2.1 Main Differences Between Literal Meaning and Figurative Meaning
Literal meaning refers to the explicit or primary meaning of a word or phrase,
based on its most basic definition and understood without any interpretation
beyond the actual words. It is the surface-level meaning that can be directly
inferred from the language used. For example, in the sentence, "The sky is
blue," the word "blue" literally refers to the color blue as it is typically
perceived by the human eye. Another example is, "She is reading a book,"
where "reading" directly means the act of looking at and comprehending
written text.
Figurative meaning, on the other hand, involves the use of language in a way
that deviates from the conventional meaning to convey a more complex or
nuanced idea, often by invoking imagery, symbolism, or implied comparisons.
This type of meaning requires interpretation and often relies on context or
cultural understanding. For example, the phrase, "Time is a thief," does not
mean that time literally steals, but rather suggests that time takes away
moments or experiences in a manner akin to how a thief takes possessions.
Another example is, "She has a heart of gold," which figuratively implies that
the person is exceptionally kind and generous, not that her heart is literally
made of gold.
The main difference between literal and figurative meanings lies in their
interpretive requirements. Literal meanings are straightforward and require no
additional context for understanding, whereas figurative meanings rely on
creative or metaphorical thinking and often require the reader or listener to
consider the broader context or underlying concepts.
2.2 Why Learners Need to Rewrite a Text Many Times
Learners need to rewrite a text multiple times for several reasons, each
contributing to the development of their writing skills and the improvement of
the text itself. Firstly, rewriting allows for the refinement of ideas. Initial drafts
often contain raw and unstructured thoughts, and through subsequent
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