This collection of worksheets will present the student with short sentences using unfamiliar language, and ask them to identify the type being used. Some uses of various forms of language have been highlighted, and others must be identified within the given sentence before being classified. Answer keys have been provided for each work sheet for instructors. Fun Fact: A common characteristic of students on the autism spectrum is that they have a difficult time understanding the uses of such forms as metaphors, puns, etc.
Print Figurative Language Worksheets
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Identifying Worksheet
Label each of the sentences as either: a simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or example of personification. Then explain why this is.
Hidden In Sentences
You will perform the same skill, but this exercise includes more complex language that you will analyze.
Words In Sentences
In this series of practice sentence to evaluate you will notice that most of them a driven by the use of specific terms.
I, S, or M?
This worksheet extends the work of the previous practice exercise you will just use those letter to classify each of the statements.
A Place For That!
All of the sentences that you are about to examine will use figurative language to make things about a place stick out more.
It Figures!
Read each sentence. Underline the language that is figurative. Rewrite the sentence without this form of language, but with the same meaning.
Take Aways
Read each sentence. Underline the piece that needs removal and then rewrite the sentence without the language, but make sure the sentence conveys the same meaning.
Where Are You Going?
All of these statements have to do with going or traveling to somewhere. Evaluate the type of language that has been put in place.
Sure Figures
These sentences are a bit stiff an put in a tough place to change you will need to asess how the voice comes across.
Metaphor or Simile
Decide whether each sentence below contains a metaphor or a simile. Write your answer on the line. Then underline the metaphors in red. Underline the similes in blue.
Skill Quiz
Circle the type of form used: metaphor (M), simile (S), personification (P), or hyperbole (H). There may be more than one correct answer.
Identifying Figures
Read each sentence below. Determine which technique is being used. Write it on the line.
Metaphor, Simile, Hyperbole, Personification
Identify the type of figurative language in each sentence. Write it on the line.
Alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. See if you can spot the use of this on this worksheet.
Onomatopoeia
Determine which technique is being used. Write it on the line. Then explain your answer. There may be more than one correct answer.
Figures Review
Read each sentence. Circle the type used: metaphor (M), simile (S), personification (P), or hyperbole (H), alliteration (A), onomatopoeia (O), or idiom (I). There may be more than one correct answer.
Using It!
Write four different sentences to describe the picture below. Use one type of language in each sentence. Then, under each sentence that you write, indicate what kind of language is being used.
What Are the Effects of Figurative Language on a Story?
Writers often use various forms of figurative language to make a writing piece have a much greater impact on the audience it was written for. Speakers often do the same thing. If you ever run into a great salesperson you can be sure that they are no stranger to figurative forms of language. Bold works of literature often employ a wide range of these techniques to engage the reader. There well over a dozen different classifications, but the main forms of figurative language that get the most attention are metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, and symbolism. As you begin to explore the works of more author you will realize that most author tend to use the same form over and over. This leads them to have their own writing style. Whether it is hyperbole, personification, an idiom, metaphor, or simile, the English language is full of figurative language.
The use of figurative speech is common in storytelling. Writers and poets use figurative language to add emotional value to a piece of writing. Unlike literary speech, figurative speech associates an idea with a feeling that readers can relate to. Native speakers frequently use figurative sentences to hook listeners.
Several components combine to form this style of storytelling. Each of these factors can be used in the speech depending upon the context. To understand how figurative discussions can affect a story, let's first look at the formal meaning of figurative speech.
What Is Figurative Language?
This is a way of communication that paints a picture of the situation using words. Writers primarily use it in places where literal speech fails to describe the feelings of a speaker. This type of speech associates a feeling with words to elaborate the depth of the context.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you want to describe a scenario just as you feel about it, you may need to use figurative elements to explain it. Using metaphors, analogies, idioms, and similes can paint a vivid picture for your listeners or readers.
Effects on Storytelling
Figurative elements in a speech can have multiple effects on a story. You can turn a dull story into an exciting incident. To help you understand better, we have gathered the primary effects of figurative storytelling.
It Changes the Mood of the Story
Using figurative parts of speech can change the mood of your story. Unlike novelists who can take as many pages of a book as they like to describe a scene, short stories have a limited space of words. To best describe the idea, figurative words evoke relevant feelings in the listeners (or readers).
Readers can quickly make sense of the described idea. For example, figuratively describing a freezing place, you can say, "The room was as cold as an icebox."
It Helps in the Characterization of the Story
Storytelling can often face challenges in describing the physicality of characters. While this may be correct, figurative sentences can solve this problem. By associating physical traits with different characters, you can paint a vivid picture for the readers. Moreover, the association of traits helps your readers establish the described character's persona.
Consider this example to understand it better, "The old lady's son is a beast."
It Sets the Plot in Motion
Using a figurative tone can set the speed of the story's plot. You can create suspense and terror to slow things down or add thrilling emotions to the story. It all depends on the choice of words you make to describe a scene. Many writers use figurative terms to add spark to their dull stories. You can use relevant metaphors and phrases to enhance the reading experience for your audience.
Consider the example, "He moved into the last phase of his battle." This sentence points to the closure of a scene with a man moving into the final stage of his fight with another entity.
It Motivates the Writers to Do Better
Figurative stories motivate writers to think of more engaging ideas for readers. When they associate emotions with words, it gives them a sense of the reader's perspective. Storytellers help their readers to be a part of the story. By taking feedback, they use a figurative approach to improve the structure of their future stories.
While literary speech communicates with the intellect of readers, the figurative tone speaks to the emotions. If you like to write short stories and want to engage more readers, you may need to use a figurative tone to add the missing spark.