Language Types figurative language and literal language We’re going to look at two types of language: figurative language and literal language

Figurative vs. Literal figurative and literal To understand what figurative language is, you need to understand the difference between: figurative and literal

LET’S START WITH LITERAL I’m tired and I’m going home. This means, “I’m tired and I’m going home.” There is no other meaning other than what is said. I mean exactly what I stated.

…I’m not saying we should get into the freezer. FIGURATIVE To be figurative is to not mean what you say but to imply something else. For example: If I tell you, “Let’s go chill…” …I’m not saying we should get into the freezer.

Literal vs. Figurative Confused? Think of it this way: Literal is stated directly. Figurative is imaginary.

Why Use Figurative Language? Also known as descriptive language, figurative language helps the writer paint a picture in the reader’s mind.

“This test is a piece of cake.” Literal Figurative TEST

“My cat is a bolt of lightning.” Literal Figurative MEOW!

Figurative Language makes reading more interesting.

“It is raining cats and dogs!” What would it LITERALLY mean if it rained cats and dogs? What does it FIGURATIVELY mean if someone says it rained cats and dogs? Practice your own drawing! On one side of the paper draw the LITERAL meaning and on the other side draw the FIGURATIVE meaning.

Brian was NOT LITERALLY a wall! LET’S PRACTICE! Brian was a wall, bouncing every tennis ball back over the net. Brian was NOT LITERALLY a wall! This metaphor compares Brian to a wall because__________. a. He was a strong tennis player. b. He was very tall. c. He kept missing the balls. d. His body was made of cells.

Tammy was NOT LITERALLY a pig! LET’S PRACTICE! We would have had more pizza to eat if Tammy hadn’t been such a pig. Tammy was NOT LITERALLY a pig! Tammy was being compared to a pig because she __________. a. looked like a pig b. ate like a pig c. smelled like a pig d. was as smart as a pig

Cindy was NOT LITERALLY a mule! LET’S PRACTICE! Cindy was such a mule. We could not get her to change her mind. Cindy was NOT LITERALLY a mule! The metaphor “Cindy was such a mule” compares Cindy to a mule because she was __________. a. always eating oats b. able to do hard work c. raised on a farm d. very stubborn