Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
Standard:
CC.1.2.7.F
Description:
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in grade-level reading and content, including interpretation of figurative, connotative, and technical meanings.
Standard:
E07.B-C.2.1.3
Description:
Determine how the author uses the meaning of words or phrases, including figurative, connotative, or technical meanings, in a text; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.
Standard:
E07.B-V.4.1.1
Description:
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
a. Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph, a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase. b. Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., belligerent, bellicose, rebel). c. Determine the meaning of technical words and phrases used in a text.
Standard:
E07.B-V.4.1.2
Description:
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
a. Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary and mythological allusions) in context. b. Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym, analogy) to better understand each of the words. c. Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic, condescending).
Standard:
CC.1.3.7.F
Description:
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in grade-level reading and content, including interpretation of figurative, connotative meanings.
Standard:
E07.A-C.2.1.3
Description:
Determine how the author uses the meaning of words or phrases, including figurative and connotative meanings, in a text; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
Standard:
E07.A-V.4.1.1
Description:
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
a. Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase. b. Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., belligerent, bellicose, rebel).
Standard:
E07.A-V.4.1.2
Description:
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
a. Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary and mythological allusions) in context. b. Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym, analogy) to better understand each of the words. c. Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic, condescending).
7th Grade Reading - Figurative Language and Devices Lesson
Authors use figurative language to create a special effect or feeling. Figurative language helps the reader understand the text better and better imagine the events and the characters.
Here are some examples of figurative language:
Figure of Speech
The meaning of each word separately does not tell the reader what the figure of speech means. An idiom is an example of a figure of speech.
Example: Birds of a feather flock together. (People who are similar hang out together.)
Simile
Compares two, unlike things by using the words “like” or “as.”
Example: Her hair was like a dark cloud. (Her hair was very dark.)
Metaphor
Compares two, unlike things to say one thing is another.
Example: The woman was a rock. (The woman was tough and strong.)
Personification
Gives nonhuman things human characteristics.
Example: The leaf danced in the gentle breeze. (The way the leaf moved in the wind seemed like dancing.)
Hyperbole
An obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken seriously.
Example: He was so tired he could sleep for a century. (He could sleep for a long time.)