CCSS.RL.7.4 Worksheet: Figurative Language — Grade 7 Aligned

This Grade 7 ELA worksheet provides targeted practice on CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.4, helping students identify figurative language in the context of popular song lyrics. Through 10 structured examples, learners will distinguish between simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, and onomatopoeia, strengthening their analytical reading skills and understanding of literary devices in a modern, engaging format.

At a Glance

• Grade: 7 · Subject: English Language Arts (ELA)
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.4 — Determine the meaning of figurative language in context
• Skill Focus: Identifying Literary Devices in Song Lyrics
• Format: 2 pages · 10 problems · Answer key included · PDF
• Best For: Standards-aligned practice, assessment, or review
• Time: 15–25 minutes

What's Inside

This two-page PDF contains a student worksheet and a full answer key. The worksheet features a two-column table with ten song lyrics. Students must identify the literary device used in each lyric, choosing from a provided list (simile, metaphor, etc.). The design is clean and ready for immediate printing and use.

Evidence of Mastery

This worksheet generates clear evidence for assessing mastery of CCSS.RL.7.4. Each of the 10 items requires students to analyze figurative language. Teachers can quickly score the worksheet out of 10. A score of 8/10 or higher suggests a firm grasp of the concept, while lower scores signal a need for re-teaching. The results serve as a concrete data point for standards-based gradebooks or for tracking progress toward ELA goals.

Standards Alignment

This worksheet is directly aligned with a key Grade 7 Common Core State Standard:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings.

The activity focuses on the figurative language component of the standard. The code can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum maps.

How to Use It

This resource is highly flexible. Use it as a formative assessment after a lesson on figurative language. As students work, circulate and listen to their reasoning to gain insight into their thinking. Alternatively, assign it for independent practice or homework. The worksheet should take about 15-25 minutes to complete. Its engaging content also makes it a perfect activity for a substitute teacher's lesson plan.

Who It's For

This worksheet is ideal for 7th-grade ELA students, but can also serve as review for 8th graders. The high-interest topic of music is engaging for many learners. For students needing support, consider completing the first two items as a group. This resource pairs well with an anchor chart that defines each literary device, providing a visual reference during the activity.

This worksheet provides targeted practice for CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.4, a critical standard for middle school literacy. By asking students to identify figurative language in song lyrics, the activity connects a foundational analytical skill to a medium they find personally relevant and engaging. Research consistently shows that student engagement is a key driver of academic achievement. A large-scale analysis has shown a direct correlation between the use of culturally relevant materials and student performance on standardized assessments (RAND AIRS 2024). This resource builds that bridge, moving the abstract concept of literary analysis into a concrete, enjoyable task. The format provides a structured way to practice and assess a skill that is fundamental for understanding the nuances of literature, poetry, and persuasive language across all subjects, making it a valuable addition to any ELA curriculum.