Figuring+Out+Figurative+Language

= = = = == =Figuring Out Figurative Language= Figures of speech are very common in all language and they are used to express things in interesting ways. It is important to remember that figurative language, or //"picture talk",// is often used to speak or write about abstract concepts or ideas in concrete terms. Whenever authors or poets describe something by comparing it with something else, they are using figures of speech or figurative language. Any language that goes beyond the //actual// meaning of words on the page to create a more emotional or visual insight for the reader is also considered figurative language. Also, figurative language is used to emphasize a point, make a vivid impression, or attract attention - typically causes a response of surprise and immediate interest for the listener or reader. In writing, using figurative language can help you have greater elaboration and clarity when describing persons, places, things, or ideas. Figurative language also adds color and vividness when illustrating or clarifying a point in your writing.


 * A **metaphor** is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily means one thing is used to mean another: thus making a direct comparison, as in the examples,"//my feet are boats//", //"a sea of troubles",// or //"All the world's a stage"// (Shakespeare).
 * A **simile** is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things, often introduced with the words "like", "as", or "than": as in "//Yellow butterflies flickered along the shade like flecks of sun//" (William Faulkner)", "//He ran as fast as the wind//" or "//cheaper than a hot dog with no mustard//" (Beastie Boys). You need to be cautions, however: Many similes are clichés. Clichés are phrases that are overused and are NOT very original, so you should limit your use of well known similes, as in "//Happy as pigs in mud//" (David Eddings).
 * **Personification** is giving human traits (qualities, feelings, action, or characteristics) to non-living objects (things, colors, qualities, or ideas): as in "the smiling moon", "the cars danced across the icy road".
 * **Hyperbole** is a figure of speech that uses sarcasm or exaggeration to create a strong visual or emotion for the reader: as in, "//I like pancakes so much, I could eat a million of them//", or "I //will die if I don't get a Phoenix Silly Band//".

Step 1: Get to Know More About Figurative Language
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 * With a partner watch and discuss the following videos for more information and examples
 * ==More on Figurative Language==
 * ==More on Personification==

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=Follow Up Discussion=

**Step 1**

 * Be prepared to:**
 * Share and discuss your thoughts about figurative language. Be sure to **//refer specifically//** to what you have read and viewed.
 * When you are ready to post your response, use the **Discussion Question links** located just below to enter a "post" containing your answers.

Step 2
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 * Read the responses of all your peers:**
 * Respond to and build on the ideas of **//at least three//** of your classmates.

**How you will be evaluated:**
Successful completion of this activity will be based on the Forum Participation Rubric.

=Figurative Language Check Out= Please take the following quiz individually.

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What To Do Next
Complete this assignment, then go to Literature & Figurative Language

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