In the 11+ English exam, examiners are looking for children who can engage with a text on a deeper level. They want to see a spark of creativity and an understanding of the author’s craft that goes beyond the literal meaning of the words on the page.
One of the key ways they test this is through figurative language. These are the creative tools writers use to paint vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. They work by transferring the feelings and ideas associated with one thing (its connotations) onto another, making descriptions more powerful and memorable.
Understanding figurative language is a dual superpower. In comprehension, it allows your child to analyse how a writer creates a specific mood or feeling. In creative writing, it gives them the tools to make their own stories come alive, helping them stand out from the crowd.
At elevenplus.com, we believe that understanding these literary devices is a skill any child can learn. This guide will demystify the main types of figurative language your child will encounter in the 11+ exam.
In this definitive guide, you will learn:
- Clear definitions and examples of the 4 most common types of figurative language.
- How to spot and analyse the effect of these devices in a comprehension passage.
- How your child can use them to elevate their own creative writing.
- An expert tip on a more advanced technique to impress examiners.
The 4 Key Types of Figurative Language to Master
While there are many types of figurative language, the 11+ exam primarily focuses on a core group. Mastering these four will give your child the confidence to tackle most questions.
1. Simile
This is the most straightforward type to spot. A simile compares one thing to another using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’.
- The Goal: To make a description more vivid by linking it to something the reader already knows.
- Examples:
- The sun was like a golden coin in the sky.
- He was as brave as a lion.
- The sea sparkled like a million tiny diamonds.
2. Metaphor
A metaphor is a more direct comparison. Instead of saying something is like another thing, it says it is another thing.
- The Goal: To create a powerful image by stating a comparison as a fact.
- Examples:
- The classroom was a zoo just before the bell rang.
- He is a shining star in his class.
- The road ahead was a ribbon of moonlight.
[Image: A simple graphic with two columns. The left column is titled “Simile” with the words ‘like’ and ‘as’ highlighted. The right column is titled “Metaphor” with the word ‘is’ highlighted.]
3. Personification
This is where a writer gives human qualities, feelings, or actions to an inanimate object or animal.
- The Goal: To bring a scene to life and create a stronger emotional connection for the reader.
- Examples:
- The wind whispered through the trees.
- The old house groaned under the weight of the snow.
- The sun smiled down on the children playing below.
4. Onomatopoeia
This is a word that sounds like the noise it describes.
- The Goal: To make writing more immersive by appealing to the reader’s sense of hearing.
- Examples:
- The sausages sizzled in the pan.
- The fire engine’s siren wailed in the distance.
- The twigs snapped under his feet.
How to Spot and Analyse Figurative Language
In a comprehension test, your child won’t just be asked to identify a simile; they’ll be asked to explain its effect. Why did the author use it?
- The Technique: Encourage your child to ask, “What picture does this create in my head?” and “What feeling (connotation) does this comparison transfer?”
- Example Analysis:
- Text: “The wind whispered through the trees.”
- Analysis: By using the verb “whispered” (personification), the author transfers the connotations of secrecy, softness, and gentleness to the wind. This creates a calm and slightly mysterious atmosphere. If they had used “screamed,” the connotations of fear and violence would have created a completely different, much more frightening mood.
How to Use Figurative Language in Creative Writing
Using figurative language effectively is one of the best ways for your child to score top marks in a creative writing task.
- The Strategy: Encourage them to aim for just one or two powerful images per paragraph, rather than trying to cram in too many. A well-placed simile or a clever metaphor is far more effective than a long list.
- Expert Tip – Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of telling the reader a character is scared, show it with a simile: “His heart was hammering against his ribs like a trapped bird.”
From Literal to Literary
Understanding figurative language is the key to unlocking a deeper level of engagement with English. It helps children appreciate the craft of writing and gives them the tools to become more creative and expressive writers themselves. By practising spotting and using these devices, your child can develop the skills to truly shine in their 11+ English exam.
Ready to see these techniques in action?
➡️ Our 11+ English Comprehension packs are filled with high-quality texts and questions that specifically test figurative language, helping your child to build their analytical skills.
