Understanding Figurative Language in IB English A
In IB English A: Language & Literature, figurative language isn’t limited to poetry — it also appears in non-fiction texts like news features, opinion articles, and editorials. Writers use figurative devices to persuade, frame issues, and shape readers’ perceptions of reality.
Recognizing these techniques is key for Paper 1 commentaries, Individual Orals (IOs), and Higher Level Essays (HLEs). IB examiners reward essays that explain how language constructs bias, emotion, and ideology, not just what the text says.
What Is Figurative Language? | IB Definition
Figurative language uses comparisons or symbolic expression to add layers of meaning beyond the literal. In news and opinion writing, it transforms facts and arguments into memorable, emotionally resonant communication.
Common examples include:
- Metaphor: Comparing two unlike things for meaning or emotion.
- Simile: Explicit comparison using “like” or “as.”
- Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human concepts.
- Hyperbole: Exaggeration for emphasis or effect.
- Symbolism: Using objects or imagery to represent abstract ideas.
Example:
In a political editorial, “The economy is bleeding” turns a factual issue into an image of injury, evoking urgency and empathy.
Why Journalists Use Figurative Language
Even in factual reporting, figurative language:
- Shapes tone: Makes articles sound hopeful, critical, or alarmist.
- Guides interpretation: Suggests how readers should feel about the issue.
- Humanizes abstract topics: Turns statistics or events into relatable experiences.
- Reveals bias: Shows how language reflects ideology or persuasion.
Example:
Calling a protest a “wave of change” rather than a “disruption” reveals the writer’s perspective on activism — supportive or critical depending on word choice.
Step-by-Step: How to Analyze Figurative Language in Non-Fiction
Step 1: Identify the Device
Underline or note where metaphor, imagery, or figurative phrases appear. Ask: What comparison or image is being created?
Step 2: Explain the Meaning
What concept does this figurative expression represent? What emotions or values does it evoke?
Step 3: Link to Tone and Purpose
How does the figurative device reflect the writer’s attitude or intention — to persuade, critique, or inspire?
Example Analytical Sentence:
“By describing the policy as a ‘time bomb,’ the journalist creates a tone of impending disaster, urging readers to recognize the urgency of reform.”
Step 4: Evaluate the Effect on the Reader
Does the figurative language clarify or distort the issue? Does it provoke empathy or fear? This evaluative step demonstrates IB-level analysis under Criterion B.
Common Types of Figurative Language in News and Opinion Texts
- Political Metaphor:
- “A battle for the nation’s soul” – dramatizes political tension.
- Economic Personification:
- “The market is nervous” – humanizes financial systems.
- Environmental Imagery:
- “The planet is choking” – evokes urgency and moral responsibility.
- Cultural Symbolism:
- “A melting pot of voices” – promotes inclusivity and diversity.
These choices influence how readers interpret reality — a core focus in IB English’s language and power strand.
How to Use Figurative Language Analysis in IB Assessments
- Paper 1: Identify figurative techniques and connect them to tone and purpose.
Example: “Through war metaphors, the author frames climate change as a global conflict, motivating readers to act.” - Individual Oral (IO): Link figurative devices to global issues such as media bias, environmentalism, or cultural identity.
- Higher Level Essay (HLE): Examine how figurative patterns reinforce ideology or authorial worldview.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Listing devices without analyzing their function.
- Ignoring figurative meaning in “factual” journalism.
- Confusing figurative and literal statements.
- Overlooking tone and audience response.
Tip: Always connect technique → tone → purpose → effect.
Why Figurative Language Matters in IB English A
Analyzing figurative language in news and opinion texts reveals how language constructs reality and influences thought — a core aim of IB Language & Literature. It deepens understanding of how writers use imagery, metaphor, and tone to shape public discourse and ideology.
Through RevisionDojo’s IB English Language & Literature course, students can study annotated media examples, rhetorical breakdowns, and commentary structures designed to master this skill across Paper 1 and IO tasks.
FAQs
Do news and opinion writers really use figurative language?
Yes — journalists use metaphor, imagery, and symbolism to make arguments engaging, emotional, and memorable.
How do I analyze figurative language in IB Paper 1?
Identify the device, explain its meaning, and evaluate its effect on tone, audience, and purpose.
Why is figurative language analysis important in IB English A?
It shows how language constructs perspective and ideology, linking stylistic analysis to real-world issues.
