8th

Grade

Language Arts for Middle School:

Figurative Languge

Literary Devices
Table of Contents
Literary Devices

01 Sibilance

02 Synecdoche

03 Allusion

04 Euphemism

05 Oxymoron

06 Pun

07 Paradox
 Objectives of the Lesson
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to …

01 02 03
Analyze the impact of Use figurative language in
Define and identify various
figurative language on a their own writing to create
types of figurative language.
text's meaning and tone. imagery.
 Figurative
Language
It refers to the use of non-literal
phrases or words to create further
meaning in writing or speech.
 01

Sibilance
Sibilance
"She sells seashells by the seashore." The repetition of the "s"
Example 1 and “sh” sounds in this sentence creates a soothing and melodic
effect.

"The snake slithered silently through the grass.“ The repetition of

Example 2 the "s" sound mimics the snake's movement and adds a sense of
sneakiness to the description.

Identify the sibilant sound in the following sentence:

Exercise "The shimmering silver sea softly sang in the moonlight."

Sibilance involves the repetition of sibilant sounds (such as "s," "z," "sh," and
Definition "ch") within a sentence. Sibilance occurs at the beginning, middle or end of a
word. Words should be close together within a sentence or paragraph.

Effect It aims to create a hissing or whispering effect, adding musicality and emphasis
to the writing.
 02

Synecdoche
Synecdoche
"All hands on deck!" The word "hands" is used to represent the
Example entire crew. It emphasizes the need for everyone's help and
participation.

Exercise Identify the synecdoche in the sentence: "New wheels are parked
in front of the house."

The word "wheels" represents the entire car.

It is a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to refer to the

Definition whole or vice versa.

Effect It allows for more concise or vivid descriptions by using a related, representing
element.
 03

Allusion
Allusion "He was a real Romeo with the ladies." In this sentence, the word
"Romeo" alludes to the famous character from Shakespeare's play,
Example 1 Romeo and Juliet. By using this allusion, the writer suggests that the
person being described is charming and romantic.
"She had the wisdom of Solomon." This sentence alludes to King
Example 2 Solomon, known for his wisdom and judgment in the Bible. By making
this allusion, the writer emphasizes the person's exceptional wisdom.

Identify the allusion in the following sentence: "His new car was
Exercise his own personal Batmobile." It refers to the fictional vehicle used by
Batman.

It is a figure of speech that refers to a well-known person, place, event, or

Definition piece of literature.

Effect It is used to bring familiarity and deeper meaning to a piece of writing.

Let’s review!

Sibilance Allusion
To refer to a well-
the repetition of sibilant
known person, place,
sounds
event

Synecdoche
Part of a whole or vice
versa
 04

Euphemism
Euphemism
He is in a better place now. (referring to someone who has passed away.
Example 1 It offers comfort and avoids using the word "death" directly. )

Example 2 Someone borrowed money from my purse without asking.

(referring to the fact that my money was stolen)

Exercise Create a euphemism for the word "old." She's a woman of mature age.

It is an indirect, or polite expression used to replace a word or phrase that

Definition may be too harsh, offensive, or uncomfortable.

Effect Euphemisms are commonly used to address sensitive or taboo topics in a

pleasant way, so they help to avoid offending others and keep the peace.
 05

Oxymoron
Oxymoron
Example 1 It was disgustingly delicious. (it is bad for you but tasty)

Example 2 It was a deafening silence. ( it was so silent that it feels loud)

Exercise Identify the oxymoron in this sentence:

He is growing smaller.
He is going down in size.

Definition Two opposites or contradictory terms joined to create an effect.

Effect It brings dramatic effect to the writing.

06

Pun
Pun
Example 1 "I'm reading a book on anti-gravity. It's impossible to put down“.

Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!

Example 2 In this pun, the word "make up" has a double meaning. It can refer to the
act of creating or forming something, as well as the phrase "make up,"
which means to fabricate or lie.
Create your own pun using the word
Exercise "book" and "bark.“
It needed to book some bark
and relax!
Why did the tree take a vacation?.........

A joke or a clever play on words that has multiple meanings or similar sounds
Definition of words.

Effect It is used to create a humorous or witty effect.

 07

Paradox
Paradox
The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know. (It
Example means that as you gain knowledge and understanding, you also
become aware of how much more there is to learn.)

Exercise Identify the paradox in the sentence: “Everything I say is a lie"

Is the speaker telling the truth or lying? The speaker is creating a paradox
because if everything they say is a lie, then they must also be lying about
that statement.

A statement that reveals a kind of truth, although it seems at first to be

Definition untrue.

It draws the reader’s attention to think unconventionally about an idea or

Effect concept presented in the text. Paradox can be puzzling but challenging and
fascinating.
 Let’s review!

Euphemism Pun
To substitute a word or
phrase with a pleasant A joke or wordplay
one

Oxymoron Paradox
Combine two A true statement which
contradictory terms seems untrue
 Exercise
Identify the literary device used in the following sentences
 “War is Peace.
Freedom is Slavery.
Ignorance is Strength.”

— PARADOX
 Pun

“Thanks for explaining the word ‘many’ to me,

it means a lot.”
 Sibilance
“How sweet your song is! It
sounds like music to my ears.”
“All animals are equal, but some animals are
more equal than others.”

— Oxymoron
Allusion
“He is the Romeo to my Juliet.”
 Euphemism
He is not a liar; he is ‘creative with
the truth.’
Synecdoche
When a sergeant says, “I need all boots on the
ground.” (referring to his soldiers)
 Online Game

https://wordwall.net/res
ource/68477894
In a nutshell
 Sibilance
Wrap Up the repetition of sibilant sounds
I set a cloud for sails.

Synecdoche Allusion Euphemism

Part of a whole or vice versa To refer to a well-known To substitute a word or phrase
"The White House issued a person, place, event with a pleasant one
statement." (The White He studied all the time and Gig-boned for fat or overweight.
House represents the U.S. was a regular Einstein.
government.)

Oxymoron Pun Paradox

Combine two contradictory A joke or wordplay A true statement which seems
terms Fish are so smart because untrue
Friendly fire they live in schools. So good at being bad
Feedback

Understood Unsure and needs Does not understand

the concept more information the concept and needs
or clarification further explanation
Now You Are Ready!
Go to your LMS and answer the
sheet on figurative language.

Due next session

 Thanks!
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