Reading Worksheet · Grades 3–5
Literal and Nonliteral Meaning Worksheet
A printable reading worksheet for grades 3-5 on literal and nonliteral meaning: literal language means exactly what the words say, while nonliteral language means something different. Students classify eight sentences, then answer four questions. A complete answer key is included.
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Subject
Reading
Grades
Grades 3–5
Skill Focus
Literal and Nonliteral Meaning, reading comprehension
Lesson Length
15 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
Language can be literal or nonliteral. Literal language means exactly what the words say, while nonliteral (figurative) language means something different and must be interpreted. This worksheet helps students notice when a sentence is not meant to be taken word for word – a key step toward understanding idioms and figurative language.
Section A gives eight sentences (It is raining hard outside; It is raining cats and dogs) and asks students to label each literal or nonliteral. The reference box teaches the idea with ‘the dog is brown’ and ‘break a leg’, sentences not reused in the items.
Section B asks students to define literal and nonliteral language, explain what ‘raining cats and dogs’ really means, and write their own nonliteral sentence with its meaning. Page 3 is a complete answer key. The skill builds toward idioms and figurative language.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and contrast the literal and nonliteral examples.
Complete Section A independently – have students ask ‘do the words mean exactly what they say?’
Work Section B item 11 together: explain what ‘raining cats and dogs’ really means.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Pair with the Figurative Language Worksheet or the Idioms Worksheet for a figurative-language mini-unit.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Literal and Nonliteral Meaning Worksheet
A printable reading worksheet for grades 3-5 on literal and nonliteral meaning: literal language means exactly what the words say, while nonliteral language means something different. Students classify eight sentences, then answer four questions. A complete answer key is included.
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