Personification is a figurative language technique. Personfication is when a speaker gives an object or idea human characteristics, abilities, or qualities. This page contains worksheets and resources on personification. Use these to give students practice with identifying personification.
An Example of Personification The frost paints the pines in the winter time.In this example the writer gives frost the ability to paint. Frost can't paint. People paint. Since the writer gives frost this human ability, the writer personifies it.This is more poetic than saying that the pine trees were frosty.
Sometimes students have difficulty identifying personification and distinguishing it from other figurative language techniques. I believe that this is because they need more practice working with examples of personification. These worksheets will give students the experience that they need.
Personification Worksheet 1Here is a ten problem worksheet on personification. Students practice identifying examples of personification. They also explain what human trait or characteristic the personified object or idea receives. The worksheet increases in difficulty toward the end.
the RTF version of Personification Worksheet 1. Use this version of Personification Worksheet 1 if you want to make edits to the file." />
Here is another ten problem worksheet on personification. Students practice identifying examples of personification. Then they explain what human trait or characteristic the personified object or idea receives. The examples get longer near the end of the worksheet.
the RTF version of Personification Worksheet 2. Use this version of Personification Worksheet 2 if you want to make edits to the file." />
Here is yet another ten problem worksheet on personification. Read the examples. Identify what is being personified. Then explain what human trait or quality that is used. What a great way to review personification!
the RTF version of Personification Worksheet 3. Use this version of Personification Worksheet 3 if you want to make edits to the file." />
This worksheet features 10 more personification problems! Also, these problems use a lot of really great poetic language. Students read each example, identify what is being personified, and describe the human qualities that are given. Print, edit, or complete this activity online!
the RTF version of Personification Worksheet 4. Use this version of Personification Worksheet 4 if you want to make edits to the file." />
Here is another personification worksheet. This one has 10 problems to help you or your students master personification skills. This one feature lines from real poems, so it is little harder than some of my other personfication worksheets. Check it out!
the RTF version of Personification Worksheet 5. Use this version of Personification Worksheet 5 if you want to make edits to the file." />
This worksheet has ten examples of personification from poems. Students read the examples, determine what is being personified, and explain the quality, action, or trait that is given. Print, edit, or complete this worksheet online!
the RTF version of Personification Worksheet 6. Use this version of Personification Worksheet 6 if you want to make edits to the file." />
Are you ready to push it to the max? This personification worksheet is HARD. It contains some pretty challenging language and some fantastic examples of personification. Print it out as a double-sided 10 problem worksheet. Or complete it online! Challenge your students with this personification activity.
the RTF version of Personification Worksheet 7. Use this version of Personification Worksheet 7 if you want to make edits to the file." />
Here is another challenging personification worksheet. It has ten problems and is double-sided, or complete it online! Students should complete earlier activities in this series before trying this one. Or you could use this as an introductory activity for more advanced students.
the RTF version of Personification Worksheet 8. Use this version of Personification Worksheet 8 if you want to make edits to the file." />
This is the ninth personification worksheet in a series of nine. The examples used here are pretty complex. I recommend using it with older students or to check for mastery. This is a great way to finish a unit on personification.
the RTF version of Personification Worksheet 9. Use this version of Personification Worksheet 9 if you want to make edits to the file." />
R.4 - Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
RL.2.4 - Describe how words and phrases (e.g., regular beats, alliteration, rhymes, repeated lines) supply rhythm and meaning in a story, poem, or song.
RL.3.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language.
RL.4.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology (e.g., Herculean).
RL.5.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.
RL.6.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.
RL.7.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
RL.8.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
RL.9-10.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).
RL.11-12.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.)
L.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.3.5a - Distinguish the literal and nonliteral meanings of words and phrases in context (e.g., take steps).
L.4.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.4.5a - Explain the meaning of simple similes and metaphors (e.g., as pretty as a picture) in context.
L.5.5a - Interpret figurative language, including similes and metaphors, in context.
L.6.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.6.5a - Interpret figures of speech (e.g., personification) in context.
L.7.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.7.5a - Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological allusions) in context.
L.8.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.8.5a - Interpret figures of speech (e.g. verbal irony, puns) in context.
L.9-10.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.11-12.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.11-12.5a - Interpret figures of speech (e.g., hyperbole, paradox) in context and analyze their role in the text.
