Guess the Figurative Language: Spot Metaphors, Similes, and More
This figurative language quiz helps you identify metaphors, similes, and personification in short passages and tell them apart. Get instant feedback, track your score, and build speed with each question. For extra practice, try our simile or metaphor quiz, quiz on figures of speech, or personification and simile quiz.
Study Outcomes
- Identify Metaphors -
Recognize and select metaphorical expressions in sentences, enhancing your ability to spot direct comparisons without "like" or "as."
- Differentiate Similes and Metaphors -
Distinguish between similes and metaphors by understanding how each device creates imagery, sharpening your quiz-for-figurative-language skills.
- Recognize Personification -
Detect instances of personification in text, attributing human traits to non-human subjects to deepen your comprehension of figurative language.
- Analyze Sentence-Level Devices -
Answer "what figurative language is this sentence" questions by examining context clues, improving your accuracy in the figurative-language-test format.
- Apply Figurative Devices -
Use metaphors, similes, and personification in your own writing by following examples and feedback from the free figurative language quiz.
- Explain Figurative Language Effects -
Articulate how each figure of speech impacts tone and meaning, demonstrating your mastery of figurative language generation.
Cheat Sheet
- Metaphor Basics -
Metaphors directly state that one thing is another to reveal deeper meaning without using "like" or "as," as in Shakespeare's "All the world's a stage." A handy mnemonic is "M for Metaphor, Missing the simile words," which reminds you that metaphors skip comparative terms. Practice spotting metaphors with exercises from Purdue OWL to reinforce this concept.
- Simile Spotting -
Similes draw comparisons using the words "like" or "as," such as "busy as a bee," making them easier to identify in sentences. Remember the trick "S for Simile, See 'like'," to flag these figures of speech quickly. Cambridge Dictionary's examples can help you review common similes in literature and everyday language.
- Personification Power -
Personification assigns human traits or actions to non-human subjects - think "the wind whispered through the trees" - to create vivid imagery and emotional resonance. A simple reminder is "Personify: People in objects," which links human qualities to inanimate nouns. Check out resources from the National Education Association (NEA) for more examples and classroom activities.
- Hyperbole Emphasis -
Hyperbole uses deliberate exaggeration for emphasis, like "I've told you a million times," and is common in both poetry and casual conversation. To spot hyperbole, consider whether the statement is literally possible or meant to dramatize a point. Cambridge's usage guide offers clear hyperbole examples and tips for distinguishing them from factual claims.
- Quiz Practice Strategies -
Sharpen your skills by taking free figurative language quizzes - process of elimination works wonders when identifying metaphors, similes, and personification. Set a timer to simulate test conditions and review instant feedback to strengthen recall and confidence. Websites like Quizlet and educational portals provide tailored practice sets for every skill level.