RIC-20249 Primary Grammar and Word Study Year 6 – Figures of Speech

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