Worksheet for students to define and understand hyperbole through example sentences.

Task: Explain the meaning of each hyperbole.

A hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses exaggerated or overly dramatic language for emphasis. It is not meant to be taken literally but rather conveys strong feelings or ideas. Below, I will explain the meaning of each hyperbole in the given sentences.

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1. Mary had a million things to do.

- Explanation: This hyperbole means that Mary has an extremely large number of tasks or responsibilities. The phrase "a million things" is an exaggeration to emphasize how busy she is.
- Meaning: Mary is very overwhelmed with her workload or daily activities.

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2. I have to walk thousands of miles to school.

- Explanation: This hyperbole suggests that the distance to school is incredibly far. In reality, it is unlikely that someone would walk thousands of miles to school; this is an exaggeration to express frustration or tiredness.
- Meaning: The speaker finds the journey to school to be extremely long or exhausting.

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3. John had a ton of homework to finish.

- Explanation: The phrase "a ton of homework" uses the word "ton" (a unit of weight) to exaggerate the amount of homework John has. It is not literally a ton of paper but rather a way to emphasize how much work he has.
- Meaning: John has a lot of homework, and it feels overwhelming.

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4. “I’ll die if I have to wear that,” she said.

- Explanation: This hyperbole expresses extreme dislike or discomfort with something. The phrase "I’ll die" is an exaggeration to convey strong negative emotions about wearing the item.
- Meaning: She strongly dislikes the item and would prefer not to wear it.

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5. Jack didn’t have two cents to rub together.

- Explanation: This hyperbole means that Jack is extremely poor or broke. The phrase "two cents to rub together" is an exaggeration to emphasize his lack of money.
- Meaning: Jack has almost no money at all.

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6. Her new shoes cost a million dollars.

- Explanation: This hyperbole suggests that the shoes are extremely expensive. While they may not literally cost a million dollars, the phrase is used to emphasize their high price.
- Meaning: The shoes are very costly, possibly beyond what most people can afford.

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7. Tim’s dad is older than the hills.

- Explanation: This hyperbole means that Tim’s dad is extremely old. The phrase "older than the hills" is an exaggeration to emphasize his advanced age.
- Meaning: Tim’s dad is very old, possibly ancient.

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Final Answer:

1. Mary is very overwhelmed with her workload.
2. The speaker finds the journey to school to be extremely long or exhausting.
3. John has a lot of homework, and it feels overwhelming.
4. She strongly dislikes the item and would prefer not to wear it.
5. Jack has almost no money at all.
6. The shoes are very costly, possibly beyond what most people can afford.
7. Tim’s dad is very old, possibly ancient.

Boxed Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{
\begin{array}{l}
1. \text{Mary is very overwhelmed with her workload.} \\
2. \text{The speaker finds the journey to school to be extremely long or exhausting.} \\
3. \text{John has a lot of homework, and it feels overwhelming.} \\
4. \text{She strongly dislikes the item and would prefer not to wear it.} \\
5. \text{Jack has almost no money at all.} \\
6. \text{The shoes are very costly, possibly beyond what most people can afford.} \\
7. \text{Tim’s dad is very old, possibly ancient.}
\end{array}
}
\]