Interpret figurative language. - ISEE Middle Level Reading Comprehension

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Why Do Writers Use Figurative Language?

Have you ever told a friend, "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse"? You didn't really mean you'd eat an actual horse. You were using figurative language — words that don't mean exactly what they say but paint a vivid picture. Writers have used this trick for thousands of years to make their ideas come alive.

Figurative language is the opposite of literal language (words that mean exactly what they say). When a passage says "The sun set at 7:15 p.m.," that's literal. When it says "The sun melted into the ocean like butter on a skillet," that's figurative. The ISEE will ask you to figure out what figurative expressions really mean.

~800 BCE • Homer's Epics

The ancient Greek poet Homer filled The Odyssey and The Iliad with similes like "swift as the wind," setting a pattern writers still follow today.

~1600 • Shakespeare's Plays

William Shakespeare packed his plays with metaphors, such as "All the world's a stage." His figurative language made emotions feel real to audiences.

1800s • Poetry & Novels Bloom

Writers like Emily Dickinson used personification and symbolism to express deep feelings in just a few lines. Novels also became rich with figurative descriptions.

Today • Everyday & Test Use

Figurative language appears in songs, ads, speeches, and standardized tests like the ISEE. Knowing how to interpret it is a key reading skill.

So why does the ISEE test this? Because understanding figurative language shows that you can read between the lines. The test wants to know: can you figure out what an author really means, even when the words aren't meant to be taken literally?

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Core Types of Figurative Language

There are several types of figurative language you'll encounter on the ISEE. You don't need to memorize fancy names — the test won't ask you to label a device. Instead, it will ask what the author means by a particular phrase. But knowing the types helps you recognize them quickly.

Simile

A comparison using "like" or "as." Example: "Her smile was like sunshine." This means her smile was bright and warm.

Metaphor

A comparison that says something is something else (no "like" or "as"). Example: "The classroom was a zoo." This means it was noisy and chaotic.

Personification

Giving human qualities to non-human things. Example: "The wind whispered through the trees." Wind can't really whisper — this means it was blowing softly.

Hyperbole

An extreme exaggeration not meant literally. Example: "I've told you a million times!" This just means many times — the speaker is frustrated.

Idiom

A common expression whose meaning can't be guessed from the individual words. Example: "She was on cloud nine" means she was extremely happy.

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KEY TAKEAWAY

Think of figurative language like an emoji. 🔥 doesn't mean something is literally on fire — it means something is amazing. In the same way, figurative language uses creative images to express feelings, ideas, or descriptions that go beyond the plain meaning of the words. On the ISEE, always ask yourself: "What is the author really trying to say?"

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How Figurative Language Works — A Visual Guide

The diagram below shows how your brain should process figurative language on the ISEE. When you spot a phrase that seems strange or doesn't make literal sense, follow the three-step path to find its real meaning.

Follow the three-step flow: Spot It → Picture It → Translate It. Then match your translation to the best answer choice.

Notice how each example in the diagram follows the same pattern. First, you recognize the phrase sounds odd if you take it literally. Then you picture the comparison. Finally, you put the meaning into everyday language. That's exactly what the ISEE expects you to do.

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How Figurative Language Creates Meaning

The Comparison Engine

Most figurative language works through comparison. The author takes something you already understand and connects it to something new. This helps you feel the meaning rather than just reading it. Let's look at how each type creates its effect.

Type	How It Works	Signal Words / Clues	Example
Simile	Compares two unlike things directly	"like," "as," "resembled"	"The lake was smooth as glass."
Metaphor	Says one thing IS another	No signal words — look for impossible statements	"Her voice was music."
Personification	Gives human actions to non-human things	Non-human subject + human verb (sang, cried, whispered)	"The thunder grumbled."
Hyperbole	Stretches the truth way beyond reality	Extreme words: "million," "forever," "never"	"This backpack weighs a ton."
Idiom	Fixed phrase with a non-literal meaning	Phrase makes no sense if read word-by-word	"Break a leg!" = Good luck

Common types of figurative language and how to recognize them

Context Is Your Best Friend

Even if you've never seen a particular figurative expression before, the surrounding sentences will almost always give you clues. Read the sentence before and after the figurative phrase. Ask yourself: What is happening in the story? How is the character feeling? This context will point you to the right answer.

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ISEE TEST TIP

When an ISEE question asks what a phrase "suggests" or "most nearly means," that's often a figurative language question. Don't pick the answer that matches the literal words. Instead, pick the answer that matches the feeling or idea behind the words.

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Spotting Figurative Language Clues in Passages

On the ISEE, you won't get a sentence by itself. You'll get a full passage — usually several paragraphs long. The figurative language will be tucked inside. The diagram below shows the different "clue zones" around a figurative phrase and how they help you figure out the meaning.

The passage around the figurative phrase acts like a frame around a picture. Zone 1 (before) sets the scene, Zone 2 (the phrase) delivers the image, and Zone 3 (after) confirms the meaning.

