Figures of Speech exercise - Free Printable

Let's solve this step by step. The task is to match each sentence with the correct figure of speech from the list provided:

Figures of Speech:

- Onomatopoeia: A word that imitates the sound it describes (e.g., *thump*, *buzz*).
- Simile: A comparison using "like" or "as" (e.g., "as fast as lightning").
- Metaphor: A direct comparison without "like" or "as" (e.g., "Time is a thief").
- Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things.
- Hyperbole: An exaggeration for effect.

Now, let’s analyze each sentence:

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1. He tried to help but his legs were wax.
→ This compares legs to wax (something solid and immobile), implying they couldn’t move.
This is a metaphor — it directly says legs *were* wax.
✔ Answer: Metaphor

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2. The man fights like a lion on the soccer field.
→ Uses "like" to compare the man’s fighting to a lion’s behavior.
This is a simile.
✔ Answer: Simile

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3. The books fell on the table with a loud thump.
→ "Thump" is a sound word that imitates the noise made when something hits a surface.
This is onomatopoeia.
✔ Answer: Onomatopoeia

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4. Rita heard the last piece of pie calling her name.
→ A piece of pie (non-human) is said to be “calling” — a human action.
This is personification.
✔ Answer: Personification

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5. The rustling leaves kept me away.
→ "Rustling" is a sound word, so this uses onomatopoeia.
Note: While "kept me away" could suggest personification, the key figure here is the sound "rustling," which is an example of onomatopoeia.
✔ Answer: Onomatopoeia

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6. Kisses are the flowers of affection.
→ Direct comparison: kisses = flowers. No "like" or "as."
This is a metaphor.
✔ Answer: Metaphor

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7. He’s running faster than the wind.
→ This is an exaggeration — no one runs faster than the wind. It's meant to emphasize speed.
This is hyperbole.
✔ Answer: Hyperbole

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Final Answers:

1. Metaphor
2. Simile
3. Onomatopoeia
4. Personification
5. Onomatopoeia
6. Metaphor
7. Hyperbole

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✔ Completed Worksheet:

1. He tried to help but his legs were wax. → Metaphor
2. The man fights like a lion on the soccer field. → Simile
3. The books fell on the table with a loud thump. → Onomatopoeia
4. Rita heard the last piece of pie calling her name. → Personification
5. The rustling leaves kept me away. → Onomatopoeia
6. Kisses are the flowers of affection. → Metaphor
7. He’s running faster than the wind. → Hyperbole

Let me know if you'd like a printable version or explanation in simpler terms!