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<strong>Figures</strong> <strong>of</strong> speech<br />
Similes <strong>and</strong> metaphors<br />
Focus<br />
Similes <strong>and</strong> metaphors<br />
Definitions<br />
• A simile compares one thing with another. Similes are<br />
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 />
• A metaphor is a comparison between two things without<br />
the use <strong>of</strong> ‘as’ or ‘like’. Metaphors say something is<br />
something else.<br />
Example:<br />
‘The sunset was a rainbow <strong>of</strong> colours.’<br />
‘A blanket <strong>of</strong> snow covered the street.’<br />
Explanation<br />
• Similes <strong>and</strong> metaphors are figures <strong>of</strong> speech. They are<br />
examples <strong>of</strong> figurative language, as opposed to literal<br />
language (stating a fact). In figurative language, words are<br />
used to create mental images by comparing ideas. These<br />
comparisons help the reader to more clearly imagine the<br />
person, place or thing being described.<br />
• Writers use similes to emphasise a certain characteristic.<br />
They make writing more interesting, entertaining <strong>and</strong><br />
colourful, as they <strong>of</strong>ten forge a link between two unlike<br />
subjects.<br />
Example:<br />
The children ran around the playground like a pack <strong>of</strong><br />
wild animals.<br />
• Like similes, metaphors compare <strong>and</strong> link two subjects that<br />
are not usually linked. However, while a simile is a simple<br />
comparison, a metaphor states that two subjects are the<br />
same. Metaphors give one object the attributes <strong>of</strong> the other.<br />
Example:<br />
In the playground, the children were a pack <strong>of</strong> wild animals.<br />
The children have been given the attributes <strong>of</strong> a ‘pack <strong>of</strong><br />
wild animals’, being ‘loud’ <strong>and</strong> ‘untamed’.<br />
• Metaphors are considered stronger than similes.<br />
Worksheet information<br />
• Read the definitions <strong>of</strong> metaphors <strong>and</strong> similes at the top <strong>of</strong> the<br />
page with the class. Ask the students for further examples <strong>of</strong><br />
each.<br />
• Read the poem with the class. Students can work in pairs<br />
or small groups to identify the metaphors <strong>and</strong> similes in the<br />
poem.<br />
• Work through Question 2 with the class. Students<br />
categorise the statements as metaphors or similes in<br />
Question 3. In Question 4, students explain the metaphor.<br />
Ask the class to consider the function <strong>of</strong> a key (to open<br />
doors). Students write their own similes in Question 5.<br />
When complete, ask for volunteers to share their writing<br />
with the class.<br />
Ideas for further practice<br />
• With adult supervision, use the Internet to view popular<br />
song lyrics to find examples <strong>of</strong> similes <strong>and</strong> metaphors.<br />
Work in small groups to write explanations for each.<br />
• As a class, read the classical narrative poem The Lady <strong>of</strong><br />
Shalott by Alfred Lord Tennyson. Identify <strong>and</strong> discuss the<br />
similes <strong>and</strong> metaphors found in the poem.<br />
• Write a poem containing metaphors or similes, comparing<br />
your family to an object <strong>of</strong> your choice (such as a table, a<br />
first-aid box etc.).<br />
Answers<br />
1. Note: Underlined text = simile Bold text = metaphor<br />
To those who hurriedly pass him by<br />
He is a shadow, a pile <strong>of</strong> old rags<br />
His face is weathered like a forgotten apple<br />
He’s as useless as torn shopping bags<br />
Camouflaged in dirt like a soldier<br />
He’s a rat in the gutters <strong>and</strong> streets<br />
He shuffles from one bin to another<br />
Like a hungry child, he swiftly eats<br />
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2. (a) the homeless man; a rat<br />
(b) He scurries <strong>and</strong> scavenges like a rat.<br />
(c) It is not a simile because it does not contain<br />
‘as’ or ‘like’.<br />
(d) He’s like a rat in the gutters <strong>and</strong> streets.<br />
3. (a) Metaphor (b) Simile<br />
(c) Simile (d) Simile<br />
(e) Metaphor (f) Metaphor<br />
4. Suggested answer: As keys open doors, the metaphor<br />
means that obtaining an education will open doors to a<br />
good job.<br />
5. Teacher check<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> grammar <strong>and</strong> word study 82<br />
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