Understanding Hyperbole
A Grade 6 ELA worksheet on identifying and understanding hyperbole in literature and everyday language.
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Understanding Hyperbole
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Read the instructions for each section carefully and answer all questions to the best of your ability. This worksheet will help you understand hyperbole, a type of figurative language.
What is Hyperbole?
Hyperbole (pronounced 'high-PER-buh-lee') is a figure of speech that uses extreme exaggeration to make a point or show emphasis. It is not meant to be taken literally. For example, if you say "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!" you don't actually mean you're going to eat a horse; you're just exaggerating to show how hungry you are.
1. Which of the following sentences contains an example of hyperbole?
The cat slept on the mat.
It's raining cats and dogs outside!
The boy ran quickly to school.
She has a beautiful smile.
2. Read the sentence: "I waited an eternity for my turn on the swing." What does the hyperbole in this sentence suggest?
The speaker actually waited for millions of years.
The speaker waited a very long time.
The speaker was bored.
The swing was broken.
Complete each sentence by adding a hyperbole.
3. My backpack weighs today.
4. After running the marathon, I was so tired I could .
5. The baby cried .
Explain what each hyperbole means in your own words.
6. "I have a million things to do today."
7. "Her smile was so bright it could light up the entire city."
Match each hyperbole on the left with its intended meaning on the right.
8. I'm drowning in homework.
a. The person is extremely thirsty.
9. My feet are killing me!
b. The person has a lot of homework.
10. I could drink a river.
c. The person's feet hurt very much.
11. Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) describing your favorite season. Include at least two examples of hyperbole in your description. Underline your hyperboles.