Simile and Metaphor- Lesson and Practice

Figurative Language (Simile and Metaphor)

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What figurative language does

takes words beyond their literal meaning (this means that words take on a meaning beyond their dictionary definition)

Whenever you describe something by comparing it to something else, you are using figurative language. Figurative language often uses comparisons or exaggeration to make a particular point and to help readers see something in a new and different way.

An example of figurative language

butterflies in my stomach

Reason to use Figurative Language

adds color and interest to language

Example of a type of Figurative Language: Simile

"I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,"

^{from William Wordsworth's famous poem, “I Wandered Lonely As a Cloud”} 

Figure of Speech

A figure of speech is just a specific kind of figurative language.

The wide variety of figures of speech shows the breadth of choices authors and poets have when they want to describe someone or something to readers. Knowing when to use a figure of speech, and which one to use when they do, is one of an author’s or a poet’s greatest challenges.

Types of Figurative Language (Figures of Speech)

• Comparisons, such as similes and metaphors 

• Allusions to literature, mythology, religious texts, history, or works of art or music 

• Personification

• Idioms

• Personification

• Onomatopoeia

• Puns + Hyperbole

How do I identify figurative languge???

• To interpret figures of speech in a text, such as similes and metaphors, ask yourself these questions: What two things are being compared? Why are they being compared? What image do they create in the reader’s imagination? 

• Once you have a better understanding of the meaning of the figure of speech, analyze its connection to other textual elements. What does it say about the speaker’s mood or feelings? How does it help to develop the poem’s overall tone? How does it help you understand the theme? 

• Finally, simply enjoy figurative language. It makes a text more interesting to read. 

Simile

Comparing two things using the words "like" or "as"

Metaphor

a figure of speech that compares two different things without the words "like" or "as."

Saying something is something else.

Ex: "The snow is a white blanket" is a metaphor because it compares the snow to a blanket.

Simile or Metaphor?

Poll

Simile or Metaphor?

• Simile

• Metaphor

Simile or Metaphor?

Poll

Simile or Metaphor?

• Simile

• Metaphor

Multiple Choice

My friend is as quiet as a mouse.

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

The students were as good as gold.

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

Her eyes were twinkling stars.

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

The lion’s teeth were daggers.

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

Silvia’s room smelled like garbage.

• simile

• metaphor

• neither

Multiple Choice

Scott read one book about frogs and another one about snakes.

• simile

• metaphor

• neither

Multiple Choice

His stomach is a bottomless pit.

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

She sings like an angel.

• simile

• metaphor

• neither

Multiple Choice

My stomach was a basketball after I ate Thanksgiving dinner.

• simile

• metaphor

• neither

Multiple Choice

The baby is as cute as a button.

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

All of the exercise turned Jake's body into a limp noodle.

• simile

• metaphor

• neither

Multiple Choice

The powdered sugar was a layer of freshly-fallen snow over the cookies.

• simile

• metaphor

• neither

Multiple Choice

My friend is as quiet as a mouse.

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

The students were as good as gold.

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

Her eyes were twinkling stars.

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

The lion’s teeth were daggers.

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

Silvia’s room smelled like garbage.

• simile

• metaphor

• neither

Multiple Choice

Scott read one book about frogs and another one about snakes.

• simile

• metaphor

• neither

Multiple Choice

His stomach is a bottomless pit.

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

She sings like an angel.

• simile

• metaphor

• neither

Multiple Choice

My stomach was a basketball after I ate Thanksgiving dinner.

• simile

• metaphor

• neither

Multiple Choice

The baby is as cute as a button.

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

All of the exercise turned Jake's body into a limp noodle.

• simile

• metaphor

• neither

Multiple Choice

The powdered sugar was a layer of freshly-fallen snow over the cookies.

• simile

• metaphor

• neither

Multiple Choice

The best friends had so much in common they were like two peas in a pod. 
What are the words in blue an example of?

• Simile
• Metaphor

Multiple Choice

The bruise on George’s foot felt as big as an elephant. 
What are the words in blue an example of?

• Simile
• Metaphor

Multiple Choice

After the walk through the dessert, Kim’s tongue felt dry as a bone. 
What are the words in blue an example of?

• Simile
• Metaphor

Multiple Choice

The best friends had so much in common they were like two peas in a pod. 
What two things are being compared in this this sentence?

• friends to peas
• friends to pods
• peas to pods
• best to friends

Multiple Choice

During brunch with his grandparents, Jacob was a real pig. 
What are the words in blue an example of?

• Simlie
• Metaphor

Multiple Choice

The baby girl’s smile was the sun on dark days. 
What does the metaphor mean above?

• The baby girl's smile made other people happy.
• When the baby girl smiled the sun would rise. 
• The baby never smiled. 
• The baby girl's smile made the moon come out. 

Multiple Choice

She is on a rollercoaster of emotions

• she's having fun
• she's scared
• she is having lots of different feelings
• she's going to vomit soon