In KS2, pupils are introduced to a variety of figurative language techniques including similes, metaphors, personification and onomatopoeia, to help the reader picture what is being described. This display pack includes posters for figurative language techniques, with examples of how each one can be used and a challenge activity.
The posters could be used as part of a working wall, encouraging pupils to answer the challenge questions and add examples of sentences they have read or written themselves showing how different figurative language techniques could be used to create an interactive display.
Which figurative language techniques are included in this resource?
- simile
- metaphor
- alliteration
- onomatopoeia
- personification
- imagery
What is figurative language?
Figurative language uses words and ideas to suggest meaning and creates a vivid image for the reader. In KS2, metaphors, similes, personification, onomatopoeia and alliteration are usually explored. It is commonly used in fiction and poetry.
What is a simile?
A simile is a figure of speech used to compare one thing to another using the words like or as.
Simile examples:
- Sharp as a tack
- She was as brave as lion.
What is a metaphor?
A metaphor is a figure of speech where you say one thing (figuratively) is another thing.
Metaphor examples:
- The sun is a creature of habit.
- Round green pebbles roll around on my plate.
What is alliteration?
Alliteration is the repetition of a sound at the beginning of words in a phrase or sentence.
Alliteration examples:
- The wreckage rested on the ragged rocks.
- The treat melts in your mouth.
What is onomatopoeia?
Onomatopoeia describes when a word sounds like the thing to which it refers. Each onomatopoeic word is like an imitation of the noise it describes. It is one of a number of poetic techniques with which children should be familiar by the end of KS2.
Examples of onomatopoeia
Bang, clang, thump, roar, hiss, buzz, smash, crash, click, boom, cough, gargle
What is personification?
Personification is when an author gives human characteristics to an object.
Examples of personification
- The leaves danced in the wind.
- Floorboards groaned with every step.
What is imagery?
Writing descriptions that use the five senses to create vivid images for the reader.
Examples of imagery
- The salty air greeted them as they headed towards the beach.
- Clouds drifted silently above as I lay on the damp grass.
National Curriculum programme of study links
Year 3
- Pupils should be taught to develop their understanding of the concepts set out in English Appendix 2 by extending the range of sentences with more than one clause by using a wider range of conjunctions, including when, if, because, although