Working with Figurative Language

Part I: Match
Each phrase below is a type of figurative language. Match the phrase to the correct type
by writingthe letter in the blank.
Type Phrase
1) alliteration A. His heart was a block of ice.

2) simile B. open secret

3) metaphor C. pink and purple popsicles

4) onomatopoeia D. The cup danced joyfully across the

5) oxymoron E. heavy as a rock

6) hyperbole F. She was humming a song.

7) personification G. Everyone knows that!

Part II. Answer each question

1) “Cathy is as cute as a kitten” is an example of what two types of figurative language?

A)

B)

2) “‘Ribbit!’ the frog said to the snake. ‘You must let me pass!’” is an example of what
two types offigurative language?

A)

B)
 Working with Figurative Language

Part III: Mystery Metaphor

Uncover the mystery of the metaphoric sentences by rewriting them in literal sentences.
Make sure both metaphoric and literal sentences have similar meanings.

1) The ice cream was a rock when I took it out of the freezer.

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2) The clouds are marshmallows in the sky.

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3) The teenage boy's stomach was a bottomless pit.

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4) Yesterday the sun was a killer.

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5) The inside of the car was a refrigerator.

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Did You Know?

The word metaphor comes from the Greek word metapherin meaning to
transfer.