English Language Arts
Grade 5
15 min
Identify similes and metaphors
Identify similes and metaphors
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define the terms simile and metaphor.
Differentiate between a simile and a metaphor based on key signal words.
Identify similes in sentences and short paragraphs.
Identify metaphors in sentences and short paragraphs.
Locate the two unlike things being compared in a simile or metaphor.
Explain the meaning or feeling a simile or metaphor creates.
Have you ever heard someone say, 'My brother is a pig'? 🐷 He's not really an animal, so what does that mean?
In this lesson, you will learn about two powerful tools writers use called similes and metaphors. These tools make writing more colorful and exciting by comparing things in creative ways. Learning to spot them will make you a better reader and writer!
Real-World Applications
Understandin...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Figurative LanguageA way of using words to mean something different from their normal, everyday meaning. It's like a secret code that makes language more interesting.Saying 'It's raining cats and dogs' doesn't mean animals are falling from the sky; it's a figurative way to say it's raining very hard.
Literal LanguageLanguage that means exactly what it says. There is no hidden or creative meaning.'The dog is brown.' This sentence means exactly what it says.
SimileA type of figurative language that compares two different things using the special signal 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*...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Simile Signal Words Rule
Comparison + 'like' OR 'as' = Simile
To identify a simile, look for a sentence that compares two different things. If you see the word 'like' or 'as' connecting them, you've found a simile.
The Metaphor Direct Statement Rule
Comparison WITHOUT 'like' or 'as' = Metaphor
To identify a metaphor, look for a sentence that says one thing *is*, *are*, *was*, or *were* another thing it can't literally be. If there's no 'like' or 'as', it's a metaphor.
The 'Unlike Things' Test
Item A and Item B must be fundamentally different.
Both similes and metaphors must compare two things that are not in the same category. For example, comparing a �...
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Challenging
Read the sentence: 'The argument was a thunderstorm.' How does this metaphor help the reader understand the argument?
A.It suggests the argument was loud, angry, and possibly destructive.
B.It suggests the argument happened while it was raining outside.
C.It suggests the argument helped clear the air and made things better.
D.It suggests the argument was quiet and calm.
Challenging
Analyze the sentence: 'The tomato is as red as the strawberry.' Based on the 'Unlike Things' Test, why is this sentence a literal comparison and NOT a true simile?
A.It uses 'as' twice.
B.It is a statement of fact.
C.It compares two things (fruits) that are too similar in the context of color and type.
D.It is not interesting enough to be a simile.
Challenging
Read the passage: 'The night sky was a velvet blanket dotted with diamonds. The moon, like a lonely lantern, lit a path on the water.' What two things are being compared in the METAPHOR in this passage?
A.The moon and a lantern
B.The night sky and a velvet blanket
C.Diamonds and a blanket
D.The sky and the moon
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