English Language Arts
Grade 7
15 min
Use personification
Use personification
Tutorial Preview
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define personification and identify its key characteristics.
Locate examples of personification in various literary texts.
Explain the intended effect of personification on meaning, mood, or imagery.
Differentiate personification from other forms of figurative language, such as similes and metaphors.
Create original sentences and short passages using personification effectively.
Analyze how personification contributes to a writer's purpose or theme.
Revise their own writing to incorporate personification for enhanced descriptive power.
Have you ever heard the wind 'whisper secrets' or seen the sun 'smile' down on you? 🌬️☀️ What if objects around us could think, feel, and act like people?
In this lesson, you'll discover per...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PersonificationA type of figurative language where human qualities, actions, or emotions are given to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract ideas.The old house groaned in the strong wind, complaining about its age.
Figurative LanguageLanguage that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation, often to create a special effect or image.Similes, metaphors, and personification are all forms of figurative language.
Inanimate ObjectSomething that is not alive and does not move on its own, such as a rock, a table, or a book.The chair sighed as I sat down, tired from a long day.
Abstract IdeaA concept or idea that does not have a physical form, such as love, freedom, fear, or time.Time flew by, stealing moments we wished would...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Identify the Non-Human Subject
Personification always involves giving human qualities to something that is NOT human (an object, animal, or idea).
To spot personification, first find the subject of the sentence. Is it a chair, a cloud, a dog, or the concept of justice? If it's not a person, you're on the right track.
Look for Human Actions or Qualities
The non-human subject must be described as doing something only a human can do, or possessing a human emotion or trait.
Once you've identified the non-human subject, look for verbs or adjectives that describe it in a human way. Does it 'whisper,' 'dance,' 'frown,' or feel 'jealous'?
Consider the Effect
Effective personification adds depth, imagery, or emotion to writ...
5 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A writer wants to create a sense of danger and threat from an approaching storm. Which use of personification would be MOST effective?
A.The storm clouds gathered in the sky.
B.The storm announced its arrival with a soft rumble.
C.The storm crept into the valley on silent, watchful feet.
D.The storm was like a big, gray blanket.
Challenging
Read the passage: 'The single swing set stood in the corner of the playground, its chains groaning a sad tune whenever the wind blew. It watched the children run and play, but no one ever chose it. The swing remembered a time when it was new and loved.' How does the author's use of personification contribute to the theme of loneliness?
A.By describing the swing set's physical condition.
B.By giving the swing set human emotions and memories, making its isolation feel personal and relatable.
C.By comparing the swing set to a lonely child using a simile.
D.By showing that the playground is a dangerous place for children.
Challenging
The phrase 'the sun is smiling' is a common cliché. According to the tutorial's advice, which of the following revisions is the most original and effective use of personification for the same idea?
A.The sun was very bright today.
B.The sun was like a happy face in the sky.
C.The sun generously poured its golden light over the landscape.
D.The sun smiled down on us with its warm rays.
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