Interpret Figures of Speech - 6th Grade Writing

Which clue best helps you interpret a figure of speech in context?

Nearby words and the overall situation in the passage. Context clues help determine non-literal meanings.
What is a simile as a figure of speech?

A comparison using like or as. Uses 'like' or 'as' to show similarity.
What is idiom as a figure of speech?

A phrase whose meaning is not literal. Common expressions with meanings different from individual words.
Identify the figure of speech: "Her smile was like sunshine."

Simile. "Like" connects the smile to sunshine's brightness.
What does the personification mean in context: "The alarm clock screamed at me"?

The alarm was very loud and urgent. Gives the clock human ability to scream for emphasis.
What does the metaphor mean in context: "Her words were a dagger"?

Her words were very hurtful. Compares words to daggers to show their sharp, painful effect.
Identify the figure of speech in: "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."

Alliteration. Multiple words start with 'p' sound.
What is a metaphor as a figure of speech?

A direct comparison that says one thing is another. States equivalence without 'like' or 'as' for stronger impact.
What is hyperbole as a figure of speech?

Extreme exaggeration used for emphasis, not literal truth. Uses impossible claims to emphasize feelings or situations.
What is idiom?

An expression whose meaning differs from the literal words. Common phrases with special meanings in a culture.
What is imagery in writing?

Language that appeals to the senses to create a picture. Uses descriptive details to help readers visualize scenes.
Identify the intended meaning in: "His words cut deeper than a knife."

His words were very hurtful emotionally. Compares emotional pain to physical cutting.
What is the best paraphrase of "The classroom was a zoo" in context?

The classroom was loud, chaotic, and hard to control. Compares classroom chaos to a zoo's wild atmosphere.
Identify the figure of speech: "Her smile was as bright as the sun."

Simile. Uses 'as' to compare smile's brightness to the sun.
Identify the figure of speech: "The wind whispered through the trees."

Personification. The wind can't literally whisper; it's given human ability.
What is alliteration as a figure of speech?

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words. Creates rhythm and emphasis through repeated beginning sounds.
Which clue best signals that a line is figurative, not literal?

It describes something impossible or unrealistic in real life. Literal language describes only what's physically possible.
Identify the figure of speech: "I have told you a million times."

Hyperbole. "Million" exaggerates to stress repetition.
What does it mean to interpret a figure of speech in context?

Use surrounding details to find the intended nonliteral meaning. Context clues reveal the figurative meaning behind the words.
What is a simile as a figure of speech?

A comparison using like or as. Creates comparisons with connecting words to show similarities.
Identify the figure of speech: "The bacon sizzled in the pan."

Onomatopoeia. "Sizzled" mimics the actual sound of cooking bacon.
What does the idiom mean in context: "After the mistake, he was in hot water"?

He was in trouble. 'Hot water' is an idiom meaning difficult situation.
Identify the figure of speech in: "Time is a thief."

Metaphor. Directly states time IS a thief (no 'like').
What is idiom as a figure of speech?

A phrase with a meaning different from its literal words. Common expressions that don't mean what they literally say.
What is personification as a figure of speech?

Giving human traits to something nonhuman. Makes objects or animals act like humans.
What is onomatopoeia as a figure of speech?

A word that imitates a sound (for example, buzz). Uses sound-mimicking words to make writing more vivid.
What is alliteration?

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words. Creates rhythm and emphasis through sound patterns.
What is imagery as a technique in language?

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses. Helps readers visualize, hear, or feel the scene.
Identify the intended meaning in: "The classroom was a zoo" (during a loud lesson).

The classroom was noisy and chaotic. Zoo metaphor suggests wild, uncontrolled behavior.
What does the idiom "spill the beans" mean in context?

Reveal a secret. The phrase means telling information you shouldn't share.
Identify the figure of speech: "It is raining cats and dogs."

Idiom. This phrase means heavy rain, not actual animals.
What is onomatopoeia?

A word that imitates a sound. Words mimic real sounds to make writing more vivid.
Which meaning best matches the idiom "spill the beans" in context?

Reveal a secret. This idiom means telling information you shouldn't.
What is alliteration as a figure of speech?

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words. Creates rhythm and emphasis through repeated sounds.
Which clue best helps you interpret a figure of speech: nearby sentences or dictionary meaning?

Nearby sentences (context clues). Surrounding text reveals the figure's intended meaning.
Identify the figure of speech: "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."

Alliteration. Multiple 'p' sounds create a tongue-twisting effect.
What is hyperbole as a figure of speech?

An intentional exaggeration for emphasis. Exaggerates to make a point or create effect.
Identify the figure of speech in: "Her smile was like sunshine."

Simile. Uses 'like' to compare smile to sunshine.
Identify the sensory detail: "The icy water stung my skin."

Touch (tactile imagery). "Icy" and "stung" create physical sensations we can feel.
Identify the figure of speech: "Time is a thief."

Metaphor. Time isn't literally a thief but "steals" moments away.
What is onomatopoeia as a figure of speech?

A word that imitates a sound. Words that sound like what they describe.
What is hyperbole?

An extreme exaggeration not meant to be taken literally. Emphasizes a point through obvious overstatement.
What is the main goal when interpreting a figure of speech in context?

Determine the intended meaning and effect, not the literal meaning. Figures of speech convey deeper meaning beyond surface words.
Identify the intended meaning in: "The alarm clock screamed at $6$ a.m."

The alarm was very loud and harsh. Gives alarm human ability to scream.
Identify the figure of speech: "Peter picked a peck of pickled peppers."

Alliteration. The repeated "p" sound creates a playful tongue-twister.
Which meaning best matches the idiom "break the ice" in context?

Start a conversation to reduce tension. This idiom means making people feel comfortable.
What is a metaphor as a figure of speech?

A direct comparison without like or as. States one thing IS another to show similarity.
Identify the figure of speech in: "The wind whispered through the trees."

Personification. Wind can't whisper; it's given human ability.
What is a figure of speech in writing?

Nonliteral language used for effect or meaning beyond the words. Creates vivid meaning through creative, non-literal expressions.
Identify the figure of speech in: "I have told you a million times."

Hyperbole. 'Million times' exaggerates for emphasis.
What is personification as a figure of speech?

Giving human traits or actions to something nonhuman. Makes objects or animals act like people to create vivid imagery.
What is imagery in writing?

Language that appeals to the senses to create a mental picture. Uses descriptive words to help readers visualize.
Identify the figure of speech in: "The bacon sizzled in the pan."

Onomatopoeia. 'Sizzled' imitates the actual cooking sound.

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