FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

5th Grade Common Core

WHAT IS FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE?

Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else, you are using figurative language.

Used well, figurative language enhances your fiction and can be great way of getting an image or a point across.

Figurative language is a word or phrase that does not have its normal everyday, literal meaning. It is used by the writer for the sake of comparison or dramatic effect. 

Authors use figurative language to make their stories more interesting.

6 TYPES OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE THAT 5TH GRADE MUST KNOW

Simile Metaphor Idiom Proverbs Puns Adages

THE TWO MOST USED AND CONFUSED

Simile A simile compares

one object to another using “like” or “as”

Example: During the weekdays, I am busy as a bee!

Metaphor A metaphor

compares one object to another without using “like” or “as”

Example: I am luckier than a leprechaun.

IDIOM

An idiom is a word or phrase which means something different from what is said.

Examples: Give someone the cold shoulder - Ignore

someone I’m all ears - You have my undivided

attention See eye to eye - Agree Call it a day - Time to quit

PROVERBS Proverbs are sayings that reflect common sense and are

homely in nature. A proverb is true as it has been experienced countless number of times by people in their lives such as a stitch in time saves nine or well begun is half done. One should not cry over spilt milk is a proverb that tells us that there is no use thinking about something that has already happened as it cannot be reversed. Another proverb that teaches us a lesson is A poor workman blames his tools. This means that we should not make excuses when we are unsuccessful in an endeavor. A proverb is always useful and reflects truth and wisdom.

Example: Actions speak louder than words. Example: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never

know what you are going to get.” Example: A cat has nine lives. Example: Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your

heart; and lean not to your own understanding.

PUNS

A pun is the humorous use of a word in such a way that suggests different meaning or words having the same sound but different meanings.

Example: Being struck by lightening is a shocking experience.

Example: The best way to communicate with a fish is to drop them a line.

A toothless termite walked into a tavern and said, "Is the bar tender here?“

An elephant's opinion carries a lot of weight. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds. The roundest knight at King Arthur’s table was Sir

Cumference. He acquired his size from far too much pi.

ADAGES

An adage is a saying that is quoted frequently by people to remind others about something that is believed to be true. In many cases, adages happen to be long standing experiences that achieve credibility in the eyes of the people because of their use.

An adage is a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth.

Example: No risk, no gain Example: Good things come in small

packages Example: Where there is smoke, there is fire

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROVERBS AND ADAGES

Both an adage and a proverb are sayings, but proverb is more common than an adage in everyday life.

There is a practical aspect of a proverb whereas an adage is believed true because of long standing or use.

If one looks up Webster’s, he finds that a proverb has been defined describing it as an adage.

Adage and proverbs have many similarities, but they are not interchangeable

A proverb can be an adage.

THOSE ARE THE 6 THAT IS

REQUIRED FOR 5TH GRADE

Now lets talk about a few more…..

PERSONIFICATION Personification gives human

characteristics to an animal or object. Example: The leaf cried as it fell from

the tree. Example: The ocean danced in the

moonlight. Example: The tree branch moaned as I

swung from it.

ALLITERATION

Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial letter, sound, or group of sounds in a series of words.

Example: Tina Turtle tripped Timmy turtle for talking.

Example: Bob bought beautiful buttercups.

Example: She sells seashells by the seashore.

ONOMATOPOEIA

Onomatopoeia is a word used to describe a sound or the sound made by an object or action.

Example: The crow fell from the tree with a BANG!

REFERENCES

http://mrswarnerarlington.weebly.com/figurative-language.html

http://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/figurative_language.htm

http://questgarden.com/148/29/8/121012103851/process.htm http://examples.yourdictionary.com/reference/examples/examp

les-of-puns-for-kids.html http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-funny-puns-an

d-punny-funs.html http://www.funenglishgames.com/funstuff/funnypuns.html http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-adage-

and-vs-proverb/

http://www.treetopdisplays.co.uk/poetry_and_plays_preview_0121.html

http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-personification.html

http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/alliteration-definition-examples-quiz.html

http://examples.yourdictionary.com/reference/examples/idioms-for-kids.html

http://www.kidsdiscover.com/teacherresources/idioms-for-kids/ http://www.instantdisplay.co.uk/onomatopoeia.htm http://poster.4teachers.org/worksheet/view.php?id=151913 http://www.wordpress.com