figurative language song assignment

Like many ELA teachers, I like to use music as an inroad for teaching figures of speech. It’s not only accessible for struggling readers, but also delightful for me because I get to watch a room of too-cool-for-school teens rock out to my tunes.

For today’s post, I’d like to share my favorite lesson plan for introducing and reviewing figurative language with teens. It’s just the right balance of rigor and fun so that you can be sure your students are working their brains while they jam out.

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Figurative Language in Music Lesson Plan

Materials Needed:

Figurative Language in Music Handout
Markers/colored pencils
Figurative Language in Music Playlist

After having students take notes on figurative language , I distribute a lyric sheet and instruct students to create a key for color-coding hyperbole, metaphor, simile, personification, onomatopoeia, and imagery.

Figurative Language Key:

Key for color-coding figurative language

I tell students to follow along with the text as we listen to identify figures of speech. (However, it is not unusual that some of them will also sing along or dance in their seats.) The following are the excerpts I use from five songs, along with the color-coding and annotations that explain how the songs use figurative language.

“Killing Me Softly With His Song” by The Fugees

I like to start with this one because most students haven’t heard it, and they are shocked at how much they like it, especially after the drum kicks in. (I recently watched a student add this song to her Spotify playlist as we were listening to it.)

Text-Dependent Question: What does the speaker mean when she says that the singer is “Killing me softly with his song?”

“Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer

Sixpence None The Richer was all the rage when I was young, so I’d probably share it with my students even if we weren’t studying figurative language. However, it’s also perfect for this exercise because it’s basically all imagery.

Text-Dependent Question: How does the song’s use of imagery and personification contribute to the mood (atmosphere) it creates?

“Bull in a China Shop” by BNL

“Bull in a China Shop” is a song of metaphors that even has the word “metaphor” in it. How can you beat that?!

"Bull in a China Shop" Color-Coding and Annotations

Text-Dependent Question: How do the metaphors in “Bull in a China Shop” contribute to the characterization of the speaker?

“Stitches” by Shawn Mendes

After I’m done touring the 90s with the previous songs, I move to the next century via a little Shawn Mendes. The adolescent penchant for hyperbole shines through brightly in “Stitches.”

Text-Dependent Question: How does the song use hyperbole to convey the speaker’s pain?

“Firework” by Katy Perry

I know I’m not the first—and I won’t be the last—to use “Firework” to identify similes and metaphors. I love it, though, because it’s a rockin’ anthem replete with figurative language.

Text-Dependent Question: How does the song’s use of simile attempt to inspire the listener?

After students color-code and annotate the songs, I have them select two of the songs and answer the text-dependent questions in PEEL paragraphs . In this way, they can practice not only identifying and analyzing figurative language in music, but also writing strong paragraphs that include text evidence.

As an extension activity, I have students select 8-12 lines of a song of their choosing and annotate it for figurative language . Then they write a paragraph to explain how that paragraph uses figurative language to support its main idea.

Want to try this in your classroom? Get the Figurative Language in Music Bundle at Teachers Pay Teachers .

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Examples Of Figurative Language In Popular Songs

Every night in my dreams I see you, I feel you… Love can touch us one time And last for a lifetime… Near, far, wherever you are I believe that the heart does go on

Just shoot for the stars if it feels right And aim for my heart if you feel like it… Kiss me ’til you’re drunk and I’ll show you all the moves like Jagger I’ve got the moves like Jagger

The snow glows white on the mountain tonight Not a footprint to be seen… The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside Couldn’t keep it in, heaven knows I’ve tried… Let it go, let it go Can’t hold it back anymore.

Skies are crying, I am watching Catching teardrops in my hands… You can break everything I am Like I’m made of glass Like I’m made of paper

I hope you know, I hope you know That this has nothing to do with you It’s personal, myself and I We got some straightening out to do And I’m gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket But I’ve got to get a move on with my life It’s time to be a big girl now And big girls don’t cry Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag… Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin Like a house of cards.. Come on let your colors burst… You’re original, cannot be replaced If you only knew what the future holds

Phone’s blowin’ up, they’re ringin’ my doorbell… And I’m holding on for dear life, won’t look down won’t open my eyes Keep my glass full until morning light, ’cause I’m just holding on for tonight Help…

Fly me to the moon Let me play among the stars Let me see what spring is like on A-Jupiter and Mars… You are all I long for, all I worship and adore

Easy come, easy go, that’s just how you live, oh Take, take, take it all, but you never give Shoulda known you was trouble from the first kiss Had your eyes wide open; why were they open? (Ooh) Gave you all I had and you tossed it in the trash You tossed it in the trash, you did To give me all your love is all I ever ask ‘Cause what you don’t understand is

A winter ’s day In a deep and dark December… It’s sleeping in my memory I won’t disturb the slumber of feelings that have died… I am a rock I am an island… And a rock feels no pain And an island never cries.

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Unlocking the Power of Figurative Language in Song Lyrics: A Creative Teaching Approach

Music has a unique ability to captivate our emotions, transport us to different worlds, and even teach us valuable lessons. One aspect of music that often goes unnoticed but holds tremendous educational potential is figurative language.

Song lyrics, especially in the realm of pop music, are rich with metaphors, similes, personification, and other forms of figurative language. Harnessing the power of these lyrical treasures can make the process of learning about figurative language not only enjoyable but also highly effective.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how to use lyrics from Pop Music to teach figurative language to infuse your classroom with the magic of music and enhance your students’ language skills.

Why Teach Figurative Language with Song Lyrics?

Figurative language is a fundamental aspect of language arts and literature, and it plays a pivotal role in enhancing students’ reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking abilities.

So, why use song lyrics to teach figurative language?

Engagement: Pop music is an integral part of many students’ lives. By leveraging something they already love, you can instantly capture their attention and enthusiasm for learning.
Real-world Application: Song lyrics are everywhere, and they are a tangible example of how figurative language is used in everyday communication. This approach makes learning relevant and practical.
Cultural Relevance: Pop songs are a reflection of our culture and society. Analyzing lyrics from popular songs can spark discussions about current events, social issues, and personal experiences.

How to Use Song Lyrics to Teach Figurative Language

Now that you understand the benefits of using song lyrics to teach figurative language, let’s dive into the practical implementation using “Figurative Language in Song Lyrics Task Cards.”

