Literary Devices Worksheets

About This Collection of Worksheets

In Grade 6, students move beyond spotting figurative language to explaining how an author’s choices shape meaning, tone, and emotional impact. This collection supports that progression by targeting Common Core-aligned analysis of word choice, imagery, comparisons, and sound devices, helping students interpret both literal and figurative meanings in context. As students become more proficient, they learn to connect devices to mood, character development, and overall message rather than treating devices as isolated labels.

These worksheets work well for mini-lessons, literacy centers, small-group instruction, independent practice, and quick assessment checks. Many activities are ideal for warm-ups or exit tickets because they focus on a single skill set (like device identification or literal vs. figurative meaning), while others support deeper analysis through short responses and text-based explanations. Teachers can also use the writing-focused pages during revision units to help students apply figurative language intentionally.

Each printable PDF is designed to be ink-friendly, easy to read, and low-prep for busy classrooms. Clear marking directions, consistent formatting, and ample space for written responses support accessibility for a range of learners. Whether students are highlighting examples, answering analysis questions, or revising sentences, the layouts keep the focus on evidence-based thinking.

Worksheet Collection Skill Spotlights

Device Matchup
Distinguishing among multiple literary devices is challenging because students must notice small clues in structure, meaning, and sound. Students read twelve short sentences and match each one to simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, or alliteration using a provided list. They practice spotting signals like comparison words, exaggerated claims, and sound-imitating terms. By the end of this worksheet, students will be able to accurately identify common figurative and sound devices in isolated sentences.

Figurative And Literal
Telling literal from figurative language can be tricky when a sentence sounds realistic but actually communicates an emotion or idea. Students label twelve sentences as literal (L) or figurative (F), using context to decide whether the words should be taken exactly as written. Examples like “my stomach was a knot” push students to test whether the statement could literally happen. By the end of this worksheet, students will be able to distinguish literal meaning from figurative meaning using careful reasoning.

Figurative Fixes
Evaluating flawed figurative language is challenging because students must explain what doesn’t work before improving it. Students analyze ten sentences with issues such as mixed metaphors, unclear similes, or illogical personification, then choose the error type and rewrite each sentence for clarity. Sentences like “sadness like a pancake floating in the sky” require students to revise comparisons so they make logical sense. By the end of this worksheet, students will be able to identify common figurative language mistakes and revise them into stronger, clearer imagery.

Firework Sights
Analyzing imagery requires students to recognize sensory details and explain how word choice creates vivid mental pictures. Students read a narrative about a fireworks celebration and identify details that appeal to senses such as sight and sound, including phrases describing color and explosive noise. They explain which details are strongest and practice writing their own imagery-based sentence. By the end of this worksheet, students will be able to identify sensory language and explain how it strengthens description.

First-Day Jitters
Explaining the effect of literary devices is challenging because students must connect figurative language to mood and tone, not just label it. Students read a narrative about first-day anxiety and identify simile, metaphor, onomatopoeia, and personification, then explain how each device shapes the feeling of the scene. They analyze lines like “voices buzzed like dropped ice cubes” to show how comparisons communicate nervous energy. By the end of this worksheet, students will be able to describe how literary devices contribute to a passage’s overall mood.

Market Colors
Separating imagery from figurative language can be difficult because imagery can be literal while still highly descriptive. Students color-code a busy market passage by highlighting imagery, underlining similes, and circling personification, then answer questions about which senses are engaged. They also create an original simile that matches the market setting. By the end of this worksheet, students will be able to identify imagery and figurative language and explain how sensory details support tone.

Rainstorm Remix
Comparing two texts is challenging because students must focus on author techniques rather than summarizing content. Students read two passages about the same rainstorm and analyze how imagery and personification change the mood, including which passage makes the storm feel more “alive.” They support answers by referencing specific phrases and then write original sentences using imagery and personification. By the end of this worksheet, students will be able to compare how different authors use devices to create distinct moods.

Sentence Upgrade
Adding figurative language while keeping the original meaning requires control, precision, and intentional word choice. Students rewrite ten “boring” sentences using simile, metaphor, or personification, transforming plain statements into vivid ones (such as upgrading “the bell rang” into a more expressive comparison). A challenge task asks students to rewrite an upgraded sentence using a different device. By the end of this worksheet, students will be able to revise sentences by applying figurative language techniques effectively.

Stage Courage
Connecting figurative language to character development is challenging because students must explain how craft choices reveal emotions and growth. Students read a narrative about overcoming stage fright and analyze simile, metaphor, and imagery, explaining how specific phrases contribute to mood and reveal the character’s internal struggle. They practice writing short responses that link evidence to interpretation. By the end of this worksheet, students will be able to explain how figurative language supports character growth and theme.

Stormy Showdown
Mood analysis can be difficult because students must describe an emotional atmosphere created by language rather than simply recount events. Students read a narrative about a soccer game during a storm and identify imagery, simile, metaphor, and sound devices that build tension and excitement. They cite textual evidence to explain how word choice makes the scene feel intense and dramatic. By the end of this worksheet, students will be able to analyze how literary devices create mood and support their claims with evidence.

Treehouse Clues
Identifying similes, metaphors, and personification is challenging when figurative phrases are embedded in longer descriptive sentences. Students read a story about exploring an abandoned treehouse and mark each device as directed, including similes like “the ladder leaned like a sleepy skeleton.” They reflect on which device was easiest to find and write an original personification sentence. By the end of this worksheet, students will be able to locate and produce examples of key figurative language types.

Zoo Word Magic
Transforming literal sentences into strong figurative language is challenging because students must enhance imagery without changing meaning. Students rewrite ten zoo-animal sentences using similes or metaphors, turning straightforward descriptions into vivid comparisons (such as describing a giraffe “like a tower”). A bonus prompt asks for an original metaphor about an animal of choice. By the end of this worksheet, students will be able to create similes and metaphors that strengthen descriptive writing while staying accurate.