Similes

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. 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

5. Example: Landen’s temper is as explosive as a volcano. In your journal, you would write: temper is as explosive as a volcano

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

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

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

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

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

11. 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.

12. Why use a metaphor? Authors use them to make their writing more interesting. Authors use them to make their writing more entertaining.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. Example: Logan is a rock, helping friends when they are all in need. This metaphor compares Logan to a rock because ______________ . • She is very big. • She likes to collect rocks. • She is a strong, dependable person. • She is a smart.

16. Example: Logan is a rock, helping friends when they are all in need. This metaphor compares Logan to a rock because ______________ . • She is very big. • She likes to collect rocks. • She is a strong, dependable person. • She is a smart.

17. Number 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 ___________ . • looked like a hog • ate like a hog • smelled like a hog • was as smart as a hog

18. Number 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 ___________ . • looked like a hog • ate like a hog • smelled like a hog • was as smart as a hog

19. Number 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 ___________ . • always eating oats • able to do hard work • raised on a farm • very stubborn

20. Number 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 ___________ . • always eating oats • able to do hard work • raised on a farm • very stubborn

21. Number 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 _______________ . • very fast • very bright • not fond of fleas • very old

22. Number 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 _______________ . • very fast • very bright • not fond of fleas • very old

23. Number 4 • Even a child could carry my dog. Sugar, around for hours. She’s such a feather. This metaphor implies that Sugar _______________ . • is not cute • looks like a bird • is not heavy • can fly

24. Number 4 • Even a child could carry my dog. Sugar, around for hours. She’s such a feather. This metaphor implies that Sugar _______________ . • is not cute • looks like a bird • is not heavy • can fly

25. Idioms What is an idiom? An idiom is a word used in a way that is different from its usual or dictionary meaning.

26. Why use idioms? Authors use idioms to make their writing entertaining and interesting!

27. 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.

28. Examples of an Idiom • a piece of cake • a slap on the wrist • back to the drawing board • apple of my eye

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

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

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

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

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

34. Similes, Metaphors, Idioms Turn to your table partner. Tell them an example of a/an: • Simile • Metaphor • Idiom