What are Similes and Metaphors?

Similes and metaphors: they’re like two things that are very similar to one another. Unfortunately, this can make them really easy to mix up. By the end of Year 6, pupils should be able to use technical terminology to discuss the things they read, and the techniques authors use in their writing. Accurately recognising literary devices, such as similes and metaphors, is an essential part of meeting this spec point. So, to help you out, here’s our handy guide to explaining these key terms.
 

What’s the difference?

The main thing to remember is that similes and metaphors are both used to compare things. The difference is that similes compare two things by using words such as “like” and “as”, while metaphors describe something as if it literally is something else. To give some examples, “she felt as lonely as an odd sock” is a simile, while “his feelings were a whirlwind” is a metaphor.  

There’s plenty of resources available for helping your pupils understand these literary devices. These Year 5-6 activities get pupils to spot and sort sentences that contain metaphors and similes from ones that don’t. And if you haven’t already, I’d suggest watching our cracking video. It even features a special celebrity cameo from someone you might just recognise…
 

Why do writers use them?

Similes and metaphors help writers make their writing more vivid. A well-placed comparison can be the difference between a sentence that’s as bland as unflavoured rice pudding and one that’s as rich and intense as a decadent chocolate cake. 

Writers also use these techniques to help readers understand whatever it is that they’re trying to describe. If a feeling or experience isn’t very common, sometimes a comparison to something more recognisable can make it easier for readers to follow what an author means.  Similes and metaphors can also be used for comedic effect. By including a funny comparison or exaggeration, authors can lighten the tone of their writing.

However, when writers use too many comparisons all at once, it can make writing more cluttered than an overpacked suitcase. There are also times where comparisons just don’t really work or make much sense — if a character were described as feeling “nervous like a parrot”, for example, readers would probably just be confused! It might be helpful for pupils to look out for examples of similes and metaphors in books that they’re reading independently and decide which ones they think are effective and why. If they’re not confident in finding examples by themselves, these worksheets about spotting similes and metaphors are a fantastic way to practise.
 

How to help pupils with similes and metaphors

One of the best ways to make sure pupils understand similes and metaphors is to get them writing their own. CGP+ has some great worksheets to help children pen similes and metaphors for themselves. 

These worksheets ask pupils to write their own similes and metaphors using pictures for inspiration. Once they’ve completed those tasks, an extension activity could be to swap work with a partner and offer some feedback as to which were their favourites and why. Pupils could also then make changes to their work to practise their editing skills.

Speaking of editing, this worksheet for Years 5-6 makes pupils rewrite sentences so that they include metaphors. It’s an excellent way of demonstrating how writing can be made more interesting, since the children themselves are the ones improving the sentences. Like with the previous worksheets, pupils could read each other’s sentences to see what they’ve done similarly or differently to others and make changes based on suggestions from their classmates.

That’s it for similes and metaphors — hopefully you found them a breeze! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with all the latest from CGP+.