Critical Question: What is figurative language? How can I use it in my writing?

Simile: a comparison using the words like or as

ex: The boat shot off like a rocket.

Metaphor: A comparison that does not use like or as

ex: The blue water was a shiny mirror.

Alliteration: the repitition of an initial sound

ex: Mighty Mouse!

Onomatopoeia: a word formed by imitating the sound of the thing being described

ex: buzz

Hyperbole: an exaggeration to achieve a certain effect

ex: scared to death

Personification: giving human characteristics to an animal or object

ex: the sun peeked over the horizon