Figurative Dreaming

This worksheet helps students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 strengthen figurative language analysis, rhetorical understanding, and critical thinking by examining famous lines from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches. Students identify types of figurative language-such as metaphor, simile, and repetition-and then explain how each example affects the reader and strengthens Dr. King’s message. The activity highlights how powerful language can persuade, inspire, and move people toward action.

Skills Reinforced

• Figurative Language Identification (Grades 6-8) – Recognize metaphors, similes, repetition, and other devices
• Author’s Craft & Rhetoric – Analyze how word choice and structure enhance meaning
• Historical Speech Analysis – Understand how Dr. King used language to advance civil rights
• Critical Thinking – Explain the emotional and persuasive impact on the audience

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with middle school ELA and social studies standards
• Primary Source Focus – Uses authentic excerpts from Dr. King’s speeches
• Effect-on-the-Reader Analysis – Moves beyond identification to deeper interpretation
• Flexible Use – Ideal for classwork, discussion, assessment, or homeschool instruction
• Builds Appreciation for Language – Helps students see how figurative language fuels social change

This Figurative Dreaming worksheet helps students appreciate the power of words by exploring how Dr. King’s use of figurative language strengthened his call for justice and equality. Through careful analysis and explanation, learners build stronger literacy skills, rhetorical awareness, and historical understanding. It’s a meaningful, no-prep resource for classroom and homeschool settings focused on persuasive language and the craft of impactful speech.

This worksheet is part of our Martin Luther King Jr. Day Worksheets collection.