What Is Figurative Language?

Figurative language is language that does not have a literal meaning. This can make figurative language a challenging concept for our students to get their heads around! (And there’s an example of an idiom right there!)

This worksheet has been designed to provide your students with an opportunity to learn more about the various types of figurative language they may come across when reading, writing and speaking. The types of figurative language referenced on the worksheet include:

• metaphor
• simile
• personification
• hyperbole
• idiom
• onomatopoeia.

Choose the Version That Best Suits Your Students

Catering to a huge range of learners in your classroom? Of course you are! That’s why we’ve provided two different versions of this figurative language worksheet. The subtle differences between each version are outlined below.

• Version 1: Students write a sentence in each box for each type of figurative language, then draw a picture of its meaning.
• Version 2: Students read each example of figurative language and label it using the word bank. They then write their own example of each type.

Multiple Applications for This Figurative Language Worksheet

In addition to independent student work time, use this worksheet as an activity as a:

• guided group activity
• whole-class review (via smartboard)
• homework assignment
• exit ticket
• summative assessment.

Download, Print, Teach!

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the easy-print PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource.

This resource was created by Meagan Lee, a Teach Starter collaborator.