Writing with Writing with Colorful WordsColorful Words

Figurative Language• Figurative language creates images for the

reader or listener. The writer uses descriptions that are comparisons, repetitions, exaggerations, and imitations to make the writing more interesting and engaging.

Types of Figurative Language

• Simile- A figure of speech comparing two unlike things. It is often linked by the words “like” or “as”.

• Metaphor- States that one thing is something else. It is a comparison, it is usually linked by the word “is”.

• Hyperbole- Big exaggeration, usually with humor.• Personification- Giving an object human like qualities.

Examples Figurative Language

Literal Meaning Figurative Meaning

Simile He has big feet. His feet are as big as skateboards.

Metaphor Her hair is very soft.

Her hair is silky.

Hyperbole The backpack feels very heavy.

The backpack weighs a ton.

Personification Lava erupted from the volcano.

The volcano spit out lava from its mouth.

Let’s think of examples! Figurative Language

Literal Meaning Figurative Meaning

Simile

Metaphor

Hyperbole

Personification

Description • Literal: red, beautiful, petals, sweet scent

• Figurative: This rose is as red as a shiny apple and as beautiful as the sunrise. Its petals smile to welcome the morning . Its scent is as sweet as a baby.

What is literal?What is figurative?

Comparison• Literal? The white clouds float in the

blue sky.

• Figurative? Imaginary scenes of wisp silently blow and profile the endless heavens.

Summary• Figurative language is a creative way to

describe a person, place, object or event. This creates a more descriptive picture in the mind of the reader.

• Language examples include: simile, metaphor, hyperbole, personification.

• The use of creative language makes writing more exciting, fun and interesting.