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Literary devices are the tools authors use to make writing vivid, engaging, and memorable. Fifth graders identify and analyze simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration, onomatopoeia, and hyperbole — both as isolated examples and within full passages — distinguishing figurative from literal language and explaining the effect each device creates for the reader.

The main challenge is that students confuse similar devices: calling metaphors similes because both make comparisons, labeling personification as onomatopoeia because something sounds like an action, or describing hyperbole as a lie rather than an intentional exaggeration. Students also struggle to explain the effect of a device, not just name it. In Grade 4, students studied similes, metaphors, and personification; Grade 5 adds hyperbole, alliteration, onomatopoeia, and effect analysis.

Our literary devices worksheets give fifth graders structured practice correcting device misidentifications, identifying devices in isolated sentences, distinguishing figurative from literal language, matching devices to examples, analyzing why authors choose specific devices, and identifying multiple devices within full passages.

Worksheet Preview

Browse all 12 printable worksheets below — click any card to open the full page.

Easy
Busy Bee
Literary Devices
Name:
Date:
Grade: Grade 5
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. "The stars were like diamonds in the sky" is an example of a  
2. "Time is money" is an example of a  
3. A simile uses the words  
4. A metaphor makes a  
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.

Literary Devices
Easy
Busy Bee
Literary Devices
Name:
Date:
Grade: Grade 5
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. "The flowers danced in the breeze" is an example of  
2. "The bees buzzed around the garden" contains the onomatopoeia word  
3. "Big brown bears bathed by the bay" is an example of  
4. Words like crash, sizzle, and pop are examples of  
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.

Literary Devices
Easy
Busy Bee
Literary Devices
Name:
Date:
Grade: Grade 5
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. "The warm, golden sunlight poured through the dusty window" appeals to the senses of sight and  
2. In many stories, a storm is used as a  
3. "The fresh-baked cookies filled the kitchen with a sweet, buttery aroma" uses imagery that appeals to the sense of  
4. A red rose is often used as a symbol of  
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.

Literary Devices
Easy
Busy Bee
Literary Devices
Name:
Date:
Grade: Grade 5
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. "This suitcase weighs a million pounds" is an example of  
2. "The icy lemonade tingled against her dry lips" uses imagery that appeals to the sense of  
3. In literature, a broken mirror often symbolizes bad luck or a  
4. "My teacher has eyes in the back of her head" is figurative language because it is not meant to be taken  
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.

Literary Devices
Medium
Busy Bee
Literary Devices
Name:
Date:
Grade: Grade 5
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. "She runs faster than the speed of light" is an example of  
2. "The river sang a gentle lullaby" uses  
3. "My backpack weighs a ton" is not meant literally; it is an example of  
4. "The snow was a white blanket covering the town" compares snow to a blanket, making it a  
5. "The bacon sizzled in the pan" contains the  
6. "Cool cats climbed the crooked climbing wall" repeats the /k/ sound, which is called  
7. "Her eyes sparkled like diamonds" uses  
8. Literary devices that compare things or exaggerate are called  
9. Authors use literary devices to create vivid images in the reader's  
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
"The wind howled all night long"
→
hyperbole
"He eats like a horse"
→
onomatopoeia
"Snap, crackle, pop went the cereal"
→
personification
"I have a mountain of homework"
→
simile

Literary Devices
Medium
Busy Bee
Literary Devices
Name:
Date:
Grade: Grade 5
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. When someone says "It is raining cats and dogs," they  
2. The literal meaning of "He has a heart of gold" is that his heart is made of gold, but the  
3. "The test was a breeze" figuratively means the test was  
4. "I nearly died laughing" is  
5. "The leaves whispered secrets to each other" is figurative because leaves cannot actually  
6. "She is as brave as a lion" literally compares her to a lion but figuratively means she is very  
7. Figurative language makes writing more interesting by creating pictures in the reader's  
8. "Time flies when you are having fun" uses a  
9. When we interpret figurative language, we look beyond the  
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
"The sun smiled down on us"
→
alliteration
"She was as light as a feather"
→
simile
"Peter picked a pail of purple plums"
→
onomatopoeia
"The clang of the bell echoed"
→
personification

Literary Devices
Medium
Busy Bee
Literary Devices
Name:
Date:
Grade: Grade 5
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. "The rough bark scratched her fingertips as she climbed" uses  
2. A dove is a common  
3. "The river was as smooth as glass" is a  
4. "The spicy chili burned a trail down his throat" contains imagery that appeals to the sense of  
5. When an author writes "The night swallowed the village," the night is given a human action, which is called  
6. In a story, a character who always wears dark clothing may symbolize  
7. "Tick-tock, tick-tock went the grandfather clock" uses  
8. Imagery helps the reader  
9. "Life is a journey" is a  
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
"The bright red, juicy apple glistened in the sunlight"
→
alliteration
A broken chain in a story about freedom
→
hyperbole
"Wicked wolves wandered the winding woods"
→
imagery
"I have been waiting forever for my turn"
→
symbolism

Literary Devices
Medium
Busy Bee
Literary Devices
Name:
Date:
Grade: Grade 5
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. "The shrill whistle echoed across the empty stadium" uses imagery that appeals to the sense of  
2. In stories, a rising sun often symbolizes a new  
3. "His feet were blocks of ice after the long walk" is a  
4. "Furry foxes frolicked in the frozen field" repeats the /f/ sound, which is called  
5. "The soft petals felt like silk between her fingers" appeals to the sense of  
6. "The door creaked open by itself" uses the onomatopoeia word  
7. A locked door in a story can be a symbol for something that is  
8. "She cried an ocean of tears" uses  
9. Symbolism is different from simile and metaphor because the object  
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
"The tangy lemon juice made her lips pucker"
→
hyperbole
"The moon danced behind the clouds"
→
imagery
A wilting flower in a story about a sick character
→
personification
"He ran faster than a cheetah on rocket skates"
→
symbolism

Literary Devices
Hard
Busy Bee
Literary Devices
Name:
Date:
Grade: Grade 5
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Read: "The ancient oak tree stretched its weary arms toward the sky." Why did the author use personification here?
2. Read: "The cafeteria was a zoo at lunchtime." What effect does this metaphor have on the reader?
3. Why might an author use the hyperbole "I waited for an eternity" instead of "I waited a long time"?
4. Read: "Gentle giraffes grazed on the golden grass." What effect does alliteration create?
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. "Her smile was like a ray of sunshine" makes the reader picture a smile that is warm and  
2. Authors use hyperbole to  
3. "The thunder clapped overhead" uses personification to make the storm feel more  
4. A simile helps the reader by  
5. Onomatopoeia like buzz, hiss, and splash helps readers  

Literary Devices
Hard
Busy Bee
Literary Devices
Name:
Date:
Grade: Grade 5
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Read: "The morning fog crept silently through the village, wrapping its cold fingers around every house." Which TWO devices are used?
2. Read: "Maya's heart pounded like a drum as she stepped onto the stage. A million butterflies fluttered in her stomach." Which devices are used?
3. Read: "The rusty gate screeched in protest as Sam pushed it open. Shadows stretched like dark fingers across the path." What does the personification help the reader feel?
4. Read: "Big, bright balloons bobbed and bounced above the birthday bash. Laughter rang out like bells." Which devices appear?
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. In "The ocean roared and tossed its waves angrily at the shore," the ocean is given the human emotion of  
2. "Her voice was as smooth as silk" contains a simile that compares her voice to  
3. In "The whoosh of the wind whipped through the willows," the word whoosh is an example of  
4. "I have told you a thousand times to clean your room" uses  
5. "Sneaky snakes slithered slowly" uses  

Literary Devices
Hard
Busy Bee
Literary Devices
Name:
Date:
Grade: Grade 5
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Read: "The smoky aroma of roasted marshmallows drifted through the cool evening air as sparks popped and crackled above the campfire." Which literary devices are used?
2. In a story, a bird escapes from its cage and flies into the open sky. What does this most likely symbolize?
3. Read: "The velvet darkness wrapped around the sleeping town like a heavy blanket." Why does the author combine imagery with a simile here?
4. Read: "After weeks of gray skies, a single ray of sunlight broke through the clouds on the day she won the spelling bee." What does the sunlight most likely symbolize?
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. "The bitter, black coffee stung his tongue" uses imagery that appeals to the sense of  
2. A crumbling wall in a story about two friends growing apart is an example of  
3. Authors use  
4. "The moss-covered stones felt damp and gritty beneath his bare feet" appeals to the sense of  
5. Unlike a metaphor, which directly compares two things, a  

Literary Devices
Hard
Busy Bee
Literary Devices
Name:
Date:
Grade: Grade 5
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Read: "The silver moonlight spilled across the lake like liquid mercury, and the crickets sang a lullaby to the sleeping hills." Which THREE devices are used?
2. In a novel, the main character plants a tiny seed at the beginning and tends it throughout the story. By the end, it has grown into a tall tree. What does the growing tree most likely symbolize?
3. Read: "The sour tang of vinegar hit his nose before he even opened the jar. The sharp smell stung his eyes and made them water." What effect does the imagery create?
4. Read: "Tiny Tim trembled, his teeth chattering like castanets in the freezing wind." Which devices does the author use, and why?
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. "The sweet fragrance of jasmine floated through the open window" uses imagery that appeals to the sense of  
2. In a story about overcoming challenges, a character crossing a bridge can symbolize a  
3. When authors layer multiple literary devices in a single passage, they create writing that is more  
4. "The rough sandpaper scratched against the smooth wood" contains imagery that appeals to the senses of touch and  
5. A clock ticking loudly in a story about running out of time is an example of  

Literary Devices

What's Included in This Download

12 Printable Pages covering literary devices
Complete Answer Key for easy grading
Printer-Friendly Format in black & white
Variety of Activities to keep kids engaged
Common Core Aligned grade 5 standards
Instant PDF Download - no signup required

What You'll Learn

These literary devices worksheets help grade 5 students develop essential english skills through engaging activities.

Learning Objectives

  • Simile and Metaphor: Identify and explain comparisons with and without like or as
  • Personification: Recognize human qualities given to non-human things
  • Alliteration: Identify repeated consonant sounds for effect
  • Hyperbole: Recognize extreme exaggeration for emphasis
  • Onomatopoeia: Identify words that imitate sounds
  • Effect Analysis: Explain why authors choose specific literary devices

Skills Covered

Literary DevicesSimileMetaphorPersonificationAlliterationHyperboleOnomatopoeiaFigurative Language

How to Use These Worksheets

  1. Download & Print: Click the download button to get the PDF. Print on standard 8.5" x 11" paper.
  2. Start Simple: Begin with easier pages before moving to more challenging activities.
  3. Daily Practice: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day for consistent learning.
  4. Use Manipulatives: Pair worksheets with physical objects like blocks or counters.
  5. Provide Encouragement: Celebrate progress and effort to build confidence.
  6. Check Progress: Use the included answer key to review work together.

Common Mistakes to Watch For

  • Confusing simile and metaphor — students identify 'Her voice is music to my ears' as a simile because it sounds like a comparison. A simile requires 'like' or 'as'; a metaphor directly states one thing IS another. If there is no 'like' or 'as,' it is a metaphor.
  • Confusing personification with onomatopoeia — students label 'The thunder roared angrily' as onomatopoeia because 'roared' sounds like a loud noise. Onomatopoeia is a word that sounds like what it describes (buzz, snap). Personification gives human qualities to non-human things — the thunder cannot actually feel anger.
  • Treating hyperbole as a factual error — students say 'I have a mountain of homework' is wrong because homework is not literally a mountain. Hyperbole is intentional exaggeration for effect; it is not a mistake, a lie, or a factual claim. The exaggeration is the entire point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?

Both similes and metaphors compare two unlike things, but they do it differently. A simile uses 'like' or 'as' to make the comparison explicit: 'The lake was like a mirror.' A metaphor states directly that one thing is another, without 'like' or 'as': 'Her voice is music to my ears.' The easiest test: Does the sentence use 'like' or 'as' to make the comparison? If yes, it is a simile. If it says one thing IS another thing without those words, it is a metaphor.

What is personification and why do authors use it?

Personification gives human qualities — emotions, actions, or thoughts — to non-human things like objects, animals, weather, or abstract concepts. 'The old house groaned in the storm' gives the house a human sound associated with pain or effort. 'The wind whispered through the trees' gives wind the human ability to speak quietly. Authors use personification to make a scene feel more alive, create emotional atmosphere, and help readers connect with the non-human world through familiar human experiences.

What is onomatopoeia?

Onomatopoeia is a word that sounds like what it describes. 'Buzz,' 'snap,' 'crackle,' 'whoosh,' 'clang,' and 'hiss' are all onomatopoeia — saying the word aloud sounds like the noise it names. Authors use onomatopoeia to make writing more sensory and immediate, drawing the reader into the sound of a scene. The word 'buzz' in 'The bees buzzed' is onomatopoeia; the 'roared angrily' in 'The thunder roared angrily' is personification — roaring is a human-like action given to thunder, not just a sound word.

What is hyperbole?

Hyperbole is extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or humor, not meant to be taken literally. 'I have a mountain of homework' does not mean there is a physical mountain — it means the speaker feels overwhelmed. 'I waited for an eternity' does not mean literally forever — it means the wait felt very long. Hyperbole amplifies an emotion or idea far beyond its actual scale to make the reader feel the intensity of the experience. Recognizing hyperbole means understanding that the writer is exaggerating deliberately.

Why do authors use literary devices in their writing?

Literary devices make writing more vivid, emotionally engaging, and memorable. A simile like 'The classroom was as quiet as a graveyard' creates a specific mood — eerie stillness — that 'The classroom was very quiet' does not. A metaphor like 'The cafeteria was a zoo at lunchtime' communicates loud, chaotic energy instantly. Personification makes readers emotionally connect with non-human things. Alliteration creates a pleasing rhythmic sound. Onomatopoeia puts the reader inside a scene. Every device is a deliberate choice to make writing more powerful.

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Can I use these in my classroom?

Absolutely! Teachers are welcome to print and use these worksheets in their classrooms. Make as many copies as needed for your students.

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