Similes & Metaphors

Both similes and metaphors __________________.

• compare things

• use the words like or 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 does NOT 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 simile?

• The thunder was loud.

• The thunder boomed and rumbled.

• The thunder growled, and the windows shook.

• The thunder growled like a group of grizzly bears.

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 shined 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 Jordan in warmth.

• simile

• metaphor

• both a simile and a metaphor

• There is no figure of speech in that sentence.

Explain the meaning of the following sentence.

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

• This means Jordan was actually wrapped in a blanket.

• This means that Jordan had a fever.

• This means that the hug made Jordan feel warm and cared for.

• This means that Jordan does not like to be hugged.

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 Mike waited for a very long time and got very cold.

• This means that Mikey is actually a snowman.

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

Read the sentence below. Which of these would be the best way to use figurative language to match the meaning of the sentence and create a clear image for the reader to picture.

I said goodbye quietly, afraid that my voice might crack and I would start crying.

• I said goodbye quietly, afraid to sound like a squeaky little chipmunk.

• I said goodbye quietly, afraid that my voice might break like Thomas Edison's first light bulb.

• I said goodbye quietly, afraid that my voice might crack and I wouldn't like the way it sounded.

• I said goodbye quietly, afraid that my voice might break like storm clouds and my tears might fall like rain all around us.