English // Reading Comprehension
Figurative Language and Literary Devices
Determine the meaning of figurative and connotative language in context, analyse the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, and identify literary devices such as metaphor, simile, personification, allusion, and irony
Quick check
When the learner reads a passage containing a metaphor, irony, or allusion, can they explain what the author really meant — going beyond the literal words to describe the effect that device creates for the reader?
Ask this to see whether the topic is secure.
Topic // Mastery
What mastery looks like
- Identify a metaphor or simile in a passage and explain its effect on the reader
- Explain how an author's word choice creates a particular tone (e.g., menacing, humorous, melancholic)
- Recognise an allusion to a myth, the Bible, or another text and explain what it adds to the meaning
Topic // Map
Where this fits
- RequiredMust come first
- HelpfulHelps, but not essential
Before this
2 topicsReading Comprehension // Ages 10 to 11
KS3 figurative language analysis extends KS2 evaluating how authors use figurative language
Reading Comprehension // Ages 11 to 14
Analysing word choice impact requires citing evidence from the text
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Figurative Language and Literary Devices
Ages 11 to 14 // Concept
Leads to
3 topics- Poetic forms and conventionsRequired
Reading Comprehension // Ages 11 to 14
Analysing poetic technique requires understanding figurative language and word choice
- Advanced Figurative LanguageRequired
Vocabulary // Ages 11 to 14
Advanced figurative language analysis requires the reading skill of analysing word choice in context
- Writing Techniques for EffectRequired
Writing Composition // Ages 11 to 14
Using literary devices in writing requires recognising them in reading first
Topic // Standards
Curriculum standards
- Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
- RI.6.4RI.7.4RI.8.4RL.6.4RL.7.4RL.8.4
- The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document
- KS3-ENG-R-3a
English // Reading Comprehension
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