Figures of Speech & Proverbs
What figures of speech & proverbs means
You learn to spot language that compares, exaggerates, or gives human actions to non-human things. This helps you understand figurative language in passages and answer comprehension questions with confidence.
What you will practise
- Spot similes that use as or like in a sentence
- Identify metaphors that say one thing is another
- Recognise personification in objects, animals, or nature
- Pick out hyperbole from strong deliberate exaggeration
- Interpret common proverbs and their simple meanings
Before you start
You should already be able to read short sentences carefully and know the meanings of common words. It also helps if you can tell a literal statement from a figurative one.
Not confident yet? Work through Common Idioms & Their Meanings first.
Worked example
One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.
“The wind whispered through the trees” is an example of:
- Simile
- Personification
- Hyperbole
- Alliteration
Working: Human qualities (whispering) are given to the wind.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing simile when a sentence gives human actions to something non-human. Check for human actions first.
- Missing metaphor because there is no as or like. Look for direct comparisons instead.
- Taking hyperbole as a true statement. Remember it is used for effect, not facts.
- Explaining proverbs word for word. Think about the lesson or advice behind the saying.
Curriculum and exam alignment
This topic usually appears in Junior High School English when learners are building skills in literature and language use. It supports BECE preparation by helping you interpret figurative expressions in reading questions.
Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.
Related skills
Other Idioms, Proverbs & Figures of Speech skills in English, at the same point in the course.
Other English topics
Related study guides
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Exams that assess figures of speech & proverbs
Junior High work on this skill feeds directly into these exam papers. Each page lists the English topics that appear on it.
How this page was produced
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Practise figures of speech & proverbs
8 questions with a worked answer after every attempt, and a SmartScore that tracks how close you are to mastery.