Figurative

Language
-Similes and Metaphors
MICHAEL D. TOMORSKY

What is figurative language?

Objective: I will identify and differentiate similes and metaphors.

Why use similes?

Simile

Using similes makes writing more interesting

Allows for word play when writing
Creates vivid images in writing
Examples:

A simile is a figure of speech in

which things different in kind
or quality are compared by the
use of the
wordlikeoras(as ineyes
like stars).
NVACS R.L. 5.4 Determine the meaning of
words and phrases as they are used in a text,
including figurative language such as
metaphors and similes.

Last night, I slept like a log.

You were as brave as a lion.
Dont just sit there like a bump on a log.
As light as a feather.
As cold as ice.
This dress is perfect because it fits like a glove.

Objective: I will identify and differentiate similes and

metaphors.

Why use metaphors?

Enhance what the writer is trying to say.
Metaphors can trigger emotions.
Metaphors create familiarity with new concepts.

Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of
speech in which a word or
phrase meaning one kind of
object or idea is used in place
of another to suggest a
similarity between them.

Examples:
Broken heart - Your heart is not literally broken
into pieces; you just feel hurt and sad.
He is the apple of my eye - There is, of course, no
real apple in a person's eye. The "apple" is someone
beloved and held dear.
Feel blue - No one actually ever feels like the color
blue, although many people say they are "feeling
blue" to mean they are feeling sad.
The light of my life - The person described by this
metaphor isn't really providing physical light. He or
she is just someone who brings happiness or joy.

Hall of Similes and

Metaphors

Credits

Simile or metaphor?
WILLIAM
SHAKESPEARE

William Shakespeare was an

English poet and playwright.

ALL THE WORLDS A

STAGE, AND ALL THE
MEN AND WOMEN
MERELY PLAYERS.
Hall of
Similes
and
Metaph

Horace Mann

Horace Mann was an American

education reformer. He was
also a member of the U.S.
House of Representatives.

Hall of
Similes
and
Metaph

Simile or
metaphor?

A house without
books is like a room
without windows.

Simile or metaphor?
Forrest
Gump
Forrest Gump was an AllAmerican football player,
Vietnam War hero, fisherman,
and entrepreneur.
P.S. He is also a fictional character.

Hall of
Similes
and
Metaph

My momma always said, Life was like a

box of chocolates, you never know what
youre gonna to get.

Correct!!!

Hall of
Similes
and
Metaph

Try Again!!!

Try Again!!!

Try Again!!!

Credits
Figurative Language Video
http://www.teachertube.com/video/figurative-language-rap-song-pr2a-english-325727
Simile and Metaphor Defined, Merriam Webster Word Central
http://www.wordcentral.com/cgi-bin/student?book=Student&va=simile
http://www.wordcentral.com/cgi-bin/student?book=Student&va=metaphor
Horace Mann
Picture and information http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/279932.Horace_Mann
Quote http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/simile
Forrest Gump
Picture Forrest Gump Bench
Quote http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109830/quotes
William Shakespeare
Picture and information http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/947.William_Shakespeare
Quote http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/2970-all-the-world-s-a-stage-and-all-the-men-and
Smiley Face Clip Art
Sunglasses Sunglasses Smiley Face
Surprised Surprised
Metaphor Examples
http://examples.yourdictionary.com/metaphor-examples.html

Lesso
n Idea
Forma
t

Lesson Title/
Web Address

Curriculum-Nevada State Standard:

Objectives:

nstruction-Procedures:

AssessmentHow will you check student learning:

Figurative Language: Similes and Metaphors

Web Address n/a

NVACS R.L. 5.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as
metaphors and similes.

TSW identify and differentiate similes and metaphors

1.
Begin the lesson by writing the phrase, He ran fast, on the board.
2.
Have the students discuss ways to improve the writing to make it more interesting.
3.
Allow time for students to write and share ideas.
4.
Share ideas on the board. Notate which examples are figurative language, dont identify at this time.
5.
TSW discuss how the ideas are similar and possible words that that connect ideas.
6.
Share with students that some of the examples are figurative language and discuss how it improves the writing.
7.
Share with the students that they are going to learn about many types of figurative language, the focus will begin with similes
and metaphors
8.
TTW present information about figurative language through the Figurative Language-Similes and Metaphors PowerPoint
presentation
a. TSW watch video explaining types of figurative language
b. TSW learn and write definitions and examples of similes and metaphors
c. TSW identify similes and metaphors in the Hall of Similes and Metaphors
9.
Following the presentation TSW take an assessment identifying similes and metaphors.

Simile and Metaphor Quiz

Circle all the phrases that are similes.
1.
That table weighed a ton.
2.
He was as big as an elephant.
3.
Time is money.
4.
She was as busy as a bee.
5.
The wind howled all night.
6.
Tim liked to work like a dog.
7.
Debbie could sing like an angel.
Circle all the phrases that are metaphors.
8.
Life is a rollercoaster.
9.
They fight like cats and dogs.
10. She shucked shiny shells on the seashore.
11. Your brain is a computer.
12. The gate screeched open.
13. He is a night owl.
14. Books are keys to your imagination.