Figures of speech interactive presentation

Figures of Figures of SpeechSpeech

Introducing…Introducing…

Click on the arrow to go to the next slide.

IntroductionIntroductionAuthors often use figures of speech in both literature and poetry to enhance their writing.

Figures of speech present ordinary things in new or unusual ways.

They communicate ideas that go beyond the words’ usual, literal meanings.

Click this arrow to go back one slide…

Or this arrow to go to the next slide.

ObjectivesObjectivesBy the end of this class, you should be able to:

• Recognize nine figures of speech

• Identify figures of speech in poems

DirectionsDirectionsIn the first section, you will be introduced to seven figures of speech and examples of each.

You must correctly answer a multiple choice question about each term before moving on to the next.

But don’t worry – you’ll be given a chance to review and re-do a question if you answer incorrectly.

ImageryImageryDescriptive writing that appeals to the senses (sight, taste, touch, smell, and hearing)

Think of it this way:

Definition:

When a writer uses imagery, the descriptive writing helps create a picture or image in your mind.

Imagery = Mental Image

ImageryImageryExample:

The hot July sun cast an orange glare over the ocean waves.

ImageryImageryAnother example:

The cool waves crashed over my feet as we walked along the gritty sand.

There is a white bird in the sky.

The delicate white bird flew gracefully through the blue sky.

I heard the birds and saw them flying.

Which of the following is another example of imagery?(Click on a sentence to select your answer.)

Click this arrow if you’d like to review before answering.

Try AgainTry AgainRemember: When a writer uses imagery, he or she chooses words that will appeal to some or all of the reader’s five senses.

Think about which of the sentences most appeals to your five senses.

Click the arrow to try again.

You’re Right!You’re Right!“The delicate white bird flew gracefully through the blue sky” is an example of imagery because it gives the reader a mental image by appealing to the senses.

Click the arrow to continue.

SimileSimileComparing two unlike things using like or as

Example:

Definition:

She ran like the wind.

Running and the wind are unlike things. When you compare the speed of running to the speed of the wind, you are using a simile.

Explanation:

SimileSimileMore examples:

The snow was as thick as a blanket.

She was as light as a feather.

You are acting like a baby.

He felt like a bug under a microscope.

His temper was as explosive as a volcano.

He’s as messy as a pig when he eats.

He eats like a pig.

He is a pig.

Which of the following is NOT another example of a simile?(Click on a sentence to select your answer.)


Read the question carefully before

answering!

Try AgainTry AgainWhen a writer uses simile…

•Two unlike things are being compared

•The words like or as are being used to make the comparison


You’re Right!You’re Right!“He is a pig” is NOT a simile because even though it does compare two unlike things, it does not use the words like or as.

Click the arrow to continue.

MetaphorMetaphorThe definition of a metaphor is similar to the definition of a simile but there is one important difference between the two.

There will also be two parts to the definition of a metaphor.

Remember the definition of simile has two parts:

•Two unlike things are being compared•The words like or as are used to make the comparison

MetaphorMetaphor vs. vs. SimileSimile

Simile: Fido is like a teddy bear.Simile: Fido is as soft as a teddy bear.

Metaphor: Fido is a teddy bear.

Use the following examples to figure out the definition of metaphor.

Simile: That boy is like a pig.Simile: That boy is as messy as a pig.

Metaphor: That boy is a pig.

Comparing two similar things by using like or as

Comparing two similar things without using like or as

Comparing two unlike things by using like or as

Comparing two unlike things without using like or as

Which of the following is the correct definition for metaphor?(Click on a definition to select your answer.)


Try AgainTry AgainTake another look at these examples.


Simile: Fido is like a teddy bear.Simile: Fido is as soft as a teddy bear.

Metaphor: Fido is a teddy bear. Consider this…Are the two things being

compared like or unlike each other? Are there keywords that are used in one figure of speech that are not used in the other?

