IN THIS LESSON

English Language Essentials

Figurative language goes beyond the simple definition of words to paint a picture.

Figurative language can create atmosphere or convey emotions.

The tools we use in figurative language are often called language features.

Further Details

.You will need to be able to identify language features in pieces of writing.

You will also need to use language features in your writing.

This applies to both GCSE English Language and Functional Skills English.

Language Features Activity

These are three common language features.

Match the name of the language feature to the correct description and the correct example. Then decide what effect is created in each example.

Name

Metaphor
Simile
Personification

Description

Comparing one thing with another (uses like or as to highlight a similarity).
Giving human-like characters to something that isn’t a person.
A comparison in which one thing is replaced with another (meta = beyond).

Example

The wind whispered around the house.
The museum was a key, unlocking the secrets of time.
She was as busy as a bee.

Bonus Activity

Find examples of metaphor, simile and personification in these extracts from Animal Farm by George Orwell.

A wave of rebelliousness ran through the countryside. … sheep broke down hedges and devoured the clover.

In January there came bitterly hard weather. The earth was like iron and nothing could be done in the fields.

The light from the farmhouse kitchen fell upon the yard and picked out the footprints in the snow. A little way down the yard the light from the lantern dancing from side to side as he walked.