English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Analyze the effects of figures of speech on meaning and tone
Analyze the effects of figures of speech on meaning and tone
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify common figures of speech (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, idiom) in a text.
Distinguish between the literal and figurative meaning of a phrase containing a figure of speech.
Explain how a figure of speech contributes to the overall meaning of a passage.
Analyze how a figure of speech influences the tone of a piece of writing.
Use textual evidence to support their analysis of the effects of figures of speech.
Articulate the author's purpose for using specific figures of speech.
Apply their understanding of figures of speech to interpret complex texts.
Have you ever read something that made you picture something totally wild, or feel a strong emotion, even though the words weren't literally true? 🤔
In this lesson, you�...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Figure of SpeechA word or phrase used in a non-literal way to create a special effect, add meaning, or evoke emotion. It's language that means something beyond its ordinary definition.Instead of saying 'The sun was very hot,' you might say 'The sun was a fiery ball.'
Meaning (Figurative)The non-literal, symbolic, or implied sense of words, often created by figures of speech. It's what the words suggest or represent, rather than what they directly state.If someone says 'It's raining cats and dogs,' the figurative meaning is that it's raining very heavily, not that animals are falling from the sky.
ToneThe author's attitude toward the subject, characters, or audience, conveyed through word choice and writing style....
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Key Rules & Conventions
Identify and Interpret
First, identify the figure of speech. Then, determine its literal meaning (if any) and its figurative meaning.
Before you can analyze the effect, you need to know what kind of figure of speech it is and what it's truly trying to say beyond the surface words.
Connect to Meaning
Ask: 'How does this figure of speech add depth, detail, or a new understanding to the text?'
Think about what new ideas, images, or feelings the figurative language brings to the reader that literal language wouldn't. Does it make something clearer, more vivid, or more complex?
Connect to Tone
Ask: 'How does this figure of speech make the reader feel, or what attitude does it show the author has?'
Consider the emotions or atmosphere created b...
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Challenging
Read the passage: 'The rumor was a wildfire, spreading from person to person with a single spark. It left a trail of scorched friendships in its wake.' What is the author's overall purpose, achieved through the extended metaphor of fire?
A.To explain the science of how fires spread.
B.To show that rumors are destructive, fast-moving, and hard to control.
C.To suggest that rumors can bring warmth and excitement to a community.
D.To argue that people should be more careful with campfires.
Challenging
An author describes a character's memory as 'a faded photograph.' How does this subtle metaphor influence the reader's perception of the memory?
A.It suggests the memory is happy and cherished.
B.It implies the memory is recent and very clear.
C.It indicates the memory is false and was made up.
D.It conveys that the memory is old, unclear, and losing its detail.
Challenging
In an argument for protecting an old-growth forest, which statement most effectively uses personification to create a tone of reverence and persuade the reader?
A.The forest has a lot of big trees that are very old.
B.The trees in the forest are like tall, green giants.
C.These ancient trees stand as the silent, wise guardians of our history.
D.If we cut down the trees, we will lose a valuable economic resource.
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