Figurative Versus Literal

She was as quiet as a mouse.

• Literal

• Figurative

His room was a pigsty.

• Literal

• Figurative

I’m dying of boredom.

• Literal

• Figurative

Living with my brothers and sisters is like living in the middle of a circus.

• Literal

• Figurative

Which of the following is an example of distinguishing between literal and figurative language?

• Understanding "It's raining cats and dogs" means it's raining very hard.

• Knowing a simile compares two things using "like" or "as."

• Identifying a metaphor in a poem.

• Recognizing a hyperbole in a story.

Consider the sentence: "He has a heart of stone." What is the best explanation for why this is figurative language?

• It means his heart is literally made of stone.

• It suggests he is unfeeling or emotionally unresponsive, using a non-literal comparison.

• It indicates he is strong and healthy.

• It is a medical condition.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

What is the effect of describing a very calm sea as "glass" in literature?

• It suggests the sea is literally made of glass.

• It implies the sea is fragile and easily broken.

• It enhances the visual imagery by comparing the still, smooth surface of the sea to glass, emphasizing tranquility.

• It indicates that the sea is transparent.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

Evaluate the effectiveness of the metaphor "a tidal wave of emotions" in describing someone's reaction. What does this metaphor convey about the intensity of the emotions?

• It suggests the emotions are calm and manageable.

• It indicates the person is literally experiencing a tidal wave.

• It conveys a powerful, overwhelming surge of feelings, likening the emotions to a large, uncontrollable wave.

• It means the emotions are barely noticeable.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

Analyze the phrase "It's raining cats and dogs" and explain why it is considered figurative language. What does this phrase suggest about the intensity of the rain?

• It means that cats and dogs are falling from the sky.

• It suggests that it is raining very lightly.

• It implies that the rain is very heavy, using an exaggerated expression for emphasis.

• It indicates that actual animals are involved in the weather pattern.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

Analyze the phrase "light as a feather" when describing someone's step. What does this imply about the way the person is walking?

• It suggests the person is actually weightless.

• It implies the person is walking heavily.

• It means the person's walking is extremely quiet and gentle, using a simile to describe the ease of movement.

• It indicates the person is carrying feathers.

Tags

DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking