Similes and Metaphors

Both similes and metaphors ________.

• compare things

• use the words “like” and “as”

• are ways words can rhyme in a poem

• make a story less vivid

A metaphor is a figure of speech that ________.

• uses the words “like” or “as” but doesn’t compare things

• compares things without using the words “like” or “as”

• gives a nonhuman thing human traits

• uses a word that sounds like what it means

Which of the following sentences contains a metaphor?

• The boy was upset at himself.

• The boy was a tornado of emotion.

• The boy said he’d die of shame.

• The boy did not like what he’d done.

Which of the following sentences contains a metaphor?

• Her eyes shone through the darkness.

• Her eyes looked like mine.

• Her eyes were two full moons.

• Her eyes were as bright as diamonds.

Identify the figure of speech in the following sentence.

The hug was like a soft blanket, wrapping Simone in warmth.

• simile

• metaphor

• both a simile and a metaphor

• There is no figure of speech in that sentence.

Identify the figure of speech in the following sentence.

Mikey waited in the cold until his fingers were icicles.

• simile

• metaphor

• both a simile and a metaphor

• There is no figure of speech in that sentence.

Explain the meaning of the following sentence.

Mikey waited in the cold until his fingers were icicles.

• This means that Mikey’s fingers became actual icicles.

• This means that Mikey waited for a very long time and got very cold.

• This means that Mikey is probably a snowman.

• This means that Mikey only waited for a minute or two.

Tracy felt as sick as a parrot.

• Simile

• Metaphor

She ran like the wind.

• Simile

• Metaphor

What is figurative language?

• Language that means more than what the words say.
• Language that means just what the words say.