Figurative Language in Narratives

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Date:

📖 Part 1: Story One - The Storm

Read the following narrative and answer the questions below:

The wind howled like a wounded animal as Sarah stepped outside. Dark clouds rolled across the sky like giant grey blankets, blocking out the sun completely. Lightning crackled and snapped overhead whilst thunder boomed its angry warning. The old oak tree in her backyard swayed and danced, its branches reaching out like desperate arms trying to grab something. Rain began to pitter-patter on the roof, then quickly turned into a thunderous drumbeat as the storm unleashed its fury. Sarah's heart was a racing engine as she watched the storm transform her peaceful neighbourhood into a wild, untamed beast. The streetlights flickered nervously, and the wind whistled through the gaps in the fence. She knew this wasn't just any ordinary storm - this was nature showing off its incredible power. As she watched from her window, the rain splashed and gurgled down the gutters like a rushing river. The storm raged for what felt like hours before finally moving on, leaving behind a fresh, clean scent and puddles that reflected the returning sunshine like scattered mirrors across the ground.

1. Find and write down ONE example of a simile from the story:

2. Identify ONE example of personification:

3. Which type of figurative language is "Sarah's heart was a racing engine"?

Simile

Metaphor

Onomatopoeia

Alliteration

4. Find TWO examples of onomatopoeia from the story:

🌊 Part 2: Story Two - The Beach Adventure

Read the following narrative and answer the questions below:

The salty sea breeze whispered secrets as Tom walked along the sandy shore. Seagulls swooped and soared overhead, their cries echoing across the endless blue ocean. The waves crashed and whooshed against the rocks, sending spray high into the air like liquid fireworks. Tom's excitement bubbled like a shaken soft drink bottle as he spotted something glinting in the sand. The sun was a golden coin hanging in the clear blue sky, warming his shoulders as he bent down to investigate. His fingers found a smooth, round shell that spiralled like a perfect staircase. The ocean sang its ancient song whilst gentle waves lapped and licked at his bare feet. Suddenly, a crab scuttled sideways across his path, its claws clicking and clacking on the wet sand. Tom laughed with delight - this was turning into the perfect day. The beach stretched out before him like an endless carpet of gold, and the rhythmic splash and gurgle of the waves created nature's own symphony. As the afternoon wore on, the sun began to paint the sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink, and Tom knew this magical moment would stay with him forever.

5. Write down an example of alliteration from this story:

6. "The sun was a golden coin hanging in the clear blue sky" is an example of:

Simile

Metaphor

Personification

Onomatopoeia

7. Find ONE example where the ocean is given human qualities (personification):

🏠 Part 3: Story Three - The Old House

Read the following narrative and answer the questions below:

The ancient house groaned and creaked as Emma pushed open the heavy wooden door. Dust particles danced in the shafts of sunlight that streamed through the grimy windows like tiny golden fairies. The floorboards squeaked and moaned under her careful footsteps, telling stories of all the people who had walked there before. Cobwebs hung in the corners like delicate lace curtains, and the musty smell was as thick as soup. Emma's curiosity was a burning flame that couldn't be extinguished as she explored room after room. The wind outside howled and wailed, making the old shutters bang and clatter against the walls. In the kitchen, a tap dripped steadily - plip, plop, plip, plop - creating an eerie rhythm in the silence. The house seemed to breathe around her, its walls holding secrets and memories from decades past. Suddenly, a door slammed shut somewhere upstairs, making Emma jump like a startled rabbit. Her heart hammered in her chest as she realised she might not be alone. The shadows seemed to whisper and murmur, and every creak and groan of the old building made her more nervous. Despite her fear, Emma continued her exploration, determined to uncover the mysteries that this forgotten house was hiding.

8. Identify the metaphor used to describe Emma's curiosity:

9. Which of these is NOT an example of onomatopoeia from the story?

Plip, plop

Bang and clatter

Like a startled rabbit

Squeaked and moaned

10. Find an example of personification where the house is given human qualities: