Figuratively Speaking....

Introduction

 

Did you know that whenever you describe something by comparing it to something else, you are using figurative language?  Using figurative language is a great way to snazz up your writing.  Your poetry and writing will really come alive!  In this web quest, you will learn/review about eight types of figurative language: 

  • Simile
  • Metaphor
  • Personification
  • Alliteration
  • Onomatopoeia
  • Hyperbole
  • Cliche/Idiom

Do you know what any of these types are already? If so, you are already on your way!  Read this poem and see if you can find some examples!

LIFE DOESN'T FRIGHTEN ME

By: Maya Angelou

Shadows on the wall
Noises down the hall
Life doesn’t frighten me at all
Bad dogs barking loud
Big ghosts in a cloud
Life doesn’t frighten me at all.

Mean old Mother Goose
Lions on the loose
They don’t frighten me at all
Dragons breathing flame
On my counterpane
That doesn’t frighten me at all.

I go boo
Make them shoo
I make fun
Way they run
I won’t cry
So they fly
I just smile
They go wild
Life doesn’t frighten me at all.

Tough guys in a fight
All alone at night
Life doesn’t frighten me at all.
Panthers in the park
Strangers in the dark
No, they don’t frighten me at all.

That new classroom where
Boys pull all my hair
(Kissy little girls
With their hair in curls)
They don’t frighten me at all.

Don’t show me frogs and snakes
And listen for my scream,
If I’m afraid at all
It’s only in my dreams.

I’ve got a magic charm
That I keep up my sleeve,
I can walk the ocean floor
And never have to breathe.

Life doesn’t frighten me at all
Not at all
Not at all
Life doesn’t frighten me at all.

 

Task

For the next few days you will be working to build a presentation "teaching" 7 different types of tools that authors and poets use to enhance their writings.  You will begin by creating a title slide with Figurative Language as the title.  You also need a simple, straightforward definition of figurative language on that slide as well.  At the bottom of the slide include Created by and your name, date and hour.  For each subsequent slide you will follow directions on the process tab.

Have fun!  Be creative, unique and surprise me with your brilliance!

Process

For each term please follow this process:

1. In your notebook record the definition for the term of the day, as well as 1 example
2. Create a slide showing what you know about the literary term.  Your slide should contain:

  1. Literary Term of the day.
  2. Definition
  3. An example
  4. Some sort of picture or graphic that demonstrates the term.

Title Slide

On your title slide you should have the following:

  1. Webquest title (largest font)
  2. Definition of figurative language (medium font)
  3. Your name, date and hour (smallest font)

Slides 1 & 2.  Create title slide, and one for simile and metaphor.

Click on each word for links to information.

Simile
Metaphor

Want to see what you know about these terms?  Click the links below to test your knowledge!

Simile Quiz
Metaphor Quiz

Slide 3. Personification
Click on the word for links to information.

Personification
 

Personification Quiz

Want to test your knowledge about the terms we've covered so far?

Click here to test your knowledge of Simile, Metaphor and Personification.

Let me see your score!!

Slide 4.  Alliteration
Click on the word for links to information.

Alliteration

Copy and paste the following info into Google.  Watch the PowerPoint that comes up.
csun + vasquez + alliteration+ PowerPoint
 

Examples:

It beats... as it sweeps... as it cleans!  (Hoover vaccuum slogan)  The "ee" sound is repeated.
The silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain....  Edgar Allen Poe

Slide 5. Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia

Go to https://www.poemhunter.com/.  Locate 5 examples of onomatopoeia from different poems on that site.  In your notebook, give the poem title and the example of onomatopoeia.

Slide 6.  Hyperbole

Hyperbole

Play this game to review some of the terms so far!

Slide 7. Cliche & Idiom

Cliche

Idiom

Paint by idiom game

 

 

Evaluation
CATEGORY   10 8 6 4
  Title Title is creative, has name and date. Title is missing one component: creativity, name, or date. Title is missing more than one component: creativity, name, or date. Title is missing.  
  Information All eight informational sections are present. Definitions are paraphrased, detailed and make sense. All eight informational sections are present. The definitions are detailed and make sense. Most informational sections are present. Some definitions make sense. Missing many informational sections.  
  Examples All eight example sections are present. Examples are creative and match the type of figurative language exemplified. All eight example sections are present. Examples match the type of figurative language exemplified. Most example sections are present. Some examples do not match the type of figurative language exemplified. Missing many example sections.  
  Transitions Creative, appropriate transitions exist within the photo story. Transitions exist but may not be creative or appropriate. Transitions are not creative or appropriate. Transitions are missing.  
  Photos/Illustrations Photos accurately match the example and are presented well. The background adds to presentation, is unique, and  is not distracting. Photos somewhat represent the example and are presented well. Nice background. Photos do not match the examples but are presented well. Photos don\'t match the example and are not presented well.  
          .
Conclusion

After you have completed creating your presentation with all the needed info, you may add animation and music if you have time.

 

Have another student check over your presentation and make sure you have all the needed info.

Credits

Many of my links and sources were taken from the following example:

https://sites.google.com/site/afigurativelanguagewebquest/evaluation