New York State Elementary Test Prep- ELA 4- 4th Grade

metaphor/simile banner

Did you know?

Writers can create vivid word pictures by
comparing two things that are not usually
thought of as being alike.

When like or as are used to compare two
things, the comparison is called a simile.

A metaphor makes a comparison by
speaking of one thing as if it were
another.

Similes

fish smelling feet

His feet smelled like dead fish.

                              What 2 things are being compared?
                                      * feet and fish
                          How are they alike?
                                      * Both are smelly

Paul Bunyan mountains

Paul Bunyan was as big as a mountain.

                                What 2 things are being compared?
                                      * Paul Bunyan and a mountain
                           How are they alike?
                                      * Both are big

Joe was as tall as a giraffe.

                                 What 2 things are being compared?
                                       * Joe and a giraffe
                            How are they alike?
                                       * Both are tall

Metaphors

The hot room was an oven.

hot room = oven

The room and the oven are both very hot.

Abby was a fish when she dove into the pool.

Abby = fish

Abby and the fish are both good swimmers.

In a metaphor 2 things that otherwise are
not alike are linked together.

hot room = oven

Abby = fish

To practice click on the pencil below!