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Figurative Language and Literary Devices

CONCEPTUAL
EnglishReading Comprehension|Ages 11—14|ID: mt_DVSHx3YMkN

Determine the meaning of figurative and connotative language in context, analyse the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, and identify literary devices such as metaphor, simile, personification, allusion, and irony

Mastery Evidence

  • Identify a metaphor or simile in a passage and explain its effect on the reader
  • Explain how an author's word choice creates a particular tone (e.g., menacing, humorous, melancholic)
  • Recognise an allusion to a myth, the Bible, or another text and explain what it adds to the meaning

Assessment Prompt

“When [child] reads a passage containing a metaphor, irony, or allusion, can they explain what the author really meant — going beyond the literal words to describe the effect that device creates for the reader?”

Curriculum Standards7 alignments

RI.6.4Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
RI.6.4

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings.

English Language Arts
RI.7.4Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
RI.7.4

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.

English Language Arts
RI.8.4Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
RI.8.4

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.

English Language Arts
RL.6.4Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
RL.6.4

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.

English Language Arts
RL.7.4Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
RL.7.4

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.

English Language Arts
RL.8.4Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
RL.8.4

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.

English Language Arts
KS3-ENG-R-3aThe national curriculum in England
Know how language presents meaning

knowing how language, including figurative language, vocabulary choice, grammar, text structure and organisational features, presents meaning

· Key Stage 3

Prerequisites2

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