Advanced Figurative Language
Understand and interpret figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meaning — including allusion, irony, pun, oxymoron, and extended metaphor — and distinguish between connotation and denotation when analysing or choosing words
Suggested ages 11–14
Evidence of understanding
- Explain the connotative difference between words with similar denotations (e.g., thrifty vs. stingy vs. economical)
- Identify irony or an allusion in a text and explain what it adds to the meaning
- Analyse an extended metaphor across a paragraph or poem and explain how it develops an idea
Assessment prompt
When Advanced Figurative Language reads a poem or novel and the author uses irony, a pun, or an unexpected comparison, can they explain what effect it creates and why the author chose those words?
Standards alignment
L.6.5
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 6
L.6.5a
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 6
L.6.5c
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 6
L.7.5
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 7
L.7.5a
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 7
L.7.5c
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 7
L.8.5
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 8
L.8.5a
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 8
Draw on new vocabulary and grammatical constructions
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 3
Know how language presents meaning
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 3