Similes

• What is a simile?

A simile is a comparison that shows how two things that are not alike in MOST ways are SIMILAR in one important way.

Why use a simile?

• An author uses similes to make writing more interesting for the reader.

• Similes make the reader picture things in their mind.

Example of a Simile

Playing chess with Kinsley is like trying to outsmart a computer.

Explanation: Playing chess with Kinsley is being compared to trying to outsmart a computer. The point is that Kinsley can think in a powerful manner that resembles the way the computer operates. Kinsley is NOT like a computer in any other way!

How can I identify a simile?

A simile uses the words as or like to make the connection between the two things that are being compared.

as/like

Example:Landen’s temper is as explosive as a volcano.

In your journal, you would write: temper is as explosive as a volcano

Number 1

1. Chloe frowned and said, “I believe that taking drugs is like playing with fire.”

Number 2

2. Joshua walked along the beach and listened to the ocean. His sadness was as unending as the waves.

Number 3

3. Don’t tell Mrs. Pevey that her cookies taste like lumps of sand!

Number 4

4. Ally was offended when Tory said that she was as flaky as a snowstorm.

Number 5

5. Madison’s smile is as sweet as a lullaby.

What is a metaphor?

A metaphor is a comparison that shows how two things that are NOT alike in most ways are similar in one important way. Metaphors are a way to describe something.

Why use a metaphor?

Authors use them to make their writing more interesting.

Authors use them to make their writing more entertaining.

Examples of Metaphors

Robert was a brick wall, bouncing every tennis ball back over the net.

Explanation: This metaphor compares Robert to a wall because he kept returning the ball.

How can I identify a metaphor?

A metaphor DOES NOT USE THE WORDS LIKE OR AS to compare. Instead, comparisons are made in a direct way often using the words is/was.

Example: Logan is a rock, helping friends when they are all in need.

This metaphor compares Logan to a rock because ______________ .

a. She is very big.b. She likes to collect rocks.c. She is a strong, dependable person.d. She is a smart.

Example: Logan is a rock, helping friends when they are all in need.

This metaphor compares Logan to a rock because ______________ .

a. She is very big.b. She likes to collect rocks.c. She is a strong, dependable person.d. She is a smart.

Number 1

1. We would have had more pizza to eat if Mason hadn’t been such a hog.

Mason was being compared to a hog because ___________ .

a. looked like a hogb. ate like a hogc. smelled like a hogd. was as smart as a hog

Number 1

1. We would have had more pizza to eat if Mason hadn’t been such a hog.

Mason was being compared to a hog because ___________ .

a. looked like a hogb. ate like a hogc. smelled like a hogd. was as smart as a hog

Number 2

2. Reece was such a mule. We couldn’t get him to change his mind. This metaphor compares Reece to a mule because he was ___________ .

a. always eating oatsb. able to do hard workc. raised on a farmd. very stubborn

Number 2

2. Reece was such a mule. We couldn’t get him to change his mind. This metaphor compares Reece to a mule because he was ___________ .

a. always eating oatsb. able to do hard workc. raised on a farmd. very stubborn

Number 3

3. The poor rat didn’t have a chance. Our old cat, a bolt of lightening, caught his prey. The cat was compared to a bolt of lightning because he was _______________ .

a. very fast

b. very bright

c. not fond of fleas

d. very old

Number 3

3. The poor rat didn’t have a chance. Our old cat, a bolt of lightening, caught his prey. The cat was compared to a bolt of lightning because he was _______________ .

a. very fast

b. very bright

c. not fond of fleas

d. very old

Number 4

4. Even a child could carry my dog. Sugar, around for hours. She’s such a feather. This metaphor implies that Sugar _______________ .

a. is not cuteb. looks like a birdc. is not heavyd. can fly

Number 4

4. Even a child could carry my dog. Sugar, around for hours. She’s such a feather. This metaphor implies that Sugar _______________ .

a. is not cuteb. looks like a birdc. is not heavyd. can fly

Idioms

What is an idiom?

An idiom is a word used in a way that is different from its usual or dictionary meaning.

Why use idioms?

Authors use idioms to make their writing entertaining and interesting!

How do I identify an idiom?

• An idiom is not a direct comparison. It is a saying, an adage or a proverb. Idioms are part of a culture. In other words, if a person comes from another country (such as Italy) and he or she can speak English, he or she will not be familiar with idioms used in the U.S. A person needs to learn the idioms of a culture by hearing them being used.

Examples of an Idiom

1. a piece of cake

2. a slap on the wrist

3. back to the drawing board

4. apple of my eye

Number 1

1. I read the book, War and Peace. Don’t ask me what it was about. It was all Greek to me!

Number 2

2. My grandmother will bend over backwards to make her grandchildren happy!

Number 3

3. Bite your tongue young lady! Don’t talk about your brother like that again!

Number 4

4. “This necklace cost me an arm and a leg,” Colonel Kawalek complained.

Number 5

5. Don’t talk to me about a longer recess! You are barking up the wrong tree!

Similes, Metaphors, Idioms

Turn to your table partner. Tell them an example of a/an:

1. Simile

2. Metaphor

3. Idiom