CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5a
The Standard
Interpret figures of speech (e.g., personification) in context.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to spot figurative language in a sentence or passage, then explain what it means in that exact context. They should handle common examples like personification, simile, metaphor, idiom, and hyperbole, not just name the type.
Mastery looks like a student saying, “The wind whispered means the wind was quiet and gentle, not actually talking.” Students often get stuck by taking words literally, giving a vague meaning, or naming the figure of speech without explaining its effect on mood, character, or setting.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs sentence strips with figurative phrases, and have them match each strip to a plain-language meaning card.
- Ask students to write: What does this figure of speech mean here, and what feeling does it create?
- Use a three-question exit ticket: find the figure of speech, explain its meaning, and name the clue words.
- Bring in a weather report, song lyric, or sports headline, and have students identify one nonliteral phrase.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5a
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.