Selecting the Right Songs: Choose popular songs that contain clear examples of figurative language. Look for metaphors, similes, hyperbole, personification, and other devices. Ensure that the lyrics are age-appropriate for your students. Need help finding songs? Check out my complete “ Figurative Language in Song Lyrics ” resource!
Listening and Analyzing: Play the chosen song for your students. As they listen, ask them to actively listen for instances of figurative language and write down their observations.
Discussion and Explanation: After listening, facilitate a class discussion where students share their findings. Encourage them to explain the meaning behind each figurative language device and how it enhances the song’s message or mood.
Creative Application: Challenge your students to create their own figurative language examples inspired by the song. This can be done through writing exercises, art projects, or even composing their own lyrics.
Extension Activities: To deepen their understanding, you can connect the song’s themes and messages to literary works or other subjects, fostering interdisciplinary learning.

Conclusion:

Teaching figurative language through song lyrics is a dynamic and engaging approach that can enrich your students’ language skills while fostering a deeper appreciation for music and its role in our lives. With my “Figurative Language in Song Lyrics Task Cards,” you will have a valuable tool at your disposal to make the learning process fun, relatable, and meaningful. So, why not embrace the power of music in your classroom and let your students embark on a lyrical journey of language exploration?

Incorporate this creative teaching method, and watch your students become more adept at deciphering the rich tapestry of figurative language in the world around them.

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11 Ideas for Teaching Figurative Language Meaningfully

Figurative language is easy to make one of the most engaging aspects of an ELA class. By nature, it is playful. Because it can be paired with pretty much any unit, it can be woven in throughout the year to ensure students get the repetition and practice they need. Here are some ideas for teaching figurative language in middle or high school.

When to Teach It:

Any time! Figurative language is fun to teach with almost any unit. When lesson planning, consider what type of figurative language is the most relevant to the text and the skills students need to develop.

With Poetry…

For example, build figurative language into your poetry units. Teaching poetry? Try to identify the technique the poet uses most frequently. Think, what literary device packs the most power? Then, as students practice literary analysis, make sure that figurative language is part of their response. This lesson will work with any poem of your choice.

With Shakespeare…

While most of my literature units only focus on a few literary devices, teaching figurative language with Shakespeare’s plays is different. They are so rich in a wide range of poetic devices that we spend more time studying how they reflect his craft.

Try beginning a Romeo and Juliet unit by introducing figurative language . Then, before finding examples from the play, ask students to look for them in a text that is more familiar, like The Lion King . With this scaffolding, students are more prepared to notice and analyze figurative language in the play.

With Short Stories…

Throw in a literary terms with each short story students read and analyze. Reading “The Gift of the Magi”? Study irony. While reading “The Lottery,” dig deep by analyzing the symbolism of the ritual, the people’s names, and the objects involved. Additionally, “The Scarlet Ibis” provides opportunities for discussion of many similes and metaphors.

With Novels…

Novels are the perfect opportunity to focus on more complex figurative language. They generally contain multiple examples of a device. For instance, To Kill a Mockingbird is full of allusions and idioms. What’s more, novels provide the chance to study figurative language that develops over the course of an entire work. Consider: Lord of the Flies and Animal Farm both are perfect for studying allegory.

With Creative Writing…

Don’t forget to build figurative language into writing units. It can be a powerful way to frame an essay, but even more so, students generally love learning to use literary devices in creative writing. In particular, this lesson has been enjoyable for students because it allows them to respond to high-interest nonfiction texts through figurative language, color, and abstract thinking.

How to Hook Students:

Sadly, even literary terms can be boring if all students do is identify examples and practice with worksheets. Try adding some divergent thinking and movement when teaching figurative language, like this.

Analyze figurative language in movies…

Students love seeing the application of what they are learning in popular culture. Youtube is full of videos that will engage students. Play one like this , and have a meaningful discussion about how the literary devices add to the viewers’ experiences.

Discuss figurative language in songs…

Students will find this clip and many others like it engaging. So, watch them dance in their seats and sing out loud as they reflect on how song writers embed figurative language in popular music. Ask students: What would this song be like without the similes? How does the power of this poem rest in its figurative language?

Write figurative language to complement art…

Art is visually appealing, which makes it an excellent writing hook. Try asking students to write a short response to a piece of artwork using a specific type of figurative language. For example, maybe they think Van Gogh’s brush strokes look like tufts on a blanket or scales on a lizard (similes). Or, perhaps they think their favorite surrealist’s work is just a little crazy (understatement). Alternatively, students responses could be a narrative to accompany the artwork instead of a commentary on the artist’s style.

Act it out…

Put students in pairs or small groups. Then, assign them one type of figurative language, and ask them to write a script that uses that device at least ten times. Students can record their skits and play them for the class or perform their skits live. The repetition generally makes these skits entertaining and memorable.

Watch Flocabulary clips…

Flocabulary has some high-interest figurative language clips students love. Here is one for similes and metaphors . They also have one for hyperboles and personification , and this one is for figurative language in general. Instead of just showing students the clip and moving on, have them write down examples or explanations from the clips that they haven’t thought of before.

Play games…

Games can bring energy and social learning benefits to the classroom. Figurative language lends itself well to game play, if your classroom culture calls for such. Try Figurative Language Truth or Dare for a basic level game. Want to add more terms and challenge advanced students? Play Get Schooled !

Teaching figurative language can and should be fun and memorable. Begin by hooking students, make sure to sprinkle it in frequently throughout the year, and add some divergent thinking to push students beyond simple identification.

Interested in reading more about figurative language? In this post , Language Arts Classroom writes about 10 poems and figurative language to teach with each.

USING PICTURE BOOKS AS MENTOR TEXTS

11 ways to use color-coding strategies in the classroom, short story unit ideas, related resource:.

This scaffolded literary analysis activity works with any poem or song and helps students reflect on how figurative language impacts the text and the reader overall.

Creative poetry analysis graphic organizers and written response for middle and high school ELA #poetry #HighSchoolELA

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20 Very Best Songs With Figurative Language Ever Recorded

When you think about figurative language, you may think of poetry or classic novels. You probably don’t think about popular songs from the last several decades. However, many songs on the radio today and in the recent past are full of wonderful examples of figurative language.

What is Figurative Language?

Figurative language is a way of using words or expressions in a non-literal sense to convey a particular meaning or image. It is a form of language that is used to create an evocative, imaginative, or emotional impact on the reader or listener.

