Recognise Similes and Metaphors

Look at the picture below.

 

 

How would you describe this tree to somebody who hasn't seen it?

 

We could use adjectives such as brown, ancient and lifeless.

 

To make our writing sound even better, we could use a simile which compares one thing to another using the words like or as.

Similes help the reader to picture parts of a story in their minds.

 

Here's one simile to describe the tree:

The ancient tree's branches were as bare as an empty cupboard.

 

By comparing the branches to an empty cupboard, it helps the reader to imagine really bare branches.

 

 

As well as using similes to help the reader picture parts of a story in their heads, we can use metaphors.

 

Metaphors compare something to another thing (just like a simile) but this time without using the words like or as.

This means that metaphors say that the thing they're describing actually is something else.

 

For example:

The ancient tree was a lifeless statue, frozen in time.

 

The tree isn't actually a statue but by comparing it to a statue, it helps the reader to imagine how still and lifeless the tree is.

 

Read the story opening below.

 

Jay looked into the calm saltwater lagoon; its surface was sparkling under the sun like a diamond ring. He had spent the past six months tiringly training for this triathlon and finally, the moment had arrived. Cautiously, Jay tested the water, listening for the starting horn. As the horn sounded, Jay dived into the water like a starving dolphin on the search for food. His powerful arms pulled him forwards with every stroke. When he heard the splashing of other swimmers getting closer, he pushed himself harder. Reaching the finishing line in no time, Jay pulled himself out from the water to see that he was in the lead. The water lapped up and down on the rocks like it was giving him a round of applause before he began the next section of the race.

 

 

Can you spot any similes using like or as?

 

Here's one of the similes in this passage:

its surface was sparkling under the sun like a diamond ring. 

 

By comparing the surface of the lagoon to a diamond, it helps the reader to picture how sparkly and shiny the water is under the sun.

 

In this activity, we'll be identifying similes and metaphors in texts. Think about how they help the reader to imagine what things look like.

 

Remember: similes use like or as and metaphors don't!!