5 th Grade Common Core

 Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else, you are using figurative language.  Used well, figurative language enhances your fiction and can be great way of getting an image or a point across.  Figurative language is a word or phrase that does not have its normal everyday, literal meaning. It is used by the writer for the sake of comparison or dramatic effect.  Authors use figurative language to make their stories more interesting.

 Simile  Metaphor  Idiom  Proverbs  Puns  Adages

Simile  A simile compares one object to another using “like” or “as”  Example: During the weekdays, I am busy as a bee! Metaphor  A metaphor compares one object to another without using “like” or “as”  Example: I am luckier than a leprechaun.

 An idiom is a word or phrase which means something different from what is said. Examples:  Give someone the cold shoulder - Ignore someone  I’m all ears - You have my undivided attention  See eye to eye - Agree  Call it a day - Time to quit

 Proverbs are sayings that reflect common sense and are homely in nature. A proverb is true as it has been experienced countless number of times by people in their lives such as a stitch in time saves nine or well begun is half done. One should not cry over spilt milk is a proverb that tells us that there is no use thinking about something that has already happened as it cannot be reversed. Another proverb that teaches us a lesson is A poor workman blames his tools. This means that we should not make excuses when we are unsuccessful in an endeavor. A proverb is always useful and reflects truth and wisdom.  Example: Actions speak louder than words.  Example: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get.”  Example: A cat has nine lives.  Example: Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.

 A pun is the humorous use of a word in such a way that suggests different meaning or words having the same sound but different meanings.  Example: Being struck by lightening is a shocking experience.  Example: The best way to communicate with a fish is to drop them a line.  A toothless termite walked into a tavern and said, "Is the bar tender here?“  An elephant's opinion carries a lot of weight.  When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.  The roundest knight at King Arthur’s table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from far too much pi.

 An adage is a saying that is quoted frequently by people to remind others about something that is believed to be true. In many cases, adages happen to be long standing experiences that achieve credibility in the eyes of the people because of their use.  An adage is a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth.  Example: No risk, no gain  Example: Good things come in small packages  Example: Where there is smoke, there is fire

 Both an adage and a proverb are sayings, but proverb is more common than an adage in everyday life.  There is a practical aspect of a proverb whereas an adage is believed true because of long standing or use.  If one looks up Webster’s, he finds that a proverb has been defined describing it as an adage.  Adage and proverbs have many similarities, but they are not interchangeable  A proverb can be an adage.

Now lets talk about a few more…..

 Personification gives human characteristics to an animal or object.  Example: The leaf cried as it fell from the tree.  Example: The ocean danced in the moonlight.  Example: The tree branch moaned as I swung from it.

 Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial letter, sound, or group of sounds in a series of words.  Example: Tina Turtle tripped Timmy turtle for talking.  Example: Bob bought beautiful buttercups.  Example: She sells seashells by the seashore.

 Onomatopoeia is a word used to describe a sound or the sound made by an object or action.  Example: The crow fell from the tree with a BANG!

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