Figurative language is often used in literature, poetry, and music to enhance the artistic and creative aspects of the work. It can also be used in everyday speech to make language more interesting and engaging.

Some common types of figurative language include:

Metaphors: A figure of speech that describes one thing in terms of another, suggesting a resemblance or a connection between them. Example: “Life is a journey.”
Similes: A figure of speech that compares two things using “like” or “as”. Example: “Her eyes were as blue as the ocean.”
Personification: A figure of speech in which a non-human thing is given human-like qualities or characteristics. Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.”
Hyperbole: A figure of speech that uses exaggeration to emphasize a point or make a statement more dramatic. Example: “I’ve told you a million times.”
Irony: A figure of speech in which the opposite of what is expected or intended happens. Example: “It’s like rain on your wedding day.”
Onomatopoeia: A figure of speech that imitates the sound of the thing being described. Example: “The clock tick-tocked loudly in the silent room.”

These devices can help to create vivid images, convey complex ideas, and evoke an emotional response from the audience.

Our Top Picks: Songs with Figurative Language

21. “fireflies” – owl city.

The song “Fireflies” by Owl City lit up the airwaves in 2009. The song was originally inspired by watching shooting stars during a bout of insomnia during a camping trip. The song feels like lucid dreaming when it’s difficult to separate reality from fantasy, or could work as a metaphor for moving from the innocence of childhood to adulthood. In any case, the song is full of imaginative and creative lyrics that use figurative language to evoke a dreamy and nostalgic feeling.

Personification: The lyrics “Cause I get a thousand hugs / From ten thousand lightning bugs / As they tried to teach me how to dance” personifies lightning bugs attempting to hug and teach the singer how to dance is a whimsical and imaginative concept.

Metaphor: “I’d like to make myself believe that planet Earth turns slowly” creates a feeling of childhood nostalgia when time seemed slower and looser.

Paradox: The chorus has the line “It’s hard to say that I’d rather stay awake when I’m asleep” which presents the paradox between sleeping and being awake.

20. “Hungry Like the Wolf” – Duran Duran

Duran Duran’s 80s hit “Hungry Like the Wolf” is an extended metaphor, comparing a man’s pursuit of a beautiful woman with a wolf on the hunt for its prey. While the premise might seem a bit dated from a modern dating perspective, almost every line lends itself to this metaphor. Additionally, the song’s iconic title is a simile, a type of metaphor that uses the words “like” or “as.”

“I’m on the hunt I’m after you. Mouth is alive with juices like wine. And I’m hungry like the wolf.”

There are two similes in the lines above, comparing saliva to wine and romantic desire to a wolf’s hunger.

19. “A Thousand Miles” – Vanessa Carlton

Vanessa Carlton’s hit song “A Thousand Miles,” tells the story of a young woman making her way back home , but remembering that her loved one is no longer there. She sings the line:

“Cause you know I’d walk a thousand miles If I could just see you tonight.”

This lyric is a use of hyperbole. She obviously cannot walk a thousand miles, but she is expressing how much she misses her ex.

18. “God’s Plan” – Drake

“God’s Plan” is a popular hip-hop that uses figurative language to tell a story of taking the road to fame and wealth while navigating through enemy territory. One line that exemplifies the figurative nature of this song is when Drake states that, “he might go down as G.O.D”.

This metaphor eludes to all the accomplishments and achievements Drake has acquired, which perhaps makes him immortal in the eyes of his fans. If the beat and tune of this song does not catch your attention, the deeper meaning definitely will.

17. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” is one of the most iconic jazz songs of the past century. The song encourages listeners to see the beauty in everything around them. It’s a masterclass in using imagery to create the mood of the song.

Imagery: The song is primarily based on observations, using a combination of imagery and metaphor to demonstrate the wonder of the world.

“I see trees of green, red roses too / I see them bloom, for me and you”: imagery describes the colors and beauty of nature.

“I see skies of blue and clouds of white / The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night”: the lyrics paint a picture of the sky and the contrast between day and night.

“I hear babies cry, I watch them grow / They’ll learn much more than I’ll never know”: imagery that helps us appreciate the endless possibilities of life itself.

“I see friends shaking hands, sayin’, ‘How do you do?’ / They’re really sayin’, ‘I love you'”: a beautiful image of basic human interactions and the love behind them.

Throughout the song, Armstrong employs imagery to paint a picture of a world filled with beauty and wonder. The song’s message of appreciation for the simple things in life and the beauty of the natural world is one that continues to resonate with listeners today, making it a timeless classic.

18. “All Along the Watchtower” by Bob Dylan

“All Along the Watchtower” is a song written by Bob Dylan and made famous by Jimi Hendrix in his 1968 cover version. The surreal song tells the story of a joker and a thief, some say it’s a criticism of the Vietnam War, while others that it’s about the more universal human experience and search for meaning.

Symbolism: The opening of the song drops us directly into a conversation “‘There must be some kind of way out of here,’ Said the joker to the thief.” The joker and the thief are both timeless archetypes who are seen as outsiders to the established order.

Imagery: Dylan uses imagery masterfully with the line “All along the watchtower, Princes kept the view.” This line uses the visual imagery of a watchtower to show that the established hierarchy is powerful, alert, and hostile to outsiders.

Metaphor: The line “Two riders were approaching” raises the suspense levels of the final verse and foreshadows a change to the established order. It also alludes to the dread and mystery of Yeat’s poem The Second Coming, which ends “And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?”

Personification: The lyrics “And the wind began to howl” use the personification of the wind howling in response to the approaching danger posed by the two riders.

“All Along the Watchtower” is only 3 terse verses with no chorus but the controlled use of language adds drama and intrigue.

17. “Chandelier” by Sia

A pop anthem by the musical genius Sia, “Chandelier” embraces figurative language to explore the alcoholism and substance abuse that runs rampant during parties. The talented artist uses the perfect blend of her amazing voice and figurative language to convey her need to indulge in extreme behaviors.

Metaphor: “I’m gonna swing from the chandelier”, evokes the phrase “swinging from the chandelier” which is used to describe the activities of a wild party with people doing wild, silly things and having a good time.

Paradox: But instead of swinging by the chandelier to have a good time, we hear “But I’m holding on for dear life, won’t look down, won’t open my eyes.” The singer uses the image of holding on for dear life in the midst of a party to symbolize her desperation.

