RIC-20229 Primary Grammar and Word Study Year 1 – Figures of Speech
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<strong>Figures</strong> <strong>of</strong> speech<br />
Similes<br />
Focus<br />
Similes<br />
Definition<br />
A simile compares one thing with another. Similes<br />
are usually introduced by the words ‘as’ or ‘like’.<br />
Example:<br />
He was as cunning as a fox.<br />
She slept like a log.<br />
Explanation<br />
• Similes are figures <strong>of</strong> speech. They are examples <strong>of</strong><br />
figurative language, as opposed to literal language.<br />
In figurative language, words are used to create<br />
mental images <strong>and</strong> impressions by comparing ideas.<br />
These comparisons help the reader to more clearly<br />
imagine the person, place or thing being described.<br />
• Writers use similes to emphasise a certain<br />
characteristic. Similies make writing more<br />
interesting, entertaining <strong>and</strong> colourful, as they <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
make a link between two unlike subjects.<br />
Example:<br />
The children ran around the playground like a pack<br />
<strong>of</strong> wild animals.<br />
Worksheet information<br />
• Read the explanation <strong>of</strong> a simile <strong>and</strong> say the<br />
example. Ask the students if they can think <strong>of</strong> any<br />
other examples.<br />
• Read the poem with the class. Discuss which word<br />
introduces a simile—‘as’. Students underline the<br />
three similes in the poem.<br />
• Students choose a noun that matches the similes in<br />
Question 2. They illustrate one <strong>of</strong> the similes.<br />
• In Question 3, students choose an adjective to<br />
complete the similes.<br />
• In Question 4, read the poem <strong>and</strong> the words in<br />
brackets with the class. Students can chose one<br />
word from each set <strong>of</strong> brackets or choose their own<br />
words to complete the simile poem about the owl.<br />
Ideas for further practice<br />
• Work with a partner to find three items in the<br />
classroom <strong>and</strong> write a similie for each.<br />
Example:<br />
The door is as strong as Superman .<br />
• Students write a simile poem about themselves in<br />
which each attribute refers to an animal.<br />
Example:<br />
I am as quiet as a mouse.<br />
I am as quick as a bat.<br />
I am as gentle as a lamb<br />
And as lazy as a cat.<br />
• Share simile poems with the class, such as My dog<br />
is as smelly as dirty socks by H Piven. Students write<br />
a review <strong>of</strong> the poem.<br />
Answers<br />
1. I am as happy as a clam<br />
And as funny as a clown.<br />
I am as playful as a kitten—<br />
I never like to frown.<br />
2. (a) toast (b) lion (c) fish (d) pancake<br />
3. (a) cold (b) cute (c) gentle<br />
4. Teacher check<br />
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<strong>Primary</strong> grammar <strong>and</strong> word study 78<br />
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