RIC-20249 Primary Grammar and Word Study Year 6 – Figures of Speech

Figures of speech
Proverbs
Focus
Proverbs
Definition
• A proverb is a wise, usually short saying that has
been used for a long time.
Example:
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Explanation
• Proverbs are short memorable sayings that express
a truth, warning, practical idea or useful thought.
Most proverbs aim to teach something. Not as many
proverbs are used today as previously. The literal
meaning of many proverbs may differ from their
accepted meaning. The origins and meanings of
many proverbs are often hard to track. Many have
changed from their original forms.
• An apt definition for a proverb is ‘a short sentence
based on long experience’.
• The study of proverbs is called ‘paremiology’ and a
collection of proverbs is called a ‘paremiography’.
• Internet sites provide valuable references for access
to French, English, Chinese, Arabic and African
proverbs.
• Proverbs can contain a variety of literacy features
including alliteration, rhyme, hyperbole, paradox and
personification.
Example:
‘Birds of a feather flock together’ (alliteration),
‘A stitch in time saves nine’ (alliteration and rhyme),
‘An Englishman’s home is his castle’ and ‘It never
rains but it pours’ (hyperbole),
‘Failure teaches success’ and ‘Familiarity breeds
contempt’ (paradox)
and ‘Walls have ears’ (personification)
Worksheet information
• Students should complete Questions 1 to 2. Discuss
the definition in Question 3.
• The proverbs in Question 4 are very familiar.
However, assistance and collaboration may be
necessary.
• Students can complete Question 5 independently.
Ideas for further practice
• Find proverbs which illustrate specific literacy
features such as alliteration, personification and
rhyme.
• Research, read and discuss proverbs from different
cultures.
• Find proverbs which can be applied to real-life
problems which arise in the classroom, playground
or school.
Example:
‘Honesty is the best policy’, ‘If you want a friend, be
a friend’, ‘Honey catches more flies than vinegar’,
‘Actions speak louder than words’, ‘All things are
difficult before they are easy’
• Ask the students to write a fable to illustrate a
particular proverb.
Answers
1.–3. Teacher check
4. (a) A stitch in time saves nine.
(b) All that glitters is not gold.
(c) Beauty is only skin deep.
(d) All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
(e) An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
(f) Empty vessels make the most noise.
(g) Fingers were made before forks.
(h) You are what you eat.
(i) Two wrongs don’t make a right.
(j) Home is where the heart is.
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5. Answers will vary but should be similar to:
(a) People will tell bad news very quickly.
(b) Be grateful for what you have, even if it is not
as much as you want.
(c) A foolish person spends his/her money very
quickly.
(d) Don’t judge people by their appearance only.
What’s inside is more important.
Primary grammar and word study 84
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