RIC-20229 Primary Grammar and Word Study Year 1 – Figures of Speech

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