You’re Right!You’re Right!Although similes and metaphors both compare unlike things, metaphor do not use the words like or as.

AlliterationAlliterationTake a look at the following examples of alliteration. You will later select the best definition for this figure of speech.

Brad wore his blue and brown blazer.

Hank held his head high.

Larry loves lemonade and lolly pops.

Six swans went swimming in the sea.

AlliterationAlliterationHave you figured it out yet?

Here are more examples to help refine your definition.

Alliteration Sue shook her silky silver hair as the sun was setting.

NOT Alliteration Elizabeth easily eyed an elephant in the elevator.

Repetition of beginning consonant sounds

Repetition of beginning vowel sounds

Repetition of ending consonant sounds

Repetition of ending vowel sounds

Which of the following is the best definition for alliteration?(Click on a definition to select your answer.)


Try AgainTry AgainLook at this example again.

Six swans went swimming in the sea.

Think about what is repeating.

Is it a consonant sound or a vowel sound?

Is it at the beginning or end of the words?


You’re Right!You’re Right!Alliteration is the repetition of beginning consonant sounds, such as “Six silly swans went swimming in the sea.”It’s important to note that not every word in the sentence has to begin with the same letter in order for it to be considered alliteration.

In the above example, only 5 out of 8 words begin with an “s”.

HyperboleHyperboleThink about the following examples of hyperbole. You will later select the best definition for this figure of speech.

My backpack weighs a ton.

HyperboleHyperboleAnother example:

The wolf was 100 feet high.

HyperboleHyperboleMore examples:

You could have knocked me over with a feather.

I’ve told you a million times!

A major understatement; the opposite of exaggeration

A true statement that accurately describes a person, place, or thing

A major exaggeration or overstatement used for emphasis or humor

Which of the following is the best definition for hyperbole?(Click on a definition to select your answer.)


Try AgainTry AgainThink about the examples again.

The wolf was 100 feet high.

My backpack weighs a ton.

Are these true statements?

Does it understate or overstate the truth?


You’re Right!You’re Right!Hyperbole is a major exaggeration or overstatement.

Authors use this figure of speech to emphasize a point or add humor.

Think about many times in a day you exaggerate what you say and use hyperbole.

OnomatopoeiaOnomatopoeia

Start thinking about what you think is best definition for this figure of speech.

When you see this:

You often hear this:

Buzz and ring are both examples of onomatopoeia.

OnomatopoeiaOnomatopoeiaWhen you see this:

You often hear this:

More examples:

A word that looks like its meaning

A word that sounds like its meaning

A word that only describes animal sounds

Which of the following is the best definition for onomatopoeia?(Click on a definition to select your answer.)


Try AgainTry AgainThink carefully about the words buzz, bang, and moo.

Do these words look like their meanings?

Do these words sound like their meanings?

Do these words only describe sounds that animals make?


You’re Right!You’re Right!Onomatopoeia is a word that sounds like its meaning.

It can also be described as the use of a word which imitates a sound.

Other examples include: screech, whirr, sizzle, crunch, bang, pow, zap, roar, growl, click, snap, crackle, and pop.

PersonificationPersonificationGiving human traits or characteristics to something that isn’t human, such as animals, objects or non-living things

Think of it this way:

Definition:

When a writer uses personification, he or she gives characteristics of a person to an animal, object or thing.

PersonificationPersonificationExample:

The willow tree shook her long hair.

The example is referring to the way that the willow tree’s long branches sway in the wind. By saying “shook her long hair”, the tree is given characteristics of a human.

Explanation:

PersonificationPersonificationMore examples:

The car danced across the icy road.

The angry clouds marched across the sky.

The stars in the clear night sky winked at me.

The tulips nodded their heads in the breeze.

The wind juggled the leaves.

The wind blew the leaves.

The wind moved the leaves.

Which of the following sentences contain personification?(Click on a sentence to select your answer.)


Try AgainTry AgainThink carefully about the choices.

The wind juggled the leaves.

The wind blew the leaves.

