teaching resource

Interpreting Figurative Language - Worksheets

Updated: 09 May 2023

Explore figurative language in poetry with this age-appropriate poem and accompanying vocabulary questions.

Editable: Google Slides
Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 1 Page
Grades: 3 - 6

Curriculum

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.5

Refer to parts of stories, dramas, and poems when writing or speaking about a text, using terms such as chapter, scene, and stanza; describe how each successive part builds on earlier sections.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.5

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.5

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.5.A

Explain the meaning of simple similes and metaphors (e.g., as pretty as a picture) in context.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.4

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.5

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.5.A

Interpret figurative language, including similes and metaphors, in context.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.5

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.5.A

Interpret figures of speech (e.g., personification) in context.

ELAR 3.10(D)

Describe how the author's use of imagery, literal and figurative language such as simile, and sound devices such as onomatopoeia achieves specific purposes;
ELAR 4.9(B)

Explain figurative language such as simile, metaphor, and personification that the poet uses to create images;
ELAR 4.10(D)

Describe how the author's use of imagery, literal and figurative language such as simile and metaphor, and sound devices such as alliteration and assonance achieves specific purposes;
ELAR 5.9(B)

Explain the use of sound devices and figurative language and distinguish between the poet and the speaker in poems across a variety of poetic forms;
ELAR 5.10(D)

Describe how the author's use of imagery, literal and figurative language such as simile and metaphor, and sound devices achieves specific purposes;
ELAR 6.9(D)

Describe how the author's use of figurative language such as metaphor and personification achieves specific purposes;

teaching resource

Interpreting Figurative Language - Worksheets

Updated: 09 May 2023

Explore figurative language in poetry with this age-appropriate poem and accompanying vocabulary questions.

Editable: Google Slides
Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 1 Page
Grades: 3 - 6

Explore figurative language in poetry with this age-appropriate poem and accompanying vocabulary questions.

What Is Figurative Language?

Figurative language does not have an everyday, literal meaning. It is used by writers to make a comparison or for dramatic effect. Some examples of figurative language are:

Alliteration: The repetition of the same sound at the start of a word.
Simile: Phrases that use “like” or “as” to compare one object to another.
Personification: Giving nonliving things human characteristics.

When teaching figurative language such as similes and metaphors, it can often be challenging to locate age-appropriate examples to use with our students. We are here to help!

Examples of Figurative Language in Poetry

This set of figurative language worksheets has been designed specifically to give your students practice in identifying and interpreting figurative language in poetry. Students are required to read the poem Falling Leaves (written by Teach Starter’s very own Stephanie Mulrooney), then identify, interpret and consider the effects of alliteration, simile, and personification within the poem. Students are also required to make up their own examples of alliteration, simile, and personification using the poem for inspiration.

Multiple Applications for This Figurative Language Worksheet

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

reading center activity
whole-class lesson
homework assignment
summative assessment.

Download the File Format that Best Suits You!

Use the dropdown menu next to the Download button to access the editable Google Slides file or the easy-print PDF version of this resource.

As this resource contains an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy, then photocopy the desired number of worksheets for your class.

Alternatively, why not project the worksheets onto your interactive whiteboard and avoid printing altogether? This saves you time and saves our environment… it’s a win-win for all!

Curriculum

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.5

Refer to parts of stories, dramas, and poems when writing or speaking about a text, using terms such as chapter, scene, and stanza; describe how each successive part builds on earlier sections.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.5

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.5

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.5.A

Explain the meaning of simple similes and metaphors (e.g., as pretty as a picture) in context.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.4

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.5

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.5.A

Interpret figurative language, including similes and metaphors, in context.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.5

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.5.A

Interpret figures of speech (e.g., personification) in context.

ELAR 3.10(D)

Describe how the author's use of imagery, literal and figurative language such as simile, and sound devices such as onomatopoeia achieves specific purposes;
ELAR 4.9(B)

Explain figurative language such as simile, metaphor, and personification that the poet uses to create images;
ELAR 4.10(D)

Describe how the author's use of imagery, literal and figurative language such as simile and metaphor, and sound devices such as alliteration and assonance achieves specific purposes;
ELAR 5.9(B)

Explain the use of sound devices and figurative language and distinguish between the poet and the speaker in poems across a variety of poetic forms;
ELAR 5.10(D)

Describe how the author's use of imagery, literal and figurative language such as simile and metaphor, and sound devices achieves specific purposes;
ELAR 6.9(D)

Describe how the author's use of figurative language such as metaphor and personification achieves specific purposes;

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