English Language Arts
Grade 5
15 min
Determine the meanings of similes and metaphors
Determine the meanings of similes and metaphors
What you'll learn
- Identify at least 3 similes and 3 metaphors in a short story with 80% accuracy.
- Explain, in their own words, the difference between a simile and a metaphor using examples, demonstrating understanding in a written paragraph.
- Create at least two original similes and two original metaphors to describe a given object or scene.
- Determine the meaning of at least 3 similes and 3 metaphors from a provided list of 5 similes and 5 metaphors with 70% accuracy.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define simile and metaphor in their own words.
Differentiate between a simile and a metaphor based on key signal words.
Identify similes and metaphors within sentences and short passages.
Determine the figurative meaning of a simile or metaphor by analyzing the two things being compared.
Explain the meaning of a simile or metaphor and how it adds to the author's message.
Create original sentences using similes and metaphors to describe objects or feelings.
Ever heard someone say 'he's a couch potato' and wondered why they weren't a real potato? 🥔 Let's find out!
In this lesson, you'll become a word detective, learning to spot and understand two cool types of figurative language: similes and metaphors. This will make yo...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Figurative LanguageLanguage that uses words with a meaning that is different from the literal, or dictionary, meaning. It's like painting a picture with words!The phrase 'it's raining cats and dogs' doesn't mean animals are falling from the sky; it means it's raining very hard.
Literal MeaningThe exact, dictionary definition of a word or phrase. It means exactly what it says.In the sentence 'The dog is big,' the literal meaning is that the dog is large in size.
SimileA figure of speech that compares two different things using the specific words 'like' or 'as'.Her smile was as bright as the sun.
MetaphorA figure of speech that compares two different things by stating that one thing *is* another thing, without...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The 'Like' or 'As' Test
If a comparison uses the word 'like' or 'as', it is a simile.
This is the quickest way to identify a simile. Scan the sentence for these two key words to spot the comparison.
The Direct Statement Test
If a comparison says one thing *is*, *are*, *was*, or *were* another thing, it is a metaphor.
Metaphors make a stronger, more direct comparison. They don't use clue words like 'like' or 'as'; they state the comparison as a fact.
The Shared Quality Rule
To find the meaning, identify the two things being compared and think about the main quality they share.
Don't just look at the words. Think about the feeling or idea the comparison creates. What does a 'blanket of snow'...
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Challenging
A character is about to perform on stage for the first time. Which simile or metaphor best captures the feeling of being both scared and excited?
A.Her stomach was a block of ice.
B.Her heart was a hummingbird, trapped in her chest.
C.She was a statue, frozen in place.
D.The stage was a vast, empty desert.
Challenging
Read the passage: 'The wind was a howling wolf outside the cabin. The trees were skeletal fingers scratching at the window. Inside, the fire was a tiny, brave soldier fighting against the cold.' What is the overall mood created by the author's use of metaphors?
A.Tense and slightly frightening, but with a small sense of hope.
B.Peaceful and calm.
C.Joyful and exciting.
D.Silly and humorous.
Challenging
Which of the following sentences uses the word 'as' to make a LITERAL comparison, meaning it is NOT a simile?
A.The night was as dark as coal.
B.My grandfather is as wise as an owl.
C.Her hands were as cold as ice.
D.This box is as heavy as that box.
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Determine the meanings of similes and metaphors"?
Determine the meanings of similes and metaphors is a Grade 5 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Determine the meanings of similes and metaphors?
You'll be able to: Identify at least 3 similes and 3 metaphors in a short story with 80% accuracy; Explain, in their own words, the difference between a simile and a metaphor using examples, demonstrating understanding in a written paragraph….
Is "Determine the meanings of similes and metaphors" free to practice?
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How many practice questions are included with Determine the meanings of similes and metaphors?
This lesson includes 27 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.