Grade 7Englishmedium
Figurative Language Adventures: Grade 7 Edition
A comprehensive worksheet covering similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, alliteration, onomatopoeia, and idioms with identification and creation exercises
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What Your Child Will Learn
- Identify and distinguish between seven types of figurative language (similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, alliteration, onomatopoeia, and idioms) in written passages and explain their purposes
- Apply figurative language techniques to create original sentences and short paragraphs that enhance descriptive writing and convey specific emotions or images
- Analyze how figurative language affects tone and meaning in sentences by comparing literal versus figurative interpretations of the same phrase
- Demonstrate understanding of the differences between similar devices (similes vs. metaphors, hyperbole vs. exaggeration) through targeted practice and explanation exercises
How to Use This Worksheet
- Step 1: Begin with the identification exercises. Have your student read through each sentence and identify which figurative language device is being used. Encourage them to underline key indicator words (like 'like' for similes, vivid verbs for onomatopoeia, repeated sounds for alliteration) that help signal the device at work.
- Step 2: After completing identification, discuss why the author chose each figurative language technique. Ask questions like 'How does this simile help you picture the scene?' or 'What feeling does this hyperbole create?' This deepens comprehension beyond simple labeling.
- Step 3: Move to the creation exercises where your student writes their own figurative language examples. Start with one device at a time rather than mixing all seven together. Have them create 2-3 sentences using the same device before moving to the next one.
- Step 4: Review their original creations for clarity and effectiveness. Ask your student to explain what they were trying to convey with each example. If the meaning is unclear, guide them to revise rather than simply marking it wrong.
- Step 5: Challenge extension: Have your student find examples of each figurative language device in a book, article, or song they enjoy. Bring these real-world examples back to compare with their worksheet work, showing how professional writers use these techniques in authentic contexts.
Tips for Parents & Teachers
Many 7th graders confuse similes and metaphors because they both make comparisons. Help clarify by emphasizing that similes always use 'like' or 'as,' while metaphors state a direct comparison without these comparison words. Use concrete examples from texts they're reading in class to reinforce this distinction repeatedly.
Students often struggle with idioms because they rely on cultural context and literal translation fails completely. Create a visual anchor chart of common idioms your student encounters (raining cats and dogs, break a leg, piece of cake) with both literal and figurative meanings displayed side-by-side. Reference this chart whenever they encounter unfamiliar idioms.
When students create their own figurative language, they may write awkward or unclear comparisons. Encourage them to ask 'Would a reader immediately understand what I'm trying to describe?' before finalizing their work. Have them read examples aloud to hear if the figurative language sounds natural and effective in context.
Onomatopoeia is often overlooked as 'just a fun word,' but emphasize that it serves a purpose: it creates vivid sensory experiences and helps readers 'hear' the action. Point out onomatopoeia in comics, action novels, and poetry to show how professional writers intentionally choose these words for impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important for 7th graders to learn figurative language if they can just say things directly?
Figurative language makes writing more interesting, memorable, and emotionally engaging. It helps readers visualize concepts, understand abstract ideas, and connect emotionally with text. For 7th graders, learning to use figurative language prepares them for analyzing literature in future grades and for their own creative writing. Additionally, figurative language appears constantly in books, songs, advertisements, and everyday speech—understanding it helps students become more critical consumers of media and more persuasive writers.
My student says 'All metaphors are just figurative language.' Is that correct, or is there a more specific distinction?
Your student is partially correct but needs clarification. Metaphors are a TYPE of figurative language, along with similes, personification, hyperbole, alliteration, onomatopoeia, and idioms. Think of 'figurative language' as the umbrella term for all non-literal language, while metaphor is one specific device under that umbrella. Using the correct, more specific term (saying 'That's a metaphor' rather than 'That's figurative language') shows precision in literary analysis and is important for academic writing.
When should my 7th grader use figurative language in their own writing, and when should they write literally?
Encourage your student to choose based on purpose and audience. Figurative language works best in creative writing, descriptive essays, persuasive writing (to create emotional impact), and personal narratives. It's less appropriate for technical writing, informative essays about facts, or formal academic papers unless specifically requested by the teacher. For instance, a narrative about a sports game benefits from vivid metaphors and similes, but a research report on photosynthesis should use clear, literal language. Help your student develop judgment about when each style is most effective.
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