Figurative Language - Mixed

Objectives
Student will be able to:
  • recognize different types of figurative language.
  • interpret the meaning of figurative language.

Introduction
Authors use figurative language  to create word pictures or emotional, vivid descriptions. Some types of figurative language include similes, metaphors, hyperbole, idioms, and personification.
 

Exercises

Match each example to the type of figurative language it illustrates.

Example

Figurative Language
1.
You were a shining star in the school play.
a.
personification
2.
Hold your horses! I just need one more minute!
b.
metaphor
3.
The apples rolled out of the bin like an avalanche.
c.
idiom
4.
I was off by a mile!
d.
simile
5.
The gelatin dessert wriggled and wiggled on the plate.
e.
hyperbole
Answer: 1-b, 2-c, 3-d, 4-e, 5-a,
 

Read the poem "Yellow Bird." Then answer the questions that follow.
 
 
 

6.
Which of the following lines from the poem contains an idiom?
a. Clouds are cotton puffs
b. I have wondered for thousands of hours
c. Why are you always on the road?
d. yellow and black like a bumblebee among buttercups
 
c. Why are you always on the road?
6.
 

7.
On the line, write the type of figurative language in the line "The wind is your mother."
 
 
metaphor
7.
 

8.
Which of the following lines from the poem is an example of hyperbole?
a.
Small yellow bird, you float and flap.
b.
You listen like a good child.
c.
I have wondered for thousands of hours
d.
When will you build your own nest
 
 
c. I have wondered for thousands of hours
8.
 

9.

In the passage, underline an example of a simile. Then, in the box, write the two things that are being compared in the simile.
 
Simile: "Little bird, yellow and black like a bumblebee among buttercups"
The bird and a bumblebee are being compared.
9.
 

10.
In the poem, highlight an example of personification. Then, in the box, write why you think the writer chose to give human qualities to a nonhuman.
 
Student responses may vary. Acceptable answers include:
  • Personification: "You nod your head to greet each one."
  • Giving the bird human qualities makes the reader relate better to the little bird and see it as a being that can make choices.
10.
 


Exhibit Preview Close
Small yellow bird, you float and flap.
Clouds are cotton puffs,
You nod your head to greet each one.
I have wondered for thousands of hours if you are lonely
With only clouds for company.

Little bird, yellow and black like a bumblebee among buttercups—
What do you seek? Why are you always on the road? Are you looking
For a friend, a dream, a new adventure?  

The wind is your mother,
You listen like a good child.
She pushes you far,
But when will you build your own nest, your own roots?