Figurative Language: Simile, Metaphor, Idiom
Identify, explain, and use common types of figurative language
Figurative Language: Simile, Metaphor, Idiom
Identify, explain, and use common types of figurative language
Language Arts - Grade 6-8
- 1
Identify the figurative language in this sentence: The hallway was as crowded as a subway train at rush hour. Is it a simile, metaphor, or idiom? Explain your answer.
Look for comparison words such as like or as.
This sentence uses a simile because it compares the hallway to a subway train using the word as. It means the hallway was extremely crowded. - 2
Identify the figurative language in this sentence: After three hours of studying, my brain was a tangled ball of yarn. Is it a simile, metaphor, or idiom? Explain your answer.
This sentence uses a metaphor because it compares the brain to a tangled ball of yarn without using like or as. It means the person felt confused or mentally overwhelmed. - 3
Identify the idiom in this sentence and explain what it means: I was nervous before the performance, but my sister told me to break a leg.
An idiom usually does not mean exactly what the words say.
The idiom is break a leg. It means good luck, especially before a performance. - 4
Write one simile to describe a thunderstorm. Your simile must use like or as.
A correct answer will compare a thunderstorm to something else using like or as, such as The thunderstorm roared like a hungry lion. - 5
Write one metaphor to describe a student who is very focused while reading.
A metaphor says one thing is another thing to create a strong image.
A correct answer will compare the focused student to something else without using like or as, such as During reading time, Maya was a statue in her chair. - 6
Choose the best meaning of the idiom in this sentence: When the teacher announced a pop quiz, Carlos had to think on his feet. A. stand up while thinking B. answer quickly without much preparation C. walk around the classroom D. forget what he studied
The best meaning is B. To think on his feet means to answer or react quickly without much preparation. - 7
Read the sentence: Her smile was sunshine after a week of rain. Identify the type of figurative language and explain the effect it creates.
Decide whether the sentence directly says one thing is another or uses like or as.
This sentence uses a metaphor because it says her smile was sunshine. It creates a warm, hopeful, and cheerful feeling. - 8
Read the sentence: The puppy followed me around like a tiny shadow. Identify the type of figurative language and explain what it suggests about the puppy.
This sentence uses a simile because it compares the puppy to a tiny shadow using like. It suggests that the puppy stayed very close to the speaker. - 9
Rewrite this plain sentence as a simile: The cafeteria was noisy.
Choose a place or event that is very loud.
A correct answer will compare the noisy cafeteria to something else using like or as, such as The cafeteria was as noisy as a stadium after a winning goal. - 10
Rewrite this plain sentence as a metaphor: The test was difficult.
A correct answer will compare the difficult test to something else without using like or as, such as The test was a mountain I had to climb. - 11
Explain the meaning of the idiom in this sentence: I wanted to buy new headphones, but they cost an arm and a leg.
Think about whether the speaker literally needs to trade body parts.
The idiom cost an arm and a leg means the headphones were very expensive. - 12
Read the sentence: The argument was a wildfire, spreading from one table to the next. Identify the figurative language and explain what it means.
This sentence uses a metaphor because it compares the argument to a wildfire. It means the argument spread quickly and became harder to control. - 13
Read the sentence: I accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party. Identify the idiom and explain what happened.
This sentence is not mainly about actual beans.
The idiom is spilled the beans. It means the speaker accidentally revealed a secret about the surprise party. - 14
For each phrase, label it as simile, metaphor, or idiom: 1. as quick as lightning 2. time is a thief 3. hit the books
Check for like or as, a direct comparison, or a phrase with a nonliteral meaning.
The phrase as quick as lightning is a simile because it uses as to compare speed to lightning. The phrase time is a thief is a metaphor because it says time is something else. The phrase hit the books is an idiom because it means to study. - 15
Write a short sentence about a sports game, concert, or school event that includes one idiom. Then explain what the idiom means.
A correct answer will include an idiom and explain its meaning, such as At the basketball game, our team was on fire. The idiom on fire means the team was playing extremely well.