Grade 5 Metaphors Similes A
Grade 5 Metaphors Similes A
Practice
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Authors use figurative language to make descriptions more interesting.
Figurative language does not mean exactly what the words say.
- A simile compares two things in a creative way, using the words “like”
or “as.” Similes are thought of as artistic ways to describe things.
- A metaphor compares two things in a creative way without using the
words “like” or “as.” Metaphors are thought of as artistic ways to
describe things.
- An idiom is a simile or a metaphor that many people often use to
describe something.
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Here are some short descriptions. Think about what kind of figurative language
the author is using to make the descriptions more interesting.
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5. How does Crow’s calling Miss Hickory “hard-headed” make this description
more interesting?
6. How does Miss Hickory’s saying that the bird’s nest “is a penthouse” make
this description more interesting?
7. How does Miss Hickory’s saying that Squirrel is “hopping about like a flea”
make this description more interesting?
NOTE: There are two decisions to be made in deciding what kind of figurative language
is being used. First, is it a simile, or a metaphor? (If the words “like” or “as” or used, it is
a simile, if not, it is a metaphor.) Then, if it is an expression that many people often use
to describe something, it is an idiom; otherwise, it is either a simile or a metaphor
1. C – Since the phrase “hard-headed” is often used to describe someone who is very
stubborn, this expression is an idiom.
2. B – Since the word “penthouse” is not often used to describe a bird’s nest (and the
words “like” or “as” are not used), this expression is a metaphor.
3. A – Since the phrase ““hopping about like a flea” is not often used to describe
some jumping around at random (and the word “like” is used), this expression is a
simile).
4. C – Since the phrase “as happy as a clam” is often used to describe someone who
is very happy, this expression is an idiom.
6. Accept any reasonable responses, such as, the plain bird’s nest is extremely far
from being what we think of as a penthouse.
7. Accept any reasonable responses, such as, it makes it easy to picture Squirrel’s
silly behavior.