Figurative Language

Grade 3 Reading | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.3.R.3.1

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What is Figurative Language?

Figurative language uses creative words to paint a picture in your mind. It's not meant to be taken literally! Authors use it to make writing more interesting and fun to read.

Simile

Compares using "like" or "as"

"She ran like the wind."

Metaphor

Says one thing IS another thing

"The classroom was a zoo."

Personification

Gives human traits to objects

"The sun smiled at me."

Hyperbole

An extreme exaggeration

"I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!"

Alliteration

Same beginning sound repeated

"Sally sells seashells."

Onomatopoeia

Words that sound like their meaning

"The bee buzzed by."

Match the Sentence to the Type!

Write the letter of the figurative language type on the line.

1
"The thunder roared across the sky."
2
"Her eyes sparkled like diamonds."
3
"I've told you a million times!"
4
"The clock went tick-tock, tick-tock."
5
"His room is a disaster zone."
6
"Big brown bears bounced balls."

Answer Bank:

A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Personification
D. Hyperbole
E. Alliteration
F. Onomatopoeia

Identify and Explain!

1. Read the sentence:
"The leaves danced in the wind."

What type of figurative language is this?

What does it mean?

2. Read the sentence:
"My backpack weighs a ton!"

What type of figurative language is this?

Does the backpack REALLY weigh a ton? What does this tell us?

3. Which sentence contains a simile?
4. Write your OWN simile:

"The pizza was as _______________ as _______________."

Remember the Difference!

Simile: Uses "like" or "as" → "She's as brave AS a lion."

Metaphor: No "like" or "as" → "She IS a lion."

Both compare things, but similes use those special clue words!

Quick Tips!

FAST Success Kit | Grade 3 | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.3.R.3.1