Reading: Inference & Implied Meaning B1
Lesson 3: Understanding Basic Figurative Language
Listen to the examples here.
Before You Read 🧠
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
Let's learn these important words for today's lesson.
What is Figurative Language?
Figurative language is a way to make your writing more interesting by "painting a picture" with words. It does not use the exact, or literal, meaning.
Compare the literal meaning to the figurative meaning:
LITERAL (ន័យត្រង់)
He is very tall.
I am very hungry.
The exam was difficult.
FIGURATIVE (ន័យធៀប)
He is as tall as a giraffe.
I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.
The exam was a nightmare.
The figurative sentences create a much stronger and more memorable image for the reader.
Your Figurative Language Toolkit 🛠️
Let's learn the three most common types you will see in B1 reading.
1. Simile (ការប្រៀបធៀប)
A comparison between two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'.
- She sings like an angel.
- He is as strong as an ox.
2. Metaphor (ការប្រៀបធៀប)
A direct comparison that says one thing IS another thing. It does *not* use 'like' or 'as'.
- My teacher is a walking dictionary.
- His words were a knife in my heart.
3. Hyperbole (អតិផរណា)
A big exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally. We use it to be funny or make a point.
- This bag weighs a ton!
- I've told you a million times to clean your room.
Reading Practice Story
Read the story about a busy market. The figurative language is highlighted. Click 🔊 to hear the story.
The market was a complete zoo this morning; people were everywhere. I had to wait forever in line just to buy some mangoes. The lady next to me was as busy as a bee, shouting and selling her vegetables. By the time I left, my bags weighed a ton! I can't wait to go home and sleep for a week.
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Identify the Figurative Language
Read the sentence, then choose the correct type of figurative language. Click "Check Answers" when you're done.
1. "The exam was a nightmare."
2. "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."
3. "My new shoes are as white as snow."
4. "The car is blue."
Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)
-
Figurative Language
Using words in a non-literal way (like a metaphor or simile) to create a picture or feeling.
-
Literal
The original, basic meaning of a word.
-
Simile
A comparison using 'like' or 'as' (e.g., "fast as lightning").
-
Metaphor
A direct comparison saying one thing *is* another (e.g., "He is a rock").
-
Hyperbole
A big exaggeration (e.g., "I'm starving!").
-
To Weigh a Ton
(Hyperbole) To be very heavy.
Your Reading Mission ⭐
Find the Figurative Language
This week, listen to one of your favorite English songs or watch a movie in English. Try to find one example of figurative language. Ask yourself:
- Is it a Simile (using like/as)?
- Is it a Metaphor (saying something *is* something else)?
- Is it Hyperbole (a big exaggeration)?
Example: In the song "Firework" by Katy Perry, she sings, "Baby, you're a firework." This is a metaphor!