Understanding Allusions

Don’t let allusions be your Achilles’ heel—practice interpreting and writing them with this worksheet! An allusion is a brief mention of something or someone well-known, allowing the author to reference ideas from an entire story in just a few words. In this practice, students will begin by choosing the meaning of five unique allusions. Then, learners will incorporate an allusion into their own writing and explain its meaning.

Allusions are a great way for seventh and eighth graders to add depth and interest to their writing. Making references to well-known mythology, history, and literature can offer insight into characters and situations without having to provide an explanation. Familiarity with figurative language techniques can help students’ writing become stronger, more engaging, and more descriptive.

Keep practicing with Determine the Meaning of Common Allusions and Determine the Meaning of Common Allusions #2.