Starter quiz
- A ______ is a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence.
- 'verb' ✓
- What is a simile?
- a direct contrast two things
- a direct comparison between two things
- a comparison between two things using the words 'like' or 'as' ✓
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- A direct comparison of two things using the verb 'to be' is the definition of a ______.
- 'metaphor' ✓
- Which sentence uses an effective verb to describe a character’s movement?
- They walked to the park.
- She ran quickly to the door.
- He bolted across the street. ✓
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- Being clear what your ______ is before writing will help you make more effective word choices.
- 'intent' ✓
- If something is clichéd, this means ...
- it's original in thought.
- that it's overused. ✓
- it's in direct contrast to something else.
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Exit quiz
- Match the keywords to their definitions.
- figurative language⇔a way of expressing non-literal ideas ✓
- simile⇔a comparison of two things, often using the words 'like' or 'as' ✓
- metaphor⇔a direct comparison of two things using the verb 'to be' ✓
- cliché⇔a phrase or opinion that is overused ✓
- original⇔the quality of being different or new ✓
- Which of the following is an example of a simile?
- Her laugh was a sinister whisper in the dark.
- His presence was like a shadow creeping across a moonlit path. ✓
- His gaze was a cold, unfeeling void.
- Her smile was a freezing wind in winter.
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- Which sentence contains a metaphor?
- His presence was like a dark cloud hanging overhead.
- Her eyes were as cold as steel.
- The room was a tomb, silent and foreboding. ✓
- He crept through the shadows like a thief.
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- Which sentence uses a metaphor to describe a character's fear?
- His heart raced like a drumbeat.
- The fear was a cold, gripping hand around his chest. ✓
- She trembled as if caught in a winter storm.
- His eyes darted around like a frightened animal.
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- One way to avoid ______ is to add additional detail to make it specific to your character.
- ' clichés' ✓
- What are key reasons why writers include powerful examples of figurative language in their writing?
- it helps to create vivid images for the reader ✓
- it’s helpful to show character emotion ✓
- it makes the their writing sound more impressive
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Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Figurative language is non-literal language. Examples of methods which are figurative include simile and metaphor.
- Using figurative language can help enhance your descriptions as it creates more vivid detail for the reader.
- You should avoid using clichéd examples when crafting similes and metaphors. It's better to be original in thought.
- One way to avoid clichés is to add additional detail to make it specific to your character.
Common misconception
As long as similes or metaphors follow the correct rules they will be effective.
Many comparisons in similes and metaphors are clichéd and this often takes away from a description and makes it unimaginative. The challenge is to try be original in your thought!
Keywords
Figurative language - a way of expressing ideas by using words or phrases that go beyond their literal meaning
Simile - a comparison of two things, often using the words 'like' or 'as'
Metaphor - a direct comparison of two things using the verb 'to be'
Cliché - a phrase or opinion that is overused
Original - the quality of being different or new
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