Hyperbole: With the line “Party girls don’t get hurt” the singer uses hyperbole to explain how young women in the party scene use drugs and alcohol to stay numb and suppress pain.

In this beautiful song, Sia uses figurative language to describe her battles with alcohol and substance abuse and the personal troubles she endured in her past. Although Sia touches on her personal troubles, it is a song that many people can still resonate with.

16. “Fireworks” by Katy Perry

This upbeat pop song is a must-have for this list. In addition to having an uplifting upbeat melody, this catchy song is all about self-empowerment and embracing your inner confidence.

Metaphor: In the chorus, Katy Perry sings, “Baby, you’re a firework.” This line compares a person to a firework, implying that they are bursting with energy, awe-inspiring, and capable of lighting up the world.

Simile: In the bridge, Perry sings, “Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow.” This line uses a simile to compare the intensity felt in your heart to a lightning bolt, emphasizing its power.

Onomatopoeia: The refrain “Boom, boom, boom” uses onomatopoeia to create the sound of fireworks exploding in the listener’s mind.

Hyperbole: The line “You don’t have to feel like a wasted space” uses hyperbole to exaggerate the feeling of worthlessness. The idea of a wasted space is taken to the extreme, emphasizing the importance of feeling valuable.

Imagery: Throughout the song, Perry uses vivid imagery of fireworks to describe the feeling of empowerment and self-confidence. Lines like “ignite the light and let it shine” create a visual and auditory experience for the listener, emphasizing the powerful feeling of being alive.

15. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

If you are looking for a song to lift your spirits, you may want to consider giving “Happy” a listen to. Listening to this upbeat song, you cannot help but feel happy.

The song is sung by talented artist Pharell Williams, who uses his unique voice to convey a wonderful message. Although some of the lines in this song are written in figurative language and metaphors, it is still fairly easy to comprehend.

Personification: The lyrics “here come bad news talking this and that” uses personification to describe bad news as a person, emphasizing its negative impact on our lives.

Simile: The chorus “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof” uses a simile to compare the listener’s mood with the boundlessness of a room without a roof — a feeling of happiness so intense that it can make you feel like you’re floating above everything else.

Hyperbole: “I’m a hot air balloon that could go to space” uses hyperbole to show the singer’s sense of expansive possibility and boundless joy.

Metaphor: “Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth” – This line uses metaphor to equate the feeling of happiness with a sense of truth and authenticity.

14. “The Boxer” by Simon and Garfunkel

The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel is a lament sung in first person until the last chorus. It chronicles the singer’s struggles to overcome loneliness and poverty in New York City. While some have speculated it was written an attack on Bob Dylan, Simon said it was written during a time when he felt like he was being unfairly criticized.

Imagery: The line “In the clearing stands a boxer, and a fighter by his trade” uses the image of a boxer standing alone to the singer’s own isolation and strength.

Hyperbole : “I have squandered my resistance for a pocketful of mumbles, such are promises” indicates that the narrator has wasted his energy on empty promises and lies.

Repetition: While the lyrics “After changes upon changes, We are more or less the same; After changes we are more or less the same” was not included in the Bridge Over Troubled Water album, they’ve been included on subsequent recordings. It uses repetition to drive home the unchanging nature of individuals.

Metaphor: In the final verse, the line “he carries the reminders of every glove that laid him down or cut him till he cried out in his anger and his shame” the narrator’s personal struggles are compared to the physical blows that a boxer receives.

Allusion: While the song is not overtly religious, Simon indicated in an interview that the terms “workman’s wages” and “seeking out the poorer quarters” came from his readings of the Bible when he was writing the song and give the song a timeless flavor.

“The Boxer” uses a variety of figurative language techniques to explore themes of perseverance and regret. The song’s metaphors, hyperbole, imagery, and repetition create a vivid story of an individual struggling to find their place in the world.

13. “I’m Like a Bird” by Nelly Furtado

“I’m Like a Bird” is a song by Canadian singer Nelly Furtado, released in 2000. The song’s lyrics use figurative language to convey the singer’s desire for freedom.

Symbolism: The title “I’m Like a Bird” is symbolic, the phrase “free as a bird”has long been used to indicate that someone is completely free, without care or restraints.

Simile: The line “I’m like a bird, I’ll only fly away” uses a simile to compare the singer to a bird, emphasizing her desire for freedom and need to break free from the constraints of her current situation.

Hyperbole: The line “I’m so bored, I’m going blind” uses hyperbole to emphasize the singer’s sense of restlessness and ennui.

Imagery: The line “You’re beautiful, that’s for sure / You’ll never ever fade” uses imagery to emphasize the enduring quality of the person’s beauty.

Metaphor: The line “I don’t know where my soul is, I don’t know where my home is” uses a metaphor to contrast the desire for freedom with the singer’s sense of displacement and disorientation.

It has a joyful tune and a hopeful message that is truly uplifting. In the song, Nelly speaks of not knowing where she is going or where her home. Although the line is a bit melancholy, listeners are reassured she will get to her destination by taking flight.

12. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day

If you’re looking for a more rocking version of figurative speech in song, try “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day released in 2004. As one of the classics, this song takes listeners on a journey through a boulevard of hopelessness and loneliness.

Metaphor: The memorable line “I walk a lonely road, the only one that I have ever known” uses metaphor to compare the narrator’s life to a lonely road, emphasizing the sense of isolation and disconnection that he feels.

Imagery: The line “I’m walking up the stairs that lead to nowhere” uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the narrator’s aimless wandering and sense of futility.

Personification: The line “The city sleeps, and I’m the only one, and I walk alone” uses personification of a city sleeping to emphasize the singer’s sense of alienation even amidst a city of other people.

Allusion: The line “I’m walking down the line that divides me somewhere in my mind” alludes to a mental struggle that the singer is going through, emphasizing the internal conflict that is adding to his sense of isolation.

If you are into rock music, this one may be right up your alley. In the song, Green Day describes the feeling of being alone in a world of broken dreams. Ironically, their use of figurative wordplay of feeling alone allowed them to connect with their legions of fans who have experienced similar feelings of isolation and disconnection. If you have yet to hear this rock anthem, give it a listen!

11. “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons

The song “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons tells the story of a young man who was always different from his peers. He uses that difference to ultimately find fame and success. It’s a song that celebrates the power of believing in yourself and uses figurative language to speak to the challenges people face in the pursuit of their goals.

