Word Sparks Anchor Chart
Writer's Toolkit Literary Devices
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
Words and phrases that go beyond literal meaning to create vivid pictures, emphasis, and emotion.
1
Simile
Comparison
Compares two unlike things using the connecting words like or as.
"The runner took off like a bolt of lightning."
Look for: like, as ... as Compares speed to lightning
2
Metaphor
Direct Match
Compares two unlike things directly by stating one thing is another (no like or as).
"Before the test, my mind was a blank chalkboard."
Look for: is, are, was, were States mind = chalkboard
3
Personification
Human Traits
Gives human traits, emotions, or actions to non-human objects, animals, or ideas.
"The greedy alarm clock screamed at me all morning."
Clue: Can an object really do that? Clocks can't scream
4
Hyperbole
Exaggeration
An extreme exaggeration used for dramatic emphasis or humor, not literal truth.
"This heavy backpack weighs ten million tons!"
Clue: Is it physically impossible? Backpacks aren't 10M tons
5
Idiom
Cultural Saying
An established phrase whose true meaning differs completely from the literal words.
"Don't worry about the quiz; it will be a piece of cake!"
Clue: Would an alien take it literally? Means very easy
6
Alliteration
Sound Echo
Repeating the same beginning consonant sound across closely connected words.
"Slippery silvery snakes slid through the grass."
Clue: Listen for the first sound Repeated initial /s/ sound
7
Onomatopoeia
Sound Words
A word that imitates or copies the natural sound of the action or object it names.
"The bacon sizzled as thunder crashed outside."
Clue: Can you hear the word out loud? Buzz, pop, splash, zoom
8
Imagery
5 Senses
Descriptive language that appeals deeply to one or more of the five physical senses.
"Crisp golden pastry smelling of warm cinnamon."
Sight, sound, smell, taste, touch Paints a mental picture
GOLDEN RULE:
LITERAL Means exactly what the words say. ("The water is cold.")
FIGURATIVE Uses creative pictures to show meaning. ("The water bit my skin.")
