1. ASManager2.zip Driver
2. H_LIT1.txt File Contents

H_LIT1.txt Driver File Contents (ASManager2.zip)

Name: <  >
Class: <  >
Date: <  >


Literal or Figurative
Part 1

"Do we mean what we say?" asks Professor Wordwhip. "Some native speakers of English are so at home in their language that they fall into figurative language, not realizing that a non-native speaker may be left in the dark. Even a simple statement about the weather may be so cloudy that it is misunderstood. Other speakers, however, stay on top of the problem and stick strictly to the point, knowing that their listeners are eating up every word."

Without being unkind to Professor Wordwhip (his intentions are good), he too has been speaking figuratively.

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Professor Wordwhip's speech repeated below shows the figurative expressions enclosed in insert markers. Replace these expressions with literal expressions from the following word bank.

Literal Expressions

at ease with
lapse
vague
misunderstand
are aware of
speak clearly
comprehending


Name and save this file now. (Press ctrl+S, type a name for the file, and press enter.)

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"Some native speakers of English are so <at home in> their language that they <fall> into figurative language, not realizing that a non-native speaker may <be left in the dark>. Even a simple statement about the weather may be so <cloudy> that it is misunderstood. Other speakers, however, <stay on top of> the problem and <stick strictly to the point>, knowing that their listeners are <eating up> every word."

Professor Wordwhip's Speech

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However...

Professor Wordwhip wishes all
to know that literal language
may be precise
and may be nice
and may be twice as dull.

Prove to Professor Wordwhip that you recognize the value of figurative as well as literal language! Complete the lines of dialogue below by selecting and typing the most appropriate speaker. Type your answer in the insert marker.

For Example:

"Put your money where your mouth is," said <the fund raiser>.

Speakers

a friend
fire fighter
poet
mother to babysitter
a cook
pharmacist
mother to doctor
detective
weatherman
carpenter

"Carmelita is burning up!" said <  >.

"Keep your eyes on Johnny!" said <  >.

"Winds up to 30 mph are expected," said <  >.

"I'll nail you for that!" said <  >.

"Just add a pinch of salt," said <  >.

"The clouds were tipped in rosy pink," said <  >.

"The mixture calls for 12.5 milligrams of NaCl," said <  >.

"Carmelita is true blue," said <  >.


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In the activity you just completed, only two of the statements were literal. List the literal speakers below.

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Below is a set of figurative expressions. Use them in sentences. Remember, you can type on either side of the expressions to complete your sentences. 

1. walking on air

2. skinny as a rail

3. blown away

4. hang loose

5. sharp as a tack

6. stuck in a groove

7. stand on your own two feet

8. lionhearted


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Now write two sentences using expressions which are very contemporary -- expressions your parents might not understand!

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After each figurative expression you listed above, write a literal translation or definition.


If you haven't done so already, name and save this file now. (Press ctrl+S, type a name for the file, and press enter.)


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end of activity
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