Metaphor: The line “I was lightning before the thunder” uses a metaphor to describe the speaker’s rapid rise to fame, emphasizing the idea of striking with quick and powerful force.

Hyperbole: The line “I’m a world-changer, rearranger / Ain’t nobody fresher than my clique” uses hyperbole to exaggerate the speaker’s impact and influence, emphasizing the sense of confidence and pride.

Allusion: The line “We don’t deal with outsiders very well / They say newcomers have a certain smell” alludes to the idea of social exclusion and the sense of discomfort that can arise when encountering something new or unfamiliar.

Imagery: The line “The lightning and the thunder, they go and they come back” uses imagery to create a sense of dynamic energy and movement, evoking the power and beauty of natural forces.

The figurative language used in “Thunder” adds to the song’s motivating message, encouraging listeners to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams. The song has become a popular anthem for empowerment and self-confidence, inspiring people around the world to “feel the thunder” and seize their opportunities.

10. “Rain on Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande

The lyrics of “Rain on Me” use a combination of figurative language devices to convey the idea of embracing one’s struggles and turning them into a source of strength. It contains several examples of figurative language:

Simile: “It’s coming down on me, water like misery” is a simile comparing the rain to hardships and discontent.

Metaphor: Extending the comparison of rain to misery with “I’d rather be dry, but at least I’m alive,” this line celebrates being alive, even if under less-than-ideal conditions.

Hyperbole: “At least I showed up, you showed me nothing at all” exaggerates the contrast between the speaker’s effort and the other person’s lack of effort.

9. “Hotel California” by The Eagles

“Hotel California” by The Eagles is a classic rock song that uses explores the hedonistic excesses of the 1970s. The different types of figurative language add to the dreamlike, surreal quality of the song, and help to create a memorable and haunting image of the Hotel California.

Metaphor: The hotel itself is used as a metaphor for addiction — evident in lines like “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave” or “We are all just prisoners here of our own device.”

Allusion: The line “Her mind is Tiffany twisted” alludes to the famous jewelry brand Tiffany’s and is used to mean someone whose values have been warped by materialism and status.

Irony: The chorus of the song, which includes the lines “Welcome to the Hotel California, such a lovely place, such a lovely face,” is ironic and paradoxical, highlighting the difference between illusion and reality.

Imagery: Throughout the song, the lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, such as “shimmering light,” “mirrors on the ceiling,” and “pink champagne on ice.” These images help to create a surreal and decadant atmosphere.

The figurative language used in the song “Hotel California” adds depth and meaning to the song, creating a haunting and memorable experience for the listener.

8. “Love Story” by Taylor Swift

In “Love Story,” pop singer Taylor Swift delivers a loving portrayal of unrequited love. In her love story, Taylor describes forbidden love through the use of various types of figurative language.

Metaphor: The line “Our song is the slammin’ screen door, sneakin’ out late, tapping on your window” uses a simile to compare the couple’s love to a song, emphasizing its intense and spontaneous nature.

Allusion: The line “Cause you were Romeo, I was Juliet” alludes to Shakespeare’s famous tragic love story, emphasizing the intensity and passion of the speaker’s feelings.

Simile: In the line “Our love was like a fairy tale,” the simile compares the couple’s love to a fairy tale, emphasizing its epic, magical and idealized nature.

Hyperbole: The line “I’ll be waiting, all that’s left to do is run / You’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess” uses hyperbole to exaggerate the sense of adventure and excitement in the couple’s love story.

Imagery: The line “We were both young when I first saw you / I close my eyes and the flashback starts” uses imagery to create a visual image of the speaker remembering the first time she saw her love interest, emphasizing the intensity and vividness of her memories.

Taylor Swift uses figurative language in “Love Story” to add drama and emotional intensity to the song. The song has become a pop classic and a fan favorite, showcasing her talent for crafting relatable and memorable lyrics.

7. “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra’s classic New York, New York is another must-have on the list of figuratively speaking songs. Throughout the song, Frank uses the metaphor of leaving “these small town blues” to be “king of the hill” in New York City as an anthem to ambition. There are several lines throughout the song with hyperboles and metaphors.

Metaphor: In the famous chorus line “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere,” New York City represents the ultimate challenge to tests one’s skills and resilience.

Personification: The line “These vagabond shoes are longing to stray” uses the personification of “vagabond shoes” to represent the speaker’s restless spirit and desire for adventure.

Hyperbole: The line “I’m king of the hill, top of the heap” uses hyperbole to exaggerate the speaker’s desire for success and dominance in the city, emphasizing the sense of achievement and triumph.

Metaphor: The line “These little town blues, are melting away” uses a metaphor to explain how the speaker’s sadness and longing are overcome by the excitement and energy of the city.

Allusion: The line “I’ll make a brand new start of it, in old New York” alludes to the city’s history and legacy, suggesting that the speaker is starting anew in a place with a rich and vibrant past.

The diverse figurative language used in “New York, New York” creates a vivid picture of the city, emphasizing its energy, diversity, and iconic landmarks. The song has become a beloved anthem for New Yorkers and non-New Yorkers alike, capturing the essence of what makes the city so unforgettable.

6. “Let It Go” by Idinia Menzel

“Let It Go,” sung by Idina Menzel, is the feature song of Disney’s hit film, Frozen . The song appears at a pivotal moment when Elsa has run away after accidentally using her carefully kept secret ice powers in front of a crowd. She decides to “let it go” and be herself, magical powers and all. The song is an extended metaphor, relating Elsa’s complicated feelings about her abilities to an ice storm . While Elsa’s situation is unique, ultimately it’s a relatable song about the struggle for self-acceptance.

Metaphor: “My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around,” the simile compares the chaos of the speaker’s emotions to the complex and chaotic patterns of fractals.

Simile: In the line “The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside,” the metaphor of a “swirling storm inside” represents the speaker’s internal turmoil and emotions, creating a sense of chaos and confusion.

Hyperbole: The line “It’s time to see what I can do, to test the limits and break through” uses hyperbole to emphasize the speaker’s determination to explore and push herself beyond her perceived limits.

Imagery: The line “Let it go, let it go, and I’ll rise like the break of dawn” uses imagery to compare the speaker’s transformation and liberation to sunrise, emphasizing the idea of rising up and emerging into the light.

