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.

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Number 1 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 ___________. a.looked like a hog b.ate like a hog c.smelled like a hog d.was as smart as a hog

Number 1 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 ___________. a.looked like a hog b.ate like a hog c.smelled like a hog d.was as smart as a hog

Number 2 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 ___________. a.always eating oats b.able to do hard work c.raised on a farm d.very stubborn

Number 2 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 ___________. a.always eating oats b.able to do hard work c.raised on a farm d.very stubborn

Number 3 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 _______________. a.very fast b.very bright c.not fond of fleas d.very old

Number 3 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 _______________. a.very fast b.very bright c.not fond of fleas d.very old

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

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

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

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

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.

Examples of an Idiom 1.a piece of cake 2.a slap on the wrist 3.back to the drawing board 4.apple of my eye

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

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

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

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

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

Similes, Metaphors, Idioms Turn to your table partner. Tell them an example of a/an: 1.Simile 2.Metaphor 3.Idiom