognizing creative language in texts.