MAP 8th Grade Reading

A comprehensive course designed to prepare 8th graders for the MAP Reading assessment by building advanced reading comprehension, analysis, and real-world literacy skills.

Understanding Main Ideas and DetailsMaking Inferences and Drawing ConclusionsUnderstanding Author's Purpose and Point of View
Analyzing Literary ElementsInterpreting Figurative LanguageEvaluating Arguments and Evidence
Applying Reading Skills to Digital TextsUnderstanding and Creating VisualsReading for Everyday Life
Active Reading StrategiesTime Management for Reading Assessments
Understanding Main I...Making Inferences an...Understanding Author...Analyzing Literary E...Interpreting Figurat...Evaluating Arguments...Applying Reading Ski...Understanding and Cr...Reading for Everyday...Active Reading Strat...Time Management for ...
Advanced Topics

Interpreting Figurative Language

More Than Just Words

Authors often use figurative language to make their writing more interesting. This includes similes, metaphors, personification, and hyperbole.

Types of Figurative Language

  • Simile: Compares two things using "like" or "as" (e.g., "as brave as a lion").
  • Metaphor: Says one thing is another (e.g., "time is a thief").
  • Personification: Gives human qualities to something non-human (e.g., "the wind whispered").
  • Hyperbole: Exaggerates for effect (e.g., "I've told you a million times!").

Recognizing figurative language helps you understand what the author really means, not just what the words say.

Using It in Life

Figurative language is everywhere: in songs, ads, poetry, and even sports commentary. Knowing how to spot it makes reading more fun!

Examples

  • In the poem, 'The sun smiled down on us,' you recognize personification.

  • The phrase 'He runs like the wind' is a simile comparing speed.

In a Nutshell

Understand creative language that makes reading more exciting and meaningful.

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Evaluating Arguments and Evidence