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Snap Language

Getting Smarter through Language

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.

Your Answer:

Literal language

2. How is “a river” used in the sentence below?

A river of people moved through the streets celebrating the new year.

Your Answer:

Figurative language

3. How is “speak louder" used in the sentence below?

Actions speak louder than words.

Your Answer:

Figurative language

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.

Your Answer:

Literal language

5. How is “forever” used in the sentence below?

 Where have you been? I’ve been waiting forever.

Your Answer:

Figurative language

6. How is “your mind” used in the sentence below?

 As you get older, it is important to keep your mind active.

Your Answer:

Literal language

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.

Your Answer:

Figurative language

8. How is “kill” used in the sentence below?

 I’m so thirsty I would kill for a glass of water right now.

Your Answer:

Figurative language

Though this could be interpreted literally (which would make the speaker a very scary person), it is very likely being used figuratively.

9. How is “kill” used in the sentence below?

 A mother could kill to protect their child.

Your Answer:

Literal language

This could be interpreted figuratively, too; however, it appears to be literal. The context would resolve the ambiguity.

10. How is “millions of years” used in the sentence below?

 Geologic processes can take millions of years to occur.

Your Answer:

Literal language

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“What should I learn next?”

Return to the lesson to continue learning about figures of speech.

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