Similes and Metaphors

Both similes and metaphor _______.

• compare things

• uses 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 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 contain 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 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 Simone in warmth.

• This means that Simone was actually wrapped in a blanket.

• This means that Simone had a fever.

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

• This means that Simone doesn't 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 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.

Read the sentence below. Which of these revisions uses a simile to make the imagery most powerful and matches the tone.

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

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