metaphors and similes figurative language sixth grade standards: r3.4 r1.2

Metaphors and Similes

Figurative Language

Sixth Grade Standards: R3.4 R1.2

Introduction Writers use words and phrases to create mental pictures, or images, in reader’s minds.

Writer’s create clear and powerful images through Figurative language. Many Poet’s use figurative language.

Figurative language is made up of words or phrases that present ordinary things in new and unusual ways.

Similes and Metaphors are types of figurative language.

Readers who do not understand figurative language will not be able to understand the meaning of poems.

What is a Simile?

A simile is a comparison of two things that have something in common. A simile usually contains the word like or as.

Examples of a Simile

Playing chess with Ashley is like trying to outsmart a computer.

The activity “playing chess with Ashley” is being compared to “trying to outsmart a computer.” The point is that Ashley can think in a powerful manner that resembles the way a computer operates.

What is a Metaphor?

A metaphor is another kind of comparison. A metaphor does not contain the word like or as. Instead, it states that one thing actually is something else.

Examples of Metaphors

Her eyes are emeralds.

When Chris ran, he was a speeding bullet racing along the track.

The trees are like a canopy

protecting the road.

The trees are like a canopy

protecting the road. SIMILE

The field is a rainbow of colors.

The field is a rainbow of colors.

METAPHOR

The lake is as smooth as glass.

The lake is as smooth as glass.

SIMILE

The sun shines like a beacon in the night.

The sun shines like a beacon in the night.

SIMILE

The island is like a star from the sky.

The island is like a star from the sky.

SIMILE

The lake is a mirror of beauty.

The lake is a mirror of beauty.

METAPHOR

Similes in PoetryWillow and Ginkgo

Eve MerriamThe willow is like an etching,Fine-lined against the sky.

The ginkgo is like a crude sketch,Hardly worthy to be signed.

The willow’s music is like a soprano,Delicate and thin.

The ginkgo’s tune is like a chorusWith everyone joining in.

 The willow is sleek as a velvet-nosed calf;

The ginkgo is leathery as an old bull.The willow’s branches are like silken thread;

The ginkgo’s like stubby rough wool.

Did you know…

You can change a Simile into a Metaphor

Simile: Those girls are like two peas in a pod

Take out like or as: Those girls are like two peas in a pod.

Metaphor: Those girls are two peas in a pod.

REMEMBER – metaphors are very similar to similes except that they do not contain the words like or as in the sentence

Simile & Metaphor Game

Find a partner and take out a piece of paper and something to write with

You have 1 min to come up with as many similes and metaphors for the word that I give you

You will get 1 point for each simile and 1 point for each metaphor

DIAMOND

Make as many similes and metaphors as you can for this word.

Closing Discussion

•What two types of figurative language did we learn about today?

•How can you change a metaphor into a simile?

•How can you change a simile into a metaphor?

For Homework: