Pop-Culture POSHAMI: Figurative Language

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Sketch the image that came to mind while thinking about your favorite book.

Then, answer these questions beneath your drawing.

• Why did you choose that particular scene?
• How did the author capture your attention?

Now, consider this sentence: The boy ran.

• It is pretty basic, right?

It does the job; it tells you what you need to know but is not very interesting. Imagine reading a paragraph of simple sentences like this; you would likely fall asleep!

To keep readers interested and make them feel like they are part of a story, writers use many techniques to spice up their writing. The most common method is using figurative language.

To explore the seven most common types of figurative language, first list them all in your notebook.

• personification
• onomatopoeia
• simile
• hyperbole
• alliteration
• metaphor
• idioms

As you learn, take notes on these seven symbolic language techniques and their definitions.

Authors do not choose words randomly. The words on the page are meant to do more than tell what happened—they are meant to make you feel something, picture something, and connect to the story. This is where figurative language comes in.

Figurative language uses figures of speech to create meaning beyond the literal, or exact, definition of words. Instead of stating facts plainly, authors use descriptive language to add emotion, build imagery, and give writing depth. Without figurative language, stories would feel flat and uninteresting, and it would be much harder to connect with what you read.

There are several common types of figurative language, each with a specific purpose.

A simile compares two unlike things using like or as. This indirect comparison helps paint a vivid picture in your mind.

Example: She was as happy as a cat riding a unicorn through space.

A metaphor also compares two unlike things, but it does so directly—without using like or as. The object being described becomes what it is compared to.

Example: Her long hair was a flowing golden river.

Personification gives human traits to something that is not human, such as animals, objects, or ideas. This helps readers better understand and relate to non-human things.

Example: My alarm clock yells at me every morning.

Onomatopoeia uses words that imitate sounds. These words help you hear what is happening in the text and make scenes feel more real.

Example: The baseball whizzed past my ear.

Alliteration is the repetition of the same beginning consonant sound in a group of words. The letters do not have to match—only the sound. This technique can be playful, rhythmic, or attention-grabbing.

Example: Kathy can’t cook chocolate chip cookies continuously.

Hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration used to emphasize a point or add humor or drama.

Example: On the millionth time he asked her out, she finally said yes.

An idiom is a common expression that means something different from its literal definition. Idioms often sound strange if taken word-for-word, but their meanings are understood through culture and context.

Example: That test was a piece of cake.

An allusion is a brief reference to a person, place, event, or idea from history, literature, or culture. Writers expect readers to recognize the reference and understand its deeper meaning.

Example: Opening that door would be like opening Pandora’s box.

Each type of figurative language helps bring writing to life. As you move through this lesson, pay close attention to how authors use these techniques to shape meaning and strengthen their message.

• Could you complete your notes with definitions for all seven types of figurative language?

Next, brainstorm some examples for each figurative language technique.

When ready, head to the Got It? section to see examples of figurative language in the real world!