Literal or Figurative Meaning

Teach one device per sheet, then use Name the Device in Figurative Language as a mixed review. Finish with the story sheet, where students explain the effect of each device.

Label 12 sentences literal or figurative and rewrite lines like a walking dictionary in plain words. Literal language means exactly what the words say; figurative language uses words in an unusual way to paint a picture. The directions on the page read: Read each sentence. Circle L if it is literal or F if it is figurative. Rewrite each figurative sentence so it says exactly what it means. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 6th Grade figurative language, and the page works the same whether it lands on a kitchen table or a center rotation. At home, most families go through it together and talk the answers out loud, and that talking is where most of the learning happens with figurative language practice. In class it runs well as independent work while you pull a small group. Print one copy or thirty, whichever the day needs.

Alliteration repeats the same beginning consonant sound, as in Daring dolphins dove deep. Assonance repeats a vowel sound inside words, as in The green tree leans in the breeze.

An oxymoron puts together two words that seem to contradict each other, like deafening silence or jumbo shrimp. Oxymorons in Sentences also has students build 6, such as loud whisper.

Literal language means exactly what the words say, and figurative language uses words in an unusual way to paint a picture. Literal or Figurative Meaning has students rewrite lines like a walking dictionary in plain words.