The enduring popularity of Let It Go proves the power of figurative language in songs. Overall, the song creates a sense of empowerment and transformation, emphasizing the idea that we can all find strength and freedom by letting go of our past and embracing our true selves.

5. “Sounds of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel

The Sounds of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel is filled to the brim with metaphors and imagery that create a haunting and thought-provoking atmosphere. Already for the poetic and paradoxical title, it’s clear this will be a

Personification: From the opening lyrics, “Hello darkness, my old friend / I’ve come to talk with you again” darkness is personified as a friend to talk with and indicates the singer’s weary emotional state.

Metaphor : “Because a vision softly creeping, Left its seeds while I was sleeping, And the vision that was planted in my brain” combines the personification of the vision creeping along with a metaphor of new ideas being planted seeds in one’s mind.

Imagery: To create a dramatic contrast between the gray “cobblestones” and “cold and damp”, the narrator’s eyes are then “stabbed by the flash of a neon light”, That split the night” creating a vivid mental image.

Paradox: The song addresses the paradox of life in a modern city”People talking without speaking / People hearing without listening”

Simile: The penultimate verse includes the lines “But my words, like silent raindrops fell, And echoed in the wells of silence” which uses simile to equate his words to silent raindrops” and harkens back to

The song is a great example of how powerful language can be in creating a memorable and impactful piece of art.

4. “Halo” by Beyonce

This list of songs cannot be completed without adding a song from Queen B. In her song “Halo”, Beyonce uses figurative speech to describe her love as angelic. Throughout the song, she uses various types of figurative language to highlight the intensity and purity of romantic love.

Metaphor: In the line “Everywhere I’m looking now, I’m surrounded by your embrace,” the metaphor of being “surrounded by your embrace” suggests a sense of safety, security, and intimacy.

Personification: The line “You hit me like a ray of sun, burning through my darkest night” personifies the ray of sun, suggesting that it has the power to illuminate and bring warmth to the darkness.

Hyperbole: In the line “Baby, I can see your halo, you know you’re my saving grace,” the hyperbole exaggerates the intensity of the speaker’s love, emphasizing the idea that he is a kind of divine being.

Imagery: The line “I can feel your halo, pray it won’t fade away” uses imagery to suggest the fleeting and fragile nature of love, emphasizing the idea that even the strongest emotions can be fleeting.

“Halo” uses figurative language to create a sense of emotional intensity and intimacy. It remains a popular love song for the beautiful imagery exploring the power and complexity of romantic love.

3. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen’s beautiful song “Hallelujah” failed to get much recognition until Jeff Buckley covered it. It has gone on to become one of the most covered songs in music history. There is much speculation about the song’s meaning, but Cohen has only said that it is an attempt to find joy in the many messes of life. The song relates the Biblical story of David. It is an iconic example of using figurative language to explore themes of love, faith, and redemption.

Metaphor: The line “Love is not a victory march, it’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah” suggests that love can be painful and imperfect, just like the broken parts of a song.

Irony: The use of the phrase “the holy or the broken Hallelujah” is ironic because the word “holy” is typically associated with perfection and purity, while “broken” suggests imperfection and flaws.

Hyperbole: In the line “I did my best, it wasn’t much, I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch,” the hyperbole exaggerates the singer’s sense of failure and disconnection.

Allusion: The line “She tied you to a kitchen chair, she broke your throne and she cut your hair” alludes to the story of Samson and Delilah from the Bible, in which Delilah betrays Samson by cutting his hair, emphasizing the idea of betrayal and loss.

Imagery: “Your faith was strong but you needed proof/You saw her bathing on the roof/Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew ya” gives strong visual imagery and alludes to the biblical story of God testing King David when he sees Bathsheba bathing.

The various forms of figurative language in “Hallelujah” creates a sense of emotional depth and complexity. The song explores themes of love, loss, and redemption in a way that has made the song a timeless classic.

2. “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys

Alicia Key’s song “Girl on Fire” is a powerful anthem of self-discovery and empowerment. Keys uses the extended metaphor of fire throughout the song to send a powerful message to women.

Metaphor: The song’s title itself is a metaphor, as “girl on fire” represents a person who is full of passion, ambition, and energy. This metaphor and imagery is reinforced throughout the song with lyrics like “This girl is on fire.”

Imagery: The line “She’s living in a world, and it’s on fire” uses the image of a world on fire to create a sense of an urgent and dire situation.

Allusion: The line “We got our feet on the ground, and we’re burning it down” alludes to the idea of both being practical and fomenting revolution, suggesting a sense of social and political transformation.

Hyperbole: In the line “She’s walking on fire, but this girl is on fire,” the hyperbole exaggerates the woman’s strength and determination, emphasizing the idea that she is truly unstoppable.

Personification: The line “Looks like a girl, but she’s a flame” uses personification to give the abstract concept of a flame human qualities, creating a sense of empowerment and vitality.

The rich use of figurative language in “Girl on Fire” emphasizes the power and strength of women, celebrating their determination to overcome challenges and succeed against all odds. Through the figurative use of fire as a metaphor, the song inspires listeners to pursue their dreams with passion.

1. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is arguably Queen’s most popular song and one of the most famous rock songs of all time. It tells the story of a young man who has killed someone, gone on the run but knows that he will eventually be caught and punished. Fans have speculated that the song is a metaphor for something more, but no one knows.

The song contains some outstanding elements of figurative language, such as:

Metaphors: “Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality.” This line is a metaphor for feeling stuck by what is going on in your life and not being able to escape.

In the line, “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?”, the singer uses the metaphor of “real life” and “fantasy” to suggest a sense of confusion and uncertainty.

Personification: The line “Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening me” uses personification to give human qualities to the natural elements of thunder and lightning, creating a sense of fear and chaos.

Symbolism: The phrase “Scaramouche, Scaramouche, can you do the Fandango?” uses the symbol of Scaramouche, a stock character from Italian theater, to suggest a sense of playfulness and frivolity.

Allusion: The line “Bismillah! No, we will not let you go” alludes to the Islamic phrase “Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim”, which means “In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful”, to suggest a sense of religious defiance.

Hyperbole: The line “I see a little silhouetto of a man” uses hyperbole to exaggerate the smallness of the man’s silhouette, creating a sense of whimsy and humor.

