Figurative Language Worksheets - Free Printable

Here's the complete solution to the worksheet “Working with Figurative Language,” with explanations for each answer.

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## Part I: Match

Match each phrase to the correct type of figurative language by writing the letter in the blank.

1) ______ alliteration

✔ C. pink and purple popsicles
Explanation: Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in nearby words. “Pink and purple popsicles” repeats the “p” sound — a classic example.

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2) ______ simile

✔ E. heavy as a rock
Explanation: A simile compares two things using “like” or “as.” “Heavy as a rock” uses “as” to compare weight to a rock.

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3) ______ metaphor

✔ A. His heart was a block of ice.
Explanation: A metaphor directly states that one thing *is* another, without using “like” or “as.” Here, the heart *is* a block of ice — suggesting coldness or emotional detachment.

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4) ______ onomatopoeia

✔ F. She was humming a song.
Wait — this is actually NOT onomatopoeia. Let’s reevaluate.

Actually, “humming” is not an onomatopoeic word — it describes an action, not a sound that imitates what it represents.

Looking again at the options:

- C. pink and purple popsicles → already used for alliteration.
- D. The cup danced joyfully across the table. → personification.
- G. Everyone knows that! → not figurative.
- B. open secret → oxymoron? Possibly.

Let’s reassess onomatopoeia — we need a word that sounds like the thing it describes.

None of the options are perfect, but “humming” is the closest — though weak. In many curricula, “humming” is accepted as onomatopoeia because it mimics the sound made (a low musical tone). So we’ll go with:

✔ F. She was humming a song. *(Accepted as onomatopoeia in educational contexts)*

> Note: If you’re being strict, none of the phrases are strong onomatopoeia (like “buzz,” “hiss,” “bang”). But since “humming” is the only sound-related verb, it’s likely the intended match.

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5) ______ oxymoron

✔ B. open secret
Explanation: An oxymoron combines two contradictory terms. “Open secret” — something that is secretly known by everyone — is a contradiction in terms.

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6) ______ hyperbole

✔ G. Everyone knows that!
Explanation: Hyperbole is extreme exaggeration for emphasis. Saying “everyone knows that” is rarely literally true — it’s an exaggerated way to say “many people know.”

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7) ______ personification

✔ D. The cup danced joyfully across the table.
Explanation: Personification gives human qualities to non-human things. A cup cannot “dance” or feel “joyfully” — those are human actions and emotions.

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✔ Final Matching Answers for Part I:

1) C
2) E
3) A
4) F
5) B
6) G
7) D

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## Part II: Answer each question

1) “Cathy is as cute as a kitten” is an example of what two types of figurative language?

✔ A) Simile
✔ B) Metaphor *(Technically incorrect — let’s clarify)*

Wait — this is ONLY a simile. It uses “as...as,” which is the hallmark of a simile.

But the question asks for two types — so perhaps it’s testing if students recognize that similes are a *type* of metaphor? In literary terms, similes are considered a subtype of metaphor — both are comparisons.

However, in elementary/secondary education, they are usually taught as separate categories.

Given the context of this worksheet, the most accurate answer is:

✔ A) Simile
✔ B) [Not applicable — but if forced, perhaps “metaphor” as a broader category]

But wait — look at the phrase: “as cute as a kitten” — this is only a simile.

Unless the question is trying to trick students into thinking “kitten” implies personification? No — “cute as a kitten” doesn’t give the kitten human traits; it’s just a comparison.

So — correct answer should be:

✔ A) Simile
✔ B) [Leave blank or write “none” — but since the worksheet expects two, perhaps “metaphor” is accepted as a broader term.]

In many school curricula, teachers accept that similes fall under the umbrella of metaphors — so:

✔ A) Simile
✔ B) Metaphor *(as a general category of comparison)*

> Note: Strictly speaking, it’s only a simile. But for classroom purposes, this dual answer is often accepted.

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2) “‘Rabbit!’ the frog said to the snake. ‘You must let me pass!’” is an example of what two types of figurative language?

✔ A) Personification
✔ B) Onomatopoeia *(Debatable — let’s analyze)*

First, personification: Frogs don’t talk — giving the frog the ability to speak and reason is personification. ✔️

Second — is there onomatopoeia? “Rabbit!” — is this a sound? Actually, “rabbit” here is likely meant to be an exclamation — perhaps mimicking the sound of a rabbit hopping or screaming? Not really.

Alternatively, maybe the word “Rabbit!” is meant to be the frog shouting — but “Rabbit” isn’t a sound word.

Perhaps the question intends:

✔ A) Personification
✔ B) Dialogue / Anthropomorphism — but those aren’t listed.

Another possibility: “Rabbit!” might be misread as “ribbit!” — the sound a frog makes. That would be onomatopoeia!

Ah — this is likely a typo or misprint in the worksheet. In many versions, it says:

> “‘Ribbit!’ the frog said to the snake. ‘You must let me pass!’”

If it’s “Ribbit!”, then:

✔ A) Personification — frog talking
✔ B) Onomatopoeia — “Ribbit” is the sound a frog makes

That makes perfect sense.

Assuming the image says “Ribbit!” (which is standard), then:

✔ A) Personification
✔ B) Onomatopoeia

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## ✔ Final Answers:

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Part I: Matching

1) C
2) E
3) A
4) F
5) B
6) G
7) D

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Part II: Short Answer

1)
A) Simile
B) Metaphor *(as a broader category — though technically only simile)*

2)
A) Personification
B) Onomatopoeia *(assuming the phrase is “Ribbit!” — the sound a frog makes)*

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📌 Important Note: If the original image truly says “Rabbit!” instead of “Ribbit!”, then part 2B may be misleading. But given common educational worksheets, it’s almost certainly meant to be “Ribbit!” — making it a clear example of onomatopoeia + personification.

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✔ You're all set! This worksheet covers the core types of figurative language typically taught in grades 4–8.