The wind moved the leaves.

Which one of the verbs describes something that only a human does?


You’re Right!You’re Right!

“The wind juggled the leaves” is an example of personification.

MetonymyMetonymy Definition:Definition:

– Something is named to replace somethingSomething is named to replace something

closely related to it.closely related to it.

Example:Example:

““Feathers in my hair”Feathers in my hair”

““Applause”Applause”

The examples are used to replace social classesThe examples are used to replace social classes

(the rich and the famous)(the rich and the famous)

More examples:More examples:

Thirty Thirty handshands are employed in that are employed in that factory.factory.

The hostess kept a good The hostess kept a good tabletable..

SYNECDOCHESYNECDOCHE

Definition:Definition:– The whole is replaced by the part or the The whole is replaced by the part or the

part by the whole.part by the whole.

Example:Example:

50 heads of cattle50 heads of cattle

Explanation:Explanation:

““head” is used to mean whole animals.head” is used to mean whole animals.

More examples:More examples:

““Best Best brainsbrains in the country” in the country”

““

Part TwoPart TwoDirectionsDirections

You’ve made it through the first part of the tutorial!

Now you will be given poems and asked to choose which figure of speech is shown.

You will be able to look back at a definition page to help you along the way.

DefinitionsDefinitionsAlliteration: Repetition of beginning consonant sounds

Hyperbole: A major exaggeration or overstatement

Imagery: Descriptive writing that appeals to the senses

Metaphor: Comparing two unlike things without using like or as

Onomatopoeia: A word that sounds like its meaning

Personification: Giving human traits or characteristics to something that isn’t human

Simile: Comparing two unlike things using like or as

Click on the button to return to the previous slide.

Untitled

Bang! The starter’s gun—thin raindrops

sprint.

-Dorthi CharlesKnock at a Star

Which figure of speech is highlighted in the above poem?(Click on the figure of speech to select your answer.)

Simile Alliteration

Metaphor OnomatopoeiaClick this button if you’d like to review the definition page before answering.

Try AgainTry AgainTake a look at the definitions below and decide which figure of speech is being used when the poet says, “Bang!”



Alliteration: Repetition of beginning consonant sounds



You’re Right!You’re Right!

“Bang!” is an example of onomatopoeia because it is a word that sounds like its meaning.

“The Wind”The wind stood up, and gave a shout;He whistled on his fingers, and

Kicked the withered leaves about,And thumped the branches with his hand,

And said he’ll kill, and kill, and kill;And so he will! And so he will!

- James StephensKnock at a Star

Which figure of speech is highlighted in the above poem?

Alliteration Personification

Onomatopoeia Hyperbole

Try AgainTry AgainTake a look at the definitions below and decide which figure of speech is being used when the poet says, “The wind stood up, and gave a shout / He whistled on his fingers”.



Personification: Giving human traits to something that isn’t human



You’re Right!You’re Right!When James Stephens says, “The wind stood up, and gave a shout / He whistled on his fingers”, he is using personification.

He is giving human characteristics, such as shouting and whistling on fingers, to the wind.

“The Runner”

On a flat road runs the well-trained runner,He is lean and sinewy with muscular legs,He is thinly clothed, he leans forward as he runs,With lightly closed fists and arms partially raised.

- Walt WhitmanKnock at a Star


Metaphor Personification

Imagery Hyperbole

Try AgainTry AgainTake a look at the definitions below and decide which figure of speech is being used when the poet says, “As he runs /With lightly closed fists and arms partially raised”.



Personification: Giving human traits to something that isn’t human

Imagery: Descriptive writing that appeals to the senses


You’re Right!You’re Right!When Walt Whitman says, “As he runs / With lightly closed fists and arms partially raised”, he is using imagery.

He is using descriptive writing that appeals to our sense of sight to help us create a mental image of the runner.

“Peach”Touch it to your cheek and it’s softas a velvet newborn mousewho has to strive to be alive.