Overall, the elaborate use of figurative language in “Bohemian Rhapsody” adds to the song’s emotional impact, creating a sense of drama, humor, and surrealism that has made it a beloved and enduring classic in popular music.

In Conclusion

So many songs include elements of figurative language. It gives artists a way to express themselves and adds another dimension to some of our favorite songs. You’ll be surprised how many uses of figurative language you begin to notice on the radio.

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Figurative Language in Song Lyrics Assignment - Music Poetry Activity

$3 99 $3.99 Unit price / per

Engage your students in poetry by having them label figurative language in song lyrics with these engaging assignments. Students will read excerpts from popular songs and label figurative language examples of metaphor, simile, hyperbole, personification, alliteration, pun, oxymoron & more. This fun activity allows students to demonstrate their understanding of poetic devices by recognizing figurative language in song lyrics!

Included in this figurative language in song lyrics resource:

Three visually appealing assignment worksheet pages that include lines taken from popular song lyrics that contain literary devices. Students are required to label the figurative language used and provide an explanation for each. With lyrics from Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Camila Cabello, Sam Smith, and many others your students will be totally engaged.
Detailed teacher answer keys with a detailed explanation for each type of figurative language used that will make grading or review quick and easy

Terms that are covered in the figurative language in song lyrics resource:

Personification

What teachers are saying about using the figurative language in song lyrics resource:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was a brilliant resource ! It was a great way for my students to apply their understanding of figurative language, and the use of popular songs kept them fully engaged .

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My students loved this lesson. They really enjoyed doing an activity that used the music that they listen to . It helped them understand the topic better since they were able to relate to it better.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a super creative packet. Whenever I start a poetry unit, I invariably hear the complaints that "nobody talks the way poets do," so this is a perfect assignment to put that sort of thinking to rest. As always, the visual appeal of anything made by Presto keeps me coming back for more . >>>Save by purchasing this resource in one of the bundles listed below:

➡️ Complete Poetry Resource Bundle (290+ Pages)

➡️ Musical Poetry Resource Bundle _________________________________________________________________________________________

Pair this resource with our popular final poetry project!

→ Poetry Analysis Music Project

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Analyzing a Song – So Simple Every Student Can Do It

December 13, 2022 // by Lindsay Ann // 2 Comments

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English teachers, teaching your students how to analyze song lyrics needs to be a “go-to” strategy, a step toward deeper analysis of more complex texts .

Whether you’re teaching poetry, persuasive essays, or some other writing unit, analyzing song lyrics will give your students an opportunity to look at the different ways that language can be used to capture emotions and tell stories .

This close reading process will also help improve their vocabulary and grammar skills while they are having fun!

Here are some tips on how to teach students to analyze song lyrics so that they can gain valuable writing knowledge through a familiar medium they love!

Analysis of Song Lyrics

Taylor Swift makes analyzing song lyrics in the classroom easy peasy. Like her or not, you can count on her to write songs that tell a story, are layered in deep meaning, and littered with Easter eggs that are fun to try and collect (even for the non-Swifties).

Taylor Swift’s “ Anti Hero” is a fun student-friendly song to bring into the classroom to practice analysis skills.

With callbacks to songs on other albums in lines like “I have this thing where I get older but just never wiser,” you can challenge students to analyze the development of a theme across multiple texts (helloooo higher level DOK and those really tricky to meet standards!).

Lyrics like “I’m the problem; it’s me” coupled with the title setup an opportunity to teach the concept of anti-hero (I especially like the idea of teaching about anti-heroes after teaching about the hero’s journey) and challenging students to analyze how Swift herself could be seen as this archetype by analyzing other songs and conducting online research.

“Anti Hero” also has what appear to be two references to pop culture ( 30 Rock and Knives Out ) that had even the swiftest of Swifties stumped online. These references are an accessible way to introduce the idea of allegory.

Taylor has really teed up the song analysis practice in English classrooms to be endless with so many rabbit holes to go down at every turn!

Song Meaning “Hallelujah”

Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” has a deep meaning making it a popular choice for teaching song analysis. The meaning of Hallelujah is about someone who was deeply in love and is mourning the guilt of the loss of that love .

The song can teach students how to analyze lyrics by pointing out that even though it doesn’t say so explicitly, this is a song about a break-up .

They can also learn other aspects of reading literature, like examining tone and form. Analyzing song lyrics enables students to apply what they’ve learned as they read other texts or songs.

After reading a poem or listening to a song’s lyrics, students should be able to answer questions like:

Who is speaking?
How do you know?
What do you think the speaker’s feelings are?
What does this tell you about their personality?
Do these feelings make sense for the situation?

Good Songs to Analyze

When choosing good songs to analyze remember these three things:

Choose a song that tells a story
A song with a deep meaning or theme that challenges students’ inferential thinking skills works best
Pick songs that students will know and be excited to listen to (that means that while “We Didn’t Start the Fire” is technically a great song for analysis, it might not be the most engaging for your students)

Here are some songs for teaching song analysis that will not only help you teach important analysis skills but also engage and delight your students:

“ Pray for Me ” by the Weeknd ft. Kendrick Lamar
“ Thunder ” by Imagine Dragons
“ Bohemian Rhapsody ” by Queen (this one is suitable for older students)
“ Born This Way ” by Lady Gaga
“ Getting Older ” by Billie Eilish
“ Drivers License ” by Olivia Rodrigo
“ This is America ” by Childish Gambino/Donald Glover
“ Matilda ” by Harry Styles
“ Victoria’s Secret ” by Jax (does have some profanity – I’ve linked the “clean” version)
“ Vacation ” by The Dirty Heads (does say “shit”)

How to Analyze a Song

Teaching students how to analyze a song is similar to teaching poetry or literary analysis, but using songs disguises the learning as a fun activity making it really engaging and accessible for all learners.

Start by having students listen to their song twice .

Instruct them to listen through for the first time just for enjoyment and to follow along with the printed lyrics (or digital if you have a way for students to access the lyrics online).
Then have them listen a second time but this time have them highlight and circle words and phrases that they think are important and interesting.

Challenge students to consider the following questions during their second time listening and to annotate the lyrics as they go:

Who’s telling the story? What’s their perspective? How do they feel? What’s making them feel that way?
What’s the mood of the song? Do the lyrics or the music contribute more to the mood?
What figurative language do you notice in the lyrics? Why might the songwriter have chosen to include that figurative language?
What could the songwriter be saying about human nature or society through their lyrics? How could you write a theme statement about these lyrics?

