STAAR EOC Reading

State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness End-of-Course Reading exam.

Understanding GenresMain Idea and Supporting DetailsMaking Inferences
Analyzing Author’s Purpose and ToneInterpreting Figurative LanguageSynthesizing Information
Reading for Everyday LifeAnalyzing Media and AdvertisementsCommunicating Effectively
Active Reading TechniquesTime Management on Test Day
Understanding GenresMain Idea and Suppor...Making InferencesAnalyzing Author’s P...Interpreting Figurat...Synthesizing Informa...Reading for Everyday...Analyzing Media and ...Communicating Effect...Active Reading Techn...Time Management on T...
Advanced Topics

Interpreting Figurative Language

Going Beyond Literal Meanings

Figurative language uses creative comparisons to express ideas in interesting ways. Instead of saying exactly what they mean, authors use figures of speech to add depth and emotion.

Types of Figurative Language

  • Simile: Comparing two things using “like” or “as” (e.g., "She was as fast as lightning.")
  • Metaphor: Directly comparing two things (e.g., "Time is a thief.")
  • Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things (e.g., "The wind whispered.")

Why It Matters

Figurative language makes texts more vivid and helps you connect with what you’re reading. It can set a mood or reveal a character’s feelings.

Spotting Figurative Language

Look for unusual comparisons or descriptions that can’t be literally true. Ask: What is the author really trying to say?

Real-World Application

Understanding figurative language helps you appreciate songs, poems, and even jokes!

Examples

  • Describing a busy city as ‘buzzing like a beehive’ is a simile.

  • Saying ‘the sun smiled down on us’ is personification.

In a Nutshell

Figurative language makes writing more interesting by using creative comparisons.

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Synthesizing Information