Figurative Language
Saying more or less
Sometimes we stretch the truth, shrink it, or give things human feelings to make a point.
1 Observe
Read each line. Is it saying more than the truth, less than the truth, or making a thing act like a person?
- I've told you a million times Said too much on purpose: I've told you many times.
- It's a bit warm today Said too little on purpose, on a very hot day.
- The wind whispered The wind made a soft sound, as if speaking.
- My bag weighs a tonne Said too much on purpose: my bag is very heavy.
2 Discover
Hyperbole (say high-PER-buh-lee, not 'hyper-bowl') makes things bigger than they are: 'I'm so hungry I could eat a mountain of idlis!' Understatement makes things smaller: calling a storm 'a bit of rain'. Personification gives a thing human actions: 'The sun smiled on the fair.'
In the Gerund course: Unit 44 Figurative Language & Literary Devices
3 Apply
Sana's father says, 'I've asked you a million times to tidy your room!' This is:
After heavy rain turned the cricket ground into a pond, Arjun said, 'The pitch is a bit damp.' This is:
'The wind whispered through the coconut trees in Kochi.' This is:
4 Create
Write one sentence where something in your home acts like a person.
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Example: Hyperbole: 'It's hot enough to cook rice on the road.' Understatement: 'It's slightly warm out.'
5 Explore
Open the hyperbole, understatement and personification cards. Which one makes you smile?