Once you’ve gotten your students started with the analysis process, make sure to involve your students. Ask them what they notice and use their insights to build discussion. Have them write a summary of the song or write a detailed analysis or work on a more creative, visual response.

Song & Poem Analysis Paired Text Lesson Plans

Make close reading, textual analysis and literary analysis of songs (and poems) less intimidating with these detailed, CCSS-aligned close reading song analysis lesson plans for paired texts . Integrated close reading, text-based writing, speaking, listening, and inquiry skills, make these lessons both engaging and worthwhile.

To help you save prep time, I’ve put together some awesome lessons for you HERE , including:

Carrie Underwood’s song “Cry Pretty” & Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ song “Growing Up”
William Ernest Henley’s poem “Invictus” & Imagine Dragons’ song “Whatever it Takes”
Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise” and Tupac’s song “Still I Rise”
Stephen Dobyns’ poem “Loud Music” and Incubus’ song “Dig”
“Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift
“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day and “Brick by Boring Brick” by Paramore
“Hotel California” by the Eagles and “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
Protest Songs
“Mad World” by Tears for Fears and “A Million Dreams” sung by Pink / The Greatest Showman

Wrapping Up

When students analyze songs, they think about its overall impact.

What makes this song great, and why do you like it? What is it about this song that makes it stand out?

Thinking through these ideas with easily-accessible texts makes transferring their skills and knowledge to literature (ya know, the kind with the capital L ) easier.

They’ll have practice analyzing craft moves like figurative language and allegory, but they’ll also have practice with those more complex reading strategies like making inferences and connections .

Have a song you think would be perfect to analyze in the classroom? I’d love to hear about it! Drop me a comment below to share!

About Lindsay Ann

Lindsay has been teaching high school English in the burbs of Chicago for 19 years. She is passionate about helping English teachers find balance in their lives and teaching practice through practical feedback strategies and student-led learning strategies. She also geeks out about literary analysis, inquiry-based learning, and classroom technology integration. When Lindsay is not teaching, she enjoys playing with her two kids, running, and getting lost in a good book.

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Reader Interactions

March 28, 2023 at 4:50 am

Jungle by Tash Sultana

[…] this post, I will share with you 20 must-read Classic novels for high school students and some modern texts that pair well with some of these well-loved […]

Figurative Language Worksheets

Short Stories with Questions
Nonfiction Passages
Genre Worksheets

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Common Core State Standards demand that students identify figurative language techniques . This means that your standardized test is likely to question figurative language knowledge. Students can prepare for this through repeated exposure to figurative language. You can do this by studying figurative language poems , activities , or the worksheets on this page.

These worksheets will give students rapid fire practice with figurative language techniques. Not only must students identify the techniques, they must explain their answers. This approach forces students to consider their answers. It also helps teachers identify misunderstandings.

This is a preview image of Figurative Language Worksheet 1. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.

Figurative Language and Poetic Devices Review Games

This is a preview image of Orpheus The Lyrical: Figurative Language Video Game. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.

Figurative Language Common Core State Standards

162 comments, jacob michel.

is there a way to put some of these into schoology

Smith-Daniels

I just stumbles upon this sight when I was browsing the web for figurative language worksheets. Thank you for those. But I am writing you to give you a BIG KUDOS for the Figurative Language ORPHEUS game. Yes my kids play kahoot….. but THIS GAME had them sooo excited. I can’t thank you enough and only wish I had discovered the site sooner.

That’s awesome. Check out the Poetry Cat game too! I think they will like that.

Is there an Answer Key for the Figurative Language Test 1? I would like to use this for helping my students.

Figurative language Worksheet 1 #2 is in need of correction. The quote provided is an example of onomatopoeia, which is not one of the choices. “Drip—hiss—drip—hiss fall the raindrops / on the oaken log which burns, and steams, and smokes the ceiling beams. / Drip—hiss—the rain never stops.”

We assumed here that the presence of another technique is simply beyond the scope of the question.

We’re sticking to the thought question (to match with the provided answers) and discussing what else we think we find (if we do).

We spotted this ‘bonus’ technique also.

This question does contain onomatopoeia. And you can definitely discuss and share that.

It also contains hyperbole.

George Mariano

Figurative language Worksheet 1 #1 must have the second line of the poem for it to be considered a simile. “Like burnt-out torches by a sick man’s bed Gaunt cypress-trees stand round the sun-bleached stone;” The “burnt-out torches” and cypress trees are being compared, as are the sick man’s bed and Shelley’s “sun-bleached” grave stone. Please see Wilde’s poem, “The Grave of Shelley”.

Thanks for the heads up 🙂

And thanks to this website for these exercises.

Very happy to find this resource for our homeschool project and great to see it is alive with feedback. Really appreciate the effort.

Dakota bates

This was veery helpfully with my test

Lorevic Arreza

These figurative Languages are very much helpful for my pupils and a great help for my reference. Thank you so much and keep up the excellent work. God bless!

just studying for a final LOL

Thank you very much for providing the worksheets. It is very helpful. Gob Bless and keep up the good work.

I am deeply touched to have seen this work. This is simply amazing…… I am so thankful.

Samarth Roy

I just wanna say……..”Doctor MOrton my literary misconceptions are afraid of you just like computer viruses from NORTON.

Christy Smith

Thank you for all your hard work on this site! I have used it for years in my classroom and find it the best way to teach poetic terms.

I’m so happy to hear it. Thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment. Best wishes!

Is there a way to load these worksheets to my google classroom

Some of the activities on this page can be uploaded to Google Classroom: http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/e-reading-worksheets/online-reading-tests/

Specifically, the short stories and point of view practice activities.

I aim to support Google Classroom across the site one day…

I honestly could not survive as a teacher without your items — I utilize it in so many ways!

Dr. Seema Singh

Very useful worksheets to give ample practice to my students. Saves a lot of time !! Thanks a lot

I cannot even begin to imagine how many hours and days and years this has taken you. To say that I am grateful, Mr. Morton, is an understatement. Because of your efforts, I believe thousands upon thousands of students are getting a better education. (This comes from a beginning teacher with little experience putting together language units). Praise God for your generosity, kindness and effort.

thank you for providing these worksheets as a resource for students like me 🙂

This is an amazing resource! Thank you so much!