English Language Arts
Grade 4
15 min
Identify similes and metaphors
Identify similes and metaphors
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define the terms 'simile' and 'metaphor'.
Identify the signal words 'like' and 'as' used in similes.
Differentiate between a simile and a metaphor in a given sentence.
Identify the two unlike things being compared in a simile.
Identify the two unlike things being compared in a metaphor.
Explain the meaning of a simple simile or metaphor.
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In this lesson, we will explore two powerful writing tools: similes and metaphors. These are types of figurative language that make writing more colorful and fun by creating pictures in the reader's mind. Learning to spot them will make you a better re...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Figurative LanguageWords or phrases that have a creative meaning different from their normal, everyday meaning.Saying 'it's raining cats and dogs' doesn't mean animals are falling from the sky; it means it's raining very hard.
SimileA type of figurative language that compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'.Her smile was as bright as the sun.
MetaphorA type of figurative language that compares two different things by saying one thing *is* the other.The new book is a treasure chest of adventures.
ComparisonShowing how two different items are similar in some way.In 'The moon is like a pizza,' the moon and a pizza are being compared because they are both round.
Literal LanguageWords that mean exa...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Simile Signal Words Rule
Simile = Comparison + 'like' or 'as'
If you see a sentence comparing two different things and it uses the word 'like' or 'as', you have found a simile. These are your signal words to look for.
The Metaphor Direct Statement Rule
Metaphor = Comparison stating one thing IS another
If a sentence says one thing *is*, *are*, *was*, or *were* another thing (and it can't literally be true), it's a metaphor. It makes a direct, stronger comparison without using 'like' or 'as'.
The Two Different Things Rule
Comparison must be between two UNLIKE things.
For it to be a simile or metaphor, the two things being compared must be very different from each other. Comparing a cat to a tige...
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Challenging
The metaphor says, 'The new student was a turtle in the busy hallway.' What does this most likely suggest about the student?
A.The student was carrying a heavy backpack.
B.The student was moving very slowly and cautiously.
C.The student had a hard shell.
D.The student liked the color green.
Challenging
A student writes, 'I like how the cloud is a pillow.' Why is this sentence a confusing example of figurative language based on the tutorial's rules?
A.It is a perfect simile.
B.It is a perfect metaphor.
C.It incorrectly compares two things that are the same.
D.It mixes a statement of preference ('I like') with a metaphor ('the cloud is a pillow').
Challenging
How could you correctly change the metaphor 'The road was a ribbon of moonlight' into a simile?
A.The road is a ribbon and also has moonlight.
B.The road was like a ribbon of moonlight.
C.The ribbon of moonlight is a road.
D.I like the road's moonlight ribbon.
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