Practice 1. Identify literal and figurative language
Instructions
Based on what you learned in this lesson determine whether the word or phrase in each of the sentences below uses literal or figurative language. Some words or phrases could be used figuratively or literally; choose the interpretation that makes more sense.
Example
How is “sick” used in the sentence below?
Let’s just leave. I’m sick of waiting for John.
Answer: Figurative language
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1. How is “the clouds” used in the sentence below?
The clouds turned dark quickly, but the storm never came.
2. How is “a river” used in the sentence below?
A river of people moved through the streets celebrating the new year.
Figurative language
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3. How is “speak louder" used in the sentence below?
Actions speak louder than words.
Figurative language
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4. How is “speak louder” used in the sentence below?
Please speak louder so the people in the back of the room can hear you.
5. How is “forever” used in the sentence below?
Where have you been? I’ve been waiting forever.
Figurative language
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6. How is “your mind” used in the sentence below?
As you get older, it is important to keep your mind active.
7. How is “cloud” used in the sentence below?
There was a cloud of uncertainty around how to interpret the results of the experiment because the researchers had never seen anything like them.
Figurative language
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8. How is “kill” used in the sentence below?
I’m so thirsty I would kill for a glass of water right now.
Figurative language
Though this could be interpreted literally (which would make the speaker a very scary person), it is very likely being used figuratively.
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9. How is “kill” used in the sentence below?
A mother could kill to protect their child.
Literal language
This could be interpreted figuratively, too; however, it appears to be literal. The context would resolve the ambiguity.
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10. How is “millions of years” used in the sentence below?
Geologic processes can take millions of years to occur.
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