New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

Which of the following is a strategy for helping students recognize figurative language?

1. Discussing only literal meanings

2. Recognizing only common phrases

3. Encouraging analysis through examples

4. Restricting access to diverse texts

The correct answer is: Encouraging analysis through examples

Encouraging analysis through examples is a highly effective strategy for helping students recognize figurative language because it allows learners to engage directly with the material. By examining specific examples of figurative language—such as metaphors, similes, hyperbole, and personification—students can develop a deeper understanding of how these devices convey meaning beyond the literal. This hands-on approach fosters critical thinking, as students learn to interpret and analyze different contexts in which figurative language is used. By actively engaging with examples, students not only identify various forms of figurative language but also learn to appreciate the nuances of tone, mood, and message that these figures of speech contribute to a text. This strategy encourages discussion, promotes literary appreciation, and enhances comprehension skills—all of which are crucial for reading development.