Poems; Similies and Metaphors

Literary Terms, Various

Directed Learning Activity—Fiction, Poetry, and Drama 09

Essential Question

What do the terms listed below all mean and how do I identify them in a poem?

Purpose

Upon completion of this activity, students will be able to define and provide an example of alliteration, metaphor, simile, personification, and onomatopoeia.

This DLA should take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

Direction

At Merriam-Webster.com, read the definitions for “alliteration,” “metaphor,” “simile,” “personification,” and “onomatopoeia.”

Exercise

Next, write a short poem or series of lines on a single subject that demonstrates each of the literary terms above. Label each one with its name.

Review your answers with an instructor or tutor in the Virtual Writing & Reading Center. Be sure you can answer the essential question above.