Bite in. Runnyhoney blooms on your tongue-as if you’ve bitten opena whole hive.And so he will! And so he will!

- Rose RauterKnock at a Star


Onomatopoeia Simile

Hyperbole Metaphor

Try AgainTry AgainTake a look at the definitions below and decide which figure of speech is being used when the poet says, “It’s soft as a velvet newborn mouse”.






You’re Right!You’re Right!When Rose Rauter says, “It’s soft as a velvet newborn mouse”, she is using a simile.

She uses the word as to compare two unlike things (a peach and a mouse).

Excerpt from “I’m Proud of My Preposterpus”

I’m proud of my Preposterpus,so ponderous and pale,I love the way it whistleswhen it swizzles ginger ale.It’s magnificent in stature,fully twenty-four feet tall,so it tends to draw attention when I take it to the mall.

- Jack PretulskyA Pizza the Size of the Sun


Hyperbole Alliteration

Onomatopoeia Metaphor

Try AgainTry AgainTake a look at the definitions below and decide which figure of speech is being used when the poet says, “I’m proud of my Preposterpus /so ponderous and pale”.






You’re Right!You’re Right!When Jack Prelutsky says, “I’m proud of my Preposterpus / so ponderous and pale”, he is using alliteration.

He is repeating the beginning consonant sound of “p” while he is describing the Preposterpus.

“Dreams”Hold fast to dreamsFor if dreams dieLife is a broken-winged birdThat cannot fly. Hold fast to dreamsFor when dreams goLife is a barren fieldFrozen with snow.

- Langston HughesThe Dream Keeper and Other

Poems


Simile Personification

Metaphor Onomatopoeia

Try AgainTry AgainTake a look at the definitions below and decide which figure of speech is being used when the poet says, “Life is a broken-winged bird / That cannot fly.”






You’re Right!You’re Right!When Langston Hughes says, “Life is a broken-winged bird / That cannot fly”, he is using a metaphor.

He compares two unlike things (life and a bird) without using the words like or as.

“A Pizza the Size of the Sun”I’m making a pizza the size of the sun,a pizza that’s sure to weigh more than a ton,a pizza too massive to pick up and toss,a pizza resplendent with oceans of sauce.

I’m topping my pizza with mountains of cheese,with acres of peppers, pimentos, and peas,with mushrooms, tomatoes, and sausage galore,with every last olive they had at the store.

My pizza is sure to be one of a kind,my pizza will leave other pizzas behind,my pizza will be a delectable treatthat all who love pizza are welcome to eat.

The oven is hot, I believe it will takea year and a half for my pizza to bake.I hardly can wait till my pizza is done,my wonderful pizza is the size of the sun.

- Jack PretulskyA Pizza the Size of the Sun


Onomatopoeia Simile

Hyperbole Personification

Try AgainTry AgainTake a look at the definitions below and decide which figure of speech is being used when the poet says, “I’m making a pizza the size of the sun / a pizza that’s sure to weigh more than a ton”.






You’re Right!You’re Right!When Jack Prelutsky says “I’m making a pizza the size of the sun / a pizza that’s sure to weigh more than a ton,” he is using hyperbole.

He is exaggerating about the size of the pizza that is being made.

Congratulations, You’re Congratulations, You’re Done!Done!

You’ve completed the entire tutorial. You were able to recognize and identify seven figures of speech.

Important: Keep this screen open and raise your hand to show your teacher that you have reached this final page.

Click the arrow to see the bibliography for this tutorial.

BibliographyBibliographyHughes, Langston. The Dream Keeper and Other Poems.

Scholastic, Inc.: New York, 1996.

Kennedy, X. J., and Kennedy, Dorothy. Knock at a Star.

Little, Brown and Company: New York, 1999.

Prelutsky, Jack. A Pizza the Size of the Sun. Scholastic, Inc.:

New York, 1996.

Click here to close the tutorial.

Technology

Figures of speech interactive presentation