Activity Overview
"The Unsinkable Wreck of the R.M.S. Titanic" has several examples of figurative language including personification, simile, and hyperbole. In this activity, students can display their understanding of figurative language by identifying the examples and creating a literal or figurative portrayal of the language from this informational text.
| DESCRIPTION | EXAMPLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Personification | Giving human-like characteristics to non-human objects or abstract ideas | “Effortlessly we rose up the side of the famous bow, now weeping great tears of rust, past the huge anchor and up over the rail.” |
| Simile | A comparison using 'like' or 'as' | “Like a ghost from the ancient past, the bow of the Royal Mail Steamer Titanic, the greatest shipwreck of all time, materialized out my viewport.” |
| Metaphor | An implied comparison between two things | “I crouched on my knees, my eyes glued to the tiny viewport.” |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows three examples of figurative language in "The Unsinkable Wreck of the R.M.S. Titanic" .
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify use of figurative language in the text.
- Put the type of figurative language (such as simile or metaphor) in the title box.
- Give an example from the text in the description box.
- Illustrate the example using using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples of Figurative Language | There are three examples of figurative language in the description boxes. | There are two correct examples of figurative language in the description boxes. | Only one of the examples of figurative language is correct. |
| Types of Figurative Language | All three examples are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). | Two examples of figurative language are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). | Only one example of figurative language is correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). |
| Illustrations | Illustrations show attention to the details of the story and demonstrate connection to the figurative language. | Illustrations demonstrate connection to the figurative language. | Illustrations do not make sense with the examples chosen. |
Activity Overview
"The Unsinkable Wreck of the R.M.S. Titanic" has several examples of figurative language including personification, simile, and hyperbole. In this activity, students can display their understanding of figurative language by identifying the examples and creating a literal or figurative portrayal of the language from this informational text.
| DESCRIPTION | EXAMPLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Personification | Giving human-like characteristics to non-human objects or abstract ideas | “Effortlessly we rose up the side of the famous bow, now weeping great tears of rust, past the huge anchor and up over the rail.” |
| Simile | A comparison using 'like' or 'as' | “Like a ghost from the ancient past, the bow of the Royal Mail Steamer Titanic, the greatest shipwreck of all time, materialized out my viewport.” |
| Metaphor | An implied comparison between two things | “I crouched on my knees, my eyes glued to the tiny viewport.” |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows three examples of figurative language in "The Unsinkable Wreck of the R.M.S. Titanic" .
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify use of figurative language in the text.
- Put the type of figurative language (such as simile or metaphor) in the title box.
- Give an example from the text in the description box.
- Illustrate the example using using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples of Figurative Language | There are three examples of figurative language in the description boxes. | There are two correct examples of figurative language in the description boxes. | Only one of the examples of figurative language is correct. |
| Types of Figurative Language | All three examples are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). | Two examples of figurative language are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). | Only one example of figurative language is correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). |
| Illustrations | Illustrations show attention to the details of the story and demonstrate connection to the figurative language. | Illustrations demonstrate connection to the figurative language. | Illustrations do not make sense with the examples chosen. |
How Tos about Figurative Language
Organize a figurative language scavenger hunt using Titanic excerpts
Turn your lesson into an engaging challenge by having students search for personification, simile, and metaphor within the Titanic text. This interactive approach boosts reading comprehension and excitement for literary devices!
Explain the scavenger hunt rules and goals
Let students know they'll be racing to find as many examples of figurative language as possible in a set amount of time. Clarify that each type counts, and encourage teamwork or friendly competition. Clear expectations help everyone stay focused and motivated.
Distribute text excerpts and recording sheets
Hand out copies of selected paragraphs from "The Unsinkable Wreck of the R.M.S. Titanic" along with simple charts for students to record the type of figurative language, the example, and its meaning. This organization keeps students on track and reinforces close reading skills.
Encourage students to share and discuss their findings
Invite groups or individuals to present one example they found and explain why it’s figurative language. Facilitate a short discussion about how figurative language adds mood or imagery. This sharing deepens understanding and builds classroom community.
Wrap up with a creative extension activity
Have students write their own short paragraph about the Titanic using at least two types of figurative language learned. Encourage drawing or storyboarding to illustrate their writing. This step cements learning and inspires imagination!
Frequently Asked Questions about Figurative Language
What are some examples of figurative language in "The Unsinkable Wreck of the R.M.S. Titanic"?
Examples of figurative language in "The Unsinkable Wreck of the R.M.S. Titanic" include personification ("the famous bow, now weeping great tears of rust"), simile ("Like a ghost from the ancient past"), and metaphor ("my eyes glued to the tiny viewport").
How can students identify figurative language in informational texts?
Students can identify figurative language by looking for phrases that compare things in creative ways, use human traits for objects, or exaggerate. Words like "like," "as," or vivid descriptions often signal similes, metaphors, or personification.
What is personification and how is it used in the Titanic text?
Personification is giving human qualities to non-human things. In the Titanic text, the ship's bow "weeping great tears of rust" is an example, making the ship seem alive and emotional.
How do you create a storyboard for figurative language examples?
To create a storyboard, select examples of figurative language, label them (like simile or metaphor), include the quote, and illustrate the scene using drawings or digital tools to show the literal or figurative meaning.
Why is teaching figurative language important in grades 4-5?
Teaching figurative language helps students in grades 4-5 understand deeper meanings, improve comprehension, and make reading more engaging by recognizing creative language in texts.
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Unsinkable Wreck of the R.M.S. Titanic, The
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