Exploring Figurative Language

What is a metaphor?

• A metaphor is a synonym for a word.

• A metaphor is a direct comparison between two unlike things.

• A metaphor is a literal description of an object.

• A metaphor is a type of simile.

Answer explanation

A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things, suggesting they are alike in some way. This distinguishes it from synonyms, literal descriptions, and similes.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Identify the metaphor in the following sentence: 'Time is a thief.'

• Time is a friend.

• Time runs fast.

• Time is a thief.

• Time is a circle.

Answer explanation

The metaphor 'Time is a thief' suggests that time steals moments from our lives, emphasizing its elusive and precious nature. This makes 'Time is a thief' the correct choice, as it directly conveys the metaphorical meaning.

Which of the following is a personification? 'The wind whispered through the trees.' or 'The cat sat on the mat.'

• The flowers smiled in the garden.

• The dog barked loudly.

• The sun danced across the sky.

• The wind whispered through the trees.

Answer explanation

The phrase 'The wind whispered through the trees.' attributes human-like qualities to the wind, making it a personification. In contrast, 'The cat sat on the mat.' is a straightforward statement without personification.

Create a simile to describe a fast runner.

• As slow as a turtle.

• As heavy as a rock.

• As fast as a cheetah.

• As quiet as a whisper.

Answer explanation

The correct simile is 'As fast as a cheetah' because cheetahs are known for their incredible speed, making it an ideal comparison for a fast runner. The other options describe slowness or weight, which do not fit the prompt.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Create a metaphor to describe a difficult exam.

• A difficult exam is a gentle breeze.

• A difficult exam is a stormy sea.

• A difficult exam is a warm cup of tea.

• A difficult exam is a walk in the park.

Answer explanation

A difficult exam is a stormy sea because it represents the challenges and turbulence students face, requiring skill and resilience to navigate through the waves of questions and pressure.

Identify the personification in this sentence: 'The sun smiled down on us.'

• The wind danced through the trees.

• The moon whispered softly to the stars.

• The sun smiled down on us.

• The river sang a gentle tune.

Answer explanation

The phrase 'The sun smiled down on us' attributes the human action of smiling to the sun, which is an example of personification. This choice directly illustrates the concept, making it the correct answer.

What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?

• A simile is a type of metaphor.

• A metaphor uses 'like' or 'as' for comparison.

• A simile uses 'like' or 'as' for comparison, while a metaphor states one thing is another.

• Both similes and metaphors are the same thing.

Answer explanation

A simile directly compares two things using 'like' or 'as', while a metaphor asserts that one thing is another, creating a more implicit comparison. Thus, the correct choice clearly distinguishes between the two.

Create a personification for a rainy day.

• A cheerful sunbeam dancing across the sky.

• A playful puppy splashing in puddles.

• A melancholic artist weeping softly, nurturing the earth with its tears.

• A grumpy old man shaking his fist at the clouds.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'A melancholic artist weeping softly, nurturing the earth with its tears,' personifies a rainy day as a sensitive figure, emphasizing the nurturing aspect of rain, contrasting with the other more playful or grumpy options.

Identify the metaphor in the phrase: 'He has a heart of stone.'

• The metaphor is 'heart of stone'.

• He has a warm heart.

• He is as tough as nails.

• He is a gentle giant.

Answer explanation

The metaphor 'heart of stone' suggests that he is emotionally cold or unfeeling, contrasting with a warm or gentle nature. This phrase vividly illustrates his lack of compassion, making it the correct choice.

Create a simile to compare a busy city to a beehive.

• A busy city is like a beehive, buzzing with activity.

• A busy city is as quiet as a library.

• A busy city is like a calm lake, still and peaceful.

• A busy city is like a desert, empty and silent.

Answer explanation

The correct choice compares a busy city to a beehive, highlighting the constant movement and energy in both. The phrase 'buzzing with activity' effectively captures the lively atmosphere of a city, making it the best simile.