English·Vocabulary·conceptual
Literal vs Figurative Language
Distinguish literal from nonliteral (figurative) language in context and interpret common idioms and phrases
Suggested ages 8–9
Learning journey
Your child is learning to understand figurative language — recognising when words don't mean exactly what they say and interpreting common phrases and idioms in stories and conversation.
Evidence of understanding
- Identify whether 'It's raining cats and dogs' is literal or nonliteral and explain what it means
- Read a passage and circle three phrases used nonliterally, restating each in literal terms
- Explain the difference between 'She was on fire' (figurative — performing well) and 'The log was on fire' (literal)
Assessment prompt
When Literal vs Figurative Language reads a phrase like "it's raining cats and dogs" or "she had butterflies in her stomach," do they know it doesn't mean what the words literally say?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.