Virginia SOL 12.RV.1.F
The Standard
Interpret the meaning of figurative language and literary and classical allusions and analyze their role in texts.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English · Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students determine what figurative phrases and literary or classical allusions mean in context. They explain how each choice shapes tone, theme, characterization, or argument.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can infer meaning from context and cite words that support the interpretation. The student can explain why the author used the language and what would change with literal wording.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may label a device without interpreting it, or read figurative words literally. They may identify an allusion but only summarize its source instead of connecting it to the text’s meaning or tone.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: In “Certain he could not fail, Marcus flew toward the promotion like Icarus toward the sun,” explain the allusion and its effect.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups cards with excerpts, literal paraphrases, and effect statements, then have students match each set and defend one match with textual evidence.
Ask students to rewrite a figurative line literally, then discuss what tone, imagery, or thematic meaning disappears.
Play Allusion Detective: teams identify each reference from context, name its source, and earn a second point for explaining its effect.
Compare a classical allusion in a speech, song, or advertisement with its original story, then explain what the reference adds.
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Related Standards
- 10.RL.2.B
Analyze how authors use literary devices and figurative language, including allusion, allegory, and paradox to impact the meaning of the text.
- 11.RV.1.F
Explain the meaning of figurative language and literary and classical allusions and analyze their role in texts.
- 9.RV.1.F
Explain the meaning of literary and classical allusions and figurative language in context and analyze their roles in texts.
- 10.RV.1.F
Explain the meaning of literary and classical allusions and figurative language in context and analyze their roles in texts.
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