This strategy works even for phrases you've never seen before. You might not know what "butterflies in her stomach" means on its own. But when you read that Maria was nervous before and her fear disappeared after, you can figure out the phrase means she felt anxious or uneasy.

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PROCESS OF ELIMINATION

Remember, the ISEE has no penalty for wrong answers, so always answer every question! If you're unsure about a figurative phrase, eliminate any answer choices that match the literal meaning. For example, if the phrase is "butterflies in her stomach," cross out any answer about actual butterflies. This narrows your options right away.

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Worked Example: Interpreting Figurative Language

Let's walk through a complete ISEE-style question step by step. Read the short passage, then follow how we decode the figurative language.

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PASSAGE

The morning of the championship game, Jake felt a knot tighten in his chest. He had trained all season, but the other team was undefeated. As he laced up his sneakers, doubt crept in like a shadow, darkening every positive thought. Then his coach clapped him on the back and said, "You've got this." The shadow lifted, and Jake jogged onto the field with fire in his eyes.

Question: When the author writes that "doubt crept in like a shadow," the author most likely means that —

(A) Jake was standing in a dark area
(B) Jake's worry slowly spread through his mind
(C) Jake forgot what he had learned in practice
(D) Jake's coach was not encouraging

Step-by-Step Solution

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Step 1 — Spot It

The phrase "doubt crept in like a shadow" compares doubt to a shadow using the word "like." That tells us this is a simile. We also see "darkening every positive thought" — another clue that this isn't literal.
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Step 2 — Picture It

A shadow creeps slowly and blocks out light. By comparing doubt to a shadow, the author shows that Jake's worry was spreading slowly and covering up his confidence.
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Step 3 — Translate It

In plain words: Jake's worry was gradually taking over his thinking and pushing out his positive feelings.
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Step 4 — Eliminate Wrong Answers

(A) is literal — it's about actual darkness. Cross it out. (C) talks about forgetting, but the passage says he trained all season — nothing about forgetting. (D) contradicts the passage — the coach encouraged him. That leaves (B).

Answer: (B) Jake's worry slowly spread through his mind.

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Common Traps and How to Avoid Them

The ISEE test makers are clever. They include answer choices designed to trick students. Here are the most common traps with figurative language questions and how you can steer clear of them.

Trap Type	What It Looks Like	How to Avoid It
The Literal Trap	An answer that takes the figurative phrase word-for-word. "Butterflies in her stomach" → answer says "She swallowed insects."	Ask: "Could this literally happen?" If the answer sounds silly, it's probably a trap.
The Too-Far Trap	An answer that goes way beyond what the passage says. "Fire in his eyes" → answer says "He wanted to burn down the school."	Stick to what the passage supports. The right answer should feel reasonable, not extreme.
The Wrong-Emotion Trap	An answer that names an emotion, but the wrong one. "A knot in his chest" → answer says "He felt excited and happy."	Check the tone of the surrounding sentences. Are they positive or negative? Match the emotion to the context.
The Off-Topic Trap	An answer that's true about the passage but doesn't explain the figurative phrase. Instead, it answers a different question.	Re-read the question carefully. Make sure your answer directly explains the phrase they asked about.

Four common traps in figurative language questions

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KEY TAKEAWAY

Think of the wrong answers like decoys in a video game. They look tempting, but they're designed to lead you off track. The best defense is to translate the figurative phrase into your own words BEFORE looking at the answer choices. That way, you already know what you're looking for.

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Beyond the Basics: Tone and Figurative Language Together

On harder ISEE questions, figurative language connects to the author's tone (the author's attitude or feeling). The type of figurative language an author chooses tells you a lot about how they feel about their subject. For example, an author who describes a city as "a jewel sparkling in the valley" has a positive tone. An author who calls it "a concrete jungle" has a harsher tone.

Figurative Phrase	Tone It Creates	What It Tells You
"The old house smiled at visitors."	Warm, welcoming	The author views the house fondly.
"The deadline hung over her like a storm cloud."	Anxious, threatening	The author wants you to feel the character's stress.
"The test was a piece of cake."	Casual, confident	The author (or character) found it very easy.
"The forest swallowed them whole."	Ominous, scary	The author wants to create a sense of danger.

Figurative language and the tone it creates

As you move to the Upper Level ISEE and beyond, you'll see even more complex figurative language, including symbolism (when an object represents something bigger, like a dove representing peace) and irony (when words mean the opposite of what they say). For now, mastering similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, and idioms will give you a strong foundation.

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LOOKING AHEAD

The skill of interpreting figurative language isn't just for the ISEE. You'll use it in English class, when reading novels, and even when understanding song lyrics. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes!

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Practice Problems

Now it's your turn! Use the 3-step process (Spot It → Picture It → Translate It) for each question. Read the passage excerpts carefully, and remember to check the context around each figurative phrase.

Question 1: CONCEPTUAL

Read this sentence from a passage: "After winning the science fair, Lena felt like she was walking on air." The phrase "walking on air" most likely means that Lena felt —

A. dizzy and unsteady on her feet
B. extremely happy and proud
C. confused about what happened
D. relieved that the fair was over

Show answer (B)

The correct answer is (B). "Walking on air" is an idiom that means feeling extremely happy, almost as if you're floating. The context clue is that Lena just won the science fair — a happy event. (A) is wrong because dizziness doesn't connect to winning. (C) is wrong because there's no reason for confusion. (D) describes relief, which is too mild — the phrase suggests joy and excitement, not just relief.

Question 2: BASIC

Read this sentence from a passage: "The ancient oak tree stood guard at the entrance to the park, its thick branches reaching out like protective arms." The author uses the description of the oak tree mainly to suggest that the tree —

A. was recently planted by the park service
B. blocked people from entering the park
C. seemed to watch over and shelter the park
D. was the tallest tree in the entire town

Show answer (C)

The correct answer is (C). The sentence uses personification ("stood guard") and a simile ("like protective arms"). Both suggest the tree is watching over the park and offering shelter. (A) contradicts the word "ancient." (B) is a literal trap — "stood guard" doesn't mean the tree is blocking entry. (D) is off-topic; the passage says nothing about the tree's height compared to others.

Question 3: INTERMEDIATE

Read this excerpt from a passage about a student preparing for a concert: "Practice had been brutal. For three months, Sofia wrestled with every difficult measure in the sonata. Her fingers ached, and her patience wore thin as paper. But on the night of the performance, the music poured from her hands like water from a fountain — effortless and beautiful." The phrase "patience wore thin as paper" suggests that Sofia —

A. was running out of sheet music for practice
B. was close to giving up because she was so frustrated
C. preferred reading books to playing piano
D. felt calm and relaxed during practice sessions

Show answer (B)

The correct answer is (B). "Wore thin as paper" is a simile comparing her patience to something so thin it's about to tear. This means she was nearly out of patience — very frustrated and close to quitting. Context clues include "brutal" and "ached." (A) is a literal trap using the word "paper." (C) has no support in the passage. (D) is the opposite of what the passage describes — she was struggling, not relaxed.

Question 4: APPLIED

Read this excerpt from a passage about a community garden: "When the neighbors first broke ground on the empty lot, few people expected much. The soil was poor, and the neighborhood had seen better days. But the garden became a bridge between strangers. Families who had never spoken now shared seeds and stories over rows of tomatoes. The once-barren lot had blossomed into more than a garden — it had blossomed into a community." When the author writes that "the garden became a bridge between strangers," the author most likely means that the garden —

A. was built near a bridge in the neighborhood
B. helped connect people who did not know each other
C. was difficult for some residents to reach
D. divided the neighborhood into two groups

Show answer (B)

The correct answer is (B). "A bridge between strangers" is a metaphor. A bridge connects two sides, so the garden connected people who were previously strangers. The next sentence confirms this: "Families who had never spoken now shared seeds and stories." (A) is a literal trap — the passage never mentions an actual bridge. (C) has no support in the passage. (D) is the opposite of what a bridge does — bridges connect, they don't divide.

Question 5: CRITICAL THINKING

Read this excerpt from a passage about ocean exploration: "The submarine sank into the deep, leaving the sunlit world far behind. At a thousand meters, darkness swallowed every trace of light. The water pressed against the hull with iron fists, and the silence was so complete it roared in the crew's ears. Yet Dr. Patel smiled. To her, the crushing depths were not a prison — they were a door, ready to open onto discoveries no human eye had ever seen." The author uses the contrasting metaphors of a "prison" and a "door" mainly to show that Dr. Patel —

A. was afraid of the dark conditions but hid her fear from the crew
B. had never been inside a submarine before this expedition
C. saw the dangerous environment as an exciting opportunity for discovery
D. planned to escape the submarine as quickly as possible

Show answer (C)

The correct answer is (C). The passage says the depths were "not a prison" (something that traps you) but a "door" (something that leads to new places). This contrast shows that while others might find the deep scary and confining, Dr. Patel sees it as an opportunity. The phrase "discoveries no human eye had ever seen" confirms her excitement. (A) is wrong because the passage says she smiled — she's not hiding fear. (B) is unsupported; the passage doesn't discuss her experience level. (D) is a literal trap on the word "door" and contradicts her positive attitude.

SUMMARY

Summary: Interpreting Figurative Language

Summary

Figurative language uses creative expressions to go beyond the literal meaning of words. On the ISEE, you'll encounter five main types: similes (comparisons using "like" or "as"), metaphors (direct comparisons without "like" or "as"), personification (giving human traits to non-human things), hyperbole (extreme exaggeration), and idioms (common phrases with non-literal meanings).

Use the 3-step process every time: Spot It (notice the phrase sounds strange literally), Picture It (imagine the comparison), and Translate It (say the meaning in plain words). Always read the context clues in the sentences before and after the phrase. Watch out for literal traps — answer choices that match the words but miss the meaning. Translate first, then match your translation to the best answer. You've got this!