Comprehension Toolkit

Figurative language 1

Figurative language
Figurative languag
Comprehension Toolkit
Figurative language 1

Comprehension means understanding.

The best way to
understand a text is to
ask yourself questions
as you read it.
The answers to some
questions are easy to find,
while the answers to others
are more difficult to work out.
Comprehension Toolkit
Figurative language 1

Figurative language moves away from the

straightforward, literal meaning of words.

It encourages readers to
form pictures in their minds.
It can add interest, energy
and even rhythm to writing.
Comprehension Toolkit
Figurative language 1

Onomatopoeia is language
BUZZ
that imitates sounds. It adds
interest and energy to a text.

What are the examples of onomatopoeia

in these sentences?
The bells tinkled merrily.
Thunder rumbled ominously in the distance.
The birds chattered and twittered in the trees.
Comprehension Toolkit
Figurative language 1

Alliteration is the repetition of

a consonant sound. It adds interest, energy
and rhythm to writing.
The snake slithered sinuously
across the stony ground.
The repetition of b p g c k d and t creates a
strong, harsh, heavy effect.
The big bull bellowed when we got too close.
The alliteration emphasises the bull’s size and strength.
These heavy consonants are called plosives.
Comprehension Toolkit
Figurative language 1

The repetition of f v s z w and r creates

a soft, soothing, musical effect.

The butterfly flitted from flower

to flower, then floated away on
a faint breeze.
The alliteration emphasises the
lightness of the butterfly. These soft
consonants are called fricatives.
Comprehension Toolkit
Figurative language 1

The repetition of m and n creates an effect

similar to that of the fricatives.
The stream murmured
melodiously as it meandered
down the mountain.

The repeated m sound

emphasises the gentle,
musical flow of the stream.
These soft consonants are
called nasals.
Comprehension Toolkit
Figurative language 1

Find examples of alliteration

in these sentences.
For a moment he teetered at the top; then he
tumbled down in a tangle of arms and legs.
The cold water curled and coiled around her feet.
Above the flames, swirls of smoke soared
skywards.
Brilliant bolts of light blazed across the heavens.
Comprehension Toolkit
Figurative language 1

The End