Common Core Practice: Similes and Metaphors

What does the metaphor in the first sentence mean?

The sky was an angry, purple monster. It roared fiercely as the thunder crashed and the rain poured down.

• The sky had clouds in the shape of a monster.

• The sky was stormy.

• Monsters invaded the town.

• None of the above

What purpose does the author's simile serve in the paragraph?

In the days after Dad was laid off almost everyone was gloomy. Sam didn't smile, Mom hovered over everyone like a cloud full of rain. It was Sasha who was the ray of sunshine when she declared, "It's alright. Hugs are free!"

• It describes the setting after Dad was laid off.

• It makes the point that mom was gloomy and likely to cry.

• It shows that Sasha was a happy, upbeat presence in the house.

• It reminds us that hugs are free.

By comparing Kevin to a brick wall, what is the speak trying to say about Kevin?

The starting goalie was out with an injury, so Kevin was finally getting his chance to prove his worth. He knew he could do it. He was ready. Kevin was a brick wall.

• He would not allow the opponent to score he'd block the goal posts.

• He was hard-headed.

• He built a wall in front of his soccer goal.

• He threw bricks at his opponent.

What purpose does the author's metaphor serve in the paragraph?

In the days after Dad was laid off almost everyone was gloomy. Sam didn't smile, Mom hovered over everyone like a cloud full of rain. It was Sasha who was the ray of sunshine when she declared, "It's alright. Hugs are free!"

• It describes the setting after Dad was laid off.

• It makes the point that mom was gloomy and likely to cry.

• It shows that Sasha was a happy, upbeat presence in the house.

• It reminds us that hugs are free.

What does the simile in the below paragraph mean?

Their family was like a patchwork quilt of diversity. Each adopted child added something beautiful to the whole.

• Like a patchwork quilt, the family was old and ragged. It was probably time to throw it out.

• Their family had old-fashioned traditions, like a patchwork quilt from generations past.

• Like a patchwork quilt, the children were adopted by parents who loved them very much.

• Like a patchwork quilt that has bits of different fabric stitched together, the family had children of different ethnic origins living together as siblings. The overall effect was beautiful.

Why does the speaker compare ballerinas to swans?

The ballerinas were like swans gliding over the stage.

• to show that they were white

• to show that they squawked like birds

• to show that they can swim

• to show that they are graceful and elegant

Which similes below would be helpful in describing a terrified look on someone's face?

• Her eyes drooped like wilted flowers, and her hands hung limp like wet spaghetti noodles.

• Her eyes were as sharp as arrows, and her fists clenched tight like hammers waiting to strike.

• Her eyes were soft like a morning dew, and her hands lay still as resting cherubs.

• Her eyes were as big as sewer lids, and her hands trembled like tiny earthquakes.

Which metaphor below would be helpful in describing a presentation that went awry?

• In that moment Alfonso was a lion tamer, and the crowd was a well-trained pride eating from the palm of his hand.

• In that moment Alfonso was the conductor of a train that was steady on its rails and going full steam ahead.

• In that moment Alfonso was a bright flame, and the people gathered like moths around him.

• In that moment Alfonso was the captain of an ill-fated voyage, and he was going down with the ship.

Which simile below would help describe a child's joy in being reunited with a mother returning from a military tour of duty in another country?

• Hannah's face lit up like fireworks on the Fourth of July when she glimpsed her mother rounding the corner. It was really her!

• Hannah closed up like a locked bedroom door when she saw her mother for the first time.

• Hannah pounded her fist on the counter like it was a judge's ruinous gavel when she saw her mother rounding the corner.

• Hannah's eyes turned down, and her face turned red as a beet when she glimpsed her mother for the first time.

Which metaphor below would be helpful in describing a huge crowd of people at a festival?

• The people marched through the streets with purpose, like an army marching toward battle.

• The streets were a barren desert, and the music echoed off of empty storefronts.

• A sea of delighted people swept over the sidewalks and into the street as they passed from attraction to attraction.

• I was on an emotional roller coaster on the day of the festival.