Figurative Language Anchor Chart
LITERARY LENS
Figurative Language & Devices
TEKS 6.9D • 7.9D • 8.9D • 9C
Notebook Ref. Sheet
The Core Figurative Language Elements
Simile Like or As
Compares two unrelated things using "like" or "as".
"...cracking them open like a wild animal."
— Ghost by Jason Reynolds
Metaphor Direct Match
Compares two things by stating one is another—no comparison words.
"But my mother's hair... is the warm smell of bread before you bake it..."
— The House on Mango Street by S. Cisneros
Personification Human Qualities
Gives human qualities, feelings, or actions to non-human objects or animals.
"The elevator... groans and shudders like an old man..."
— Amari & the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Hyperbole Exaggeration
Uses extreme, deliberate exaggeration to emphasize a point or add drama.
"My crossover is so sharp, defender's ankles are still shivering..."
— The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Creating Sensory Worlds
Imagery
Vivid sensory words appealing to the 5 senses to paint mental pictures.
"The air smelled of sea salt and ozone, and a low hum vibrated right through the soles of my sneakers."
— The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
SMELL SOUND TOUCH
Plot Drivers: Building the Story
Foreshadowing
Definition: Hints, clues, or warnings placed early in the text that point to future events.
Purpose: Builds anticipation and weaves story puzzles.
"He didn't know it then, but that small, tarnished brass key would be the only thing..."
— The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Suspense
Definition: The growing feeling of tension, excitement, or dread that keeps readers on edge.
Purpose: Controls pacing and heightens emotional stakes.
"Footsteps echoed. Closer. Faster. I held my breath, pressing my back against the cold brick wall..."
— Scythe by Neal Shusterman
STAAR Reading Strategy: The "So What?" Question
TEKS exams require you to analyze why the author chose each tool:
EMOTION Vibe/Feelings
IMAGERY Mental Picture
CHARACTER Traits & Motivations
PACING Speed of Tension
My Reading Notebook • Unit: Craft & Structure
Aligned to 2026-2027 Texas ELAR Frameworks
