Using metaphors and similes

• New lesson editor
• English
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)
• GCSE

Introduction

An interactive lesson on two terms students think they know but not necessarily well enough! Encourages application and engagement.

 English Terminology: Metaphor and Simile

English Terminology:

Metaphor and Simile

Learning goals

• To understand the difference
   between similes and metaphors
  

• to practice using metaphors and
   similes in your own writing

Simile

Comparing one thing to another using 'like' or 'as'

Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn't literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.

A metaphor states that one thing is another thing

Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn't literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.

A metaphor states that one thing is another thing.

Simile

Comparing one thing to another using 'like' or 'as'.

Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn't literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.

A metaphor states that one thing is another thing

Simile

Comparing one thing to another using 'like' or 'as'

Example Metaphors

• A blanket of snow

• Her voice is full of money

• To bear the slings and arrows
   of outrageous fortune

Example Similes

• I wandered lonely as a cloud

• She slept like a baby

• As fit as a flea

In your own words, explain what you think the difference is between a simile and a metaphor...

In your own words, explain what you think the difference is between a simile and a metaphor...

METAPHOR

SIMILE

And then the

whining school-boy........

creeping like snail

Unwillingly to school.

I stared into

a sea of faces

They had nerves of steel

The moon sailed gracefully across the sky

I'm as merry

as a schoolboy

Deep brown eyes

Bold as brass

Think of your own similes and metaphors - submit them now!

Think of your own similes and metaphors - submit them now!

LessonUp tip:  After your students have submitted their mind map contributions,  you could invite a student volunteer to drag them to either half of the screen in a 'class-made' version of the last slide. Alternatively you could let students access the the screen themselves and drag them!

Creative Writing Challenge

• On the following five slides you will
   be given an image.

• Use your creative writing skills to use a
   simile or a metaphor to express what is
   happening!

• There is no fixed right answer!

• Have fun!

5

minute

00

second

+30 s

Image by freepik

5

minute

00

second

+30 s

Image by freepik

5

minute

00

second

+30 s

Image by freepik

Write down something new you've learned today.

Write down something

new you've learned today.

Write down something you feel you want to know more about.

Write down something you feel

you want to know more about.

How confident are you in your understanding of similes and metaphors?

How confident are you in your understanding of similes and metaphors?

How confident are you in your understanding

of similes and metaphors?

exit ticket

Understanding Metaphors and Similes

Today's lesson focused on enhancing our understanding of two fundamental English literary devices: metaphors and similes. We explored how both are used to make comparisons, yet in distinct ways. A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn't literally true, helping to explain an idea or make a comparison by stating that one thing is another. For example, saying "a blanket of snow" suggests that snow covers the ground completely like a blanket. In contrast, a simile makes a comparison using "like" or "as". For instance, "as fit as a flea" or "slept like a baby" directly compares two things for clarity. We practised identifying these devices in various texts and crafted our own examples, enhancing our creative writing skills. The lesson also included a creative writing challenge where we used images to inspire unique similes and metaphors. Reflecting on the lesson, consider what new insights you've gained and identify areas for further exploration. How confident are you now in distinguishing and applying similes and metaphors in your writing?