Literal vs. Figurative Language

1. Literal vs. Figurative Language How do I differentiate between literal and figurative language?

3. Key Learning: Writers use figurative language to enhance the reader’s understanding. It is used in various types of writing. Unit Essential Question: How does understanding figurative language enhance comprehension? 0701.8.10 Concept: Literal vs Figurative Concept: Similes and Metaphors Concept: Hyperboles Concept: Personification Lesson Essential Questions: How do I differentiate between literal and figurative language? Lesson Essential Questions: How do I recognize and create similes and metaphors in writing? Lesson Essential Questions: How do I analyze hyperboles for literal and figurative meanings? Lesson Essential Questions: How do I interpret the use of personification in writing?

4. Unit Vocabulary Literal Personification Figurative Personify Simile Anthropomorphism Metaphor Hyperbole

5. Activator What does this really mean? It’s raining cats and dogs.

6. Activator What does this really mean? Break a leg! Good luck!

7. Literal vs. Figurative • Literal means straightforward or factual; the dictionary meaning of a word. (Think denotation!) • When someone says “I mean that literally.” They mean “exactly” -- just the facts!

8. Literal vs. Figurative • A figurative meaning is far more interesting. It is imaginative, and conveys not just the facts, but an idea. (Think connotation!) • Figurative meanings encourage us to use our imagination.

9. Literal vs. Figurative • Example of Figurative Language: • Marvin runs like a duck.

10. Literal vs. Figurative • We know that Marvin does not run exactly like a water bird. • But, it wouldn’t portray quite the same visual if we said “Marvin is awkward and he waddles when he runs.” • So, we compare Marvin to a duck to paint a mental picture.

11. Puns • Puns are also examples of figurative language. A pun is a play on words. • Examples: The new smoking laws really burn me up! The grammarian was never late; he was always very punctual. The Atlanta Lightnings took the field by storm.

12. Assessment Prompt 1 Use figurative language to make these sentences more colorful. • Kevin ate his dinner quickly. • Mandy likes to talk a lot. • Jennifer is not intelligent.

13. Let’s Practice Make these sentences more colorful. Use figurative language. • Kevin ate his dinner quickly. Kevin ate like a pig.

14. Let’s Practice Make these sentences more colorful. Use figurative language. • Mandy likes to talk a lot. Mandy talks a mile a minute.

15. Let’s Practice Make these sentences more colorful. Use figurative language. • Jennifer is not intelligent. Jennifer is not the brightest crayon in the box.

16. Power Questions 1. Read the poem below and use the figurative language images to help determine the subject matter of the poem. The Ball Dances A. sun A big flaming ball of fire B. starPrances across the sky each day C. moonBut perishes every night D. earth A rebirth occurs the next morning And because of it Life is possible

17. Power Questions 1. Read the poem below and use the figurative language images to help determine the subject matter of the poem. The Ball DancesA. sun A big flaming ball of fire B. starPrances across the sky each day C. moonBut perishes every night D. earth A rebirth occurs the next morning And because of it Life is possible

18. Power Questions • The saying in our family was, "If Mama drops a biscuit, jump out of the way or risk losing a toe." This is another way of saying • Mama is very clumsy. • the biscuits she bakes are hard. • the biscuits are soft and chewy. • if Mama drops a biscuit, she will step on your toe.

19. Power Questions • The saying in our family was, "If Mama drops a biscuit, jump out of the way or risk losing a toe." This is another way of saying • Mama is very clumsy. • the biscuits she bakes are hard. • the biscuits are soft and chewy. • if Mama drops a biscuit, she will step on your toe.

20. Power Questions 3. The following quote is an example of what type of figurative language? "Roll down this hill—if you are so inclined." • metaphor • pun • personification • simile

21. Power Questions 3. The following quote is an example of what type of figurative language? "Roll down this hill—if you are so inclined." • metaphor • pun • personification • simile

22. Summarizer • You are writing a letter to an absent student (Dear Absent Student,) • Tell the student what we learned today about literal and figurative language. • Include what you think is important.

23. Finishing Up Skip lines. Your letter must be AT LEAST five sentences long. Watch spelling and punctuation. This is a friendly letter, so use that format. 

24. More Figurative Language to Come… • Similes and Metaphors • Hyperboles • Personification • Idioms