TUTORIAL FOR LEARNING FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

Figurative language uses figures of speech to convey unique images and create some sort of special effect or impression.

A “figure of speech” is an intentional deviation from the ordinary usage of language.

ASSIGNMENT

Students, for this assignment you will create an interactive multimedia tutorial in PowerPoint about figurative language.

Learn and Define 7 types of figurative language. Identify those types of figurative language by using picture representation. Identify figurative language within different types of writing.

The seven types of figurative language I chose are: Simile, Metaphor, Personification, Hyperbole, Idiom, Oxymoron and pun.

LEARNING THE TYPES

First, define each type of figurative language and find examples of each.

Simile: Comparing two unlike things by using the words like or as.

Metaphor: Comparing two unlike things by saying one thing IS the other.

Personification: When nonhuman things are given human qualities.

Hyperbole: intentional exaggeration or overstating, often for dramatic or humorous effect.

Idiom: group of words which, when used together, has a different meaning from the one which the individual words have.

Oxymoron: two contradictory terms are placed side by side, usually for an effect of intensity.

Pun: A play on words, either on different senses of the same word or on the similar sense or sound of different words.

USING PICTURE REPRESENTATION

Next, search the internet for picture examples of each of these types of figurative language. Youtube.com has audio examples. This will help in becoming familiar with the techniques each of the types use.

www.youtube.com

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Provide definitions “in own words” of each type of figurative language. Create original examples of each.

SIMILE

A SIMILE IS A FIGURE OF SPEECH THAT COMPARES TWO UNLIKE THINGS BY USING THE WORDS “LIKE” OR “AS”.

EX. I am as busy as a bee.

METAPHOR

A METAPHOR IS A FIGURE OF SPEECH THAT COMPARES TO UNLIKE THINGS BY STATING THAT ONE THING IS THE OTHER. A METAPHOR DOES NOT USE THE WORDS “LIKE” OR “AS” TO COMPARE.

EX. SHAQ IS A BEAST ON THE BASKETBALL COURT.

PERSONIFICATION

Personification is a figure of speech used when nonhuman things are given human qualities.

Ex. A pig wearing a wig

HYPERBOLE

Hyperbole is a figure of speech used when intentionally exaggerating.

Ex. I cried a river as she told me the story.

IDIOM

Idiom is a figure of speech used when the words mean something other than their literal meaning.

Ex. Hold your horses while I answer this call.

OXYMORON

Oxymoron is a figure of speech used when contradictory words are used together to intensify the point.

Ex. I want a baby grand piano for my birthday.

PUN

Pun is a figure of speech used wherein one word has more than one meaning

Ex. Seven days without prayer makes one weak.

PRACTICE LEADS TO PERFECTION

Finally, compare your definitions of the types of figurative language to the ones that were given. Pretty close, huh? Review the meanings, examples and resources. You have now learned 7 types of figurative language. Can you share what you’ve learned with others? Test your knowledge at http://www.quia.com/quiz/449371.html