Metaphors and Similes | Grade 5 ELA

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What is Figurative Language?

Figurative language uses words in creative ways to paint pictures in the reader's mind. Instead of saying exactly what you mean, you compare things or describe them in unusual ways.

Two of the most common types of figurative language are similes and metaphors. Both compare two different things, but they do it in different ways!

like Similes

A simile compares two things using the words "like" or "as".

"Her smile was as bright as the sun."

"He ran like the wind."

"The water was as cold as ice."

Look for: "like" or "as" connecting two different things

= Metaphors

A metaphor says one thing IS another thing (without using "like" or "as").

"Her smile was sunshine."

"He is a speed demon."

"The classroom was a zoo."

Look for: One thing described as being another thing directly

Memory Trick: Similes are "similar" - they use "like" or "as" to show things are similar. Metaphors are more direct - they say one thing IS another thing!

Why Do Writers Use Them?

Figurative Language Makes Writing Better

Creates vivid images: Readers can picture what you're describing
Shows emotions: "He was a storm" tells us more about his anger than "He was angry"
Makes writing interesting: Comparisons keep readers engaged
Helps explain complex ideas: Comparing something new to something familiar helps readers understand

Examples

Example 1: Analyzing a Simile

"The stars twinkled like diamonds in the sky."

1

Find the comparison word: "like" - this tells us it's a simile

2

What two things are compared? Stars and diamonds

3

What do they have in common? Both sparkle and shine brightly

4

What effect does it create? Helps us picture beautiful, sparkling stars; suggests the stars are precious like jewels

Example 2: Analyzing a Metaphor

"Time is money."

1

Is there "like" or "as"? No - this is a metaphor

2

What two things are compared? Time and money

3

What do they have in common? Both are valuable and shouldn't be wasted

4

What effect does it create? Makes us think of time as something precious that we should spend wisely

Identify: Simile or Metaphor?

Read each sentence and decide if it contains a simile or a metaphor.

"The snow was a white blanket covering the ground."

"She sings like an angel."

"The world is a stage."

"The baby's skin was as soft as silk."

"Life is a journey."

Create Your Own

Practice writing your own similes and metaphors!

Prompt: Describe how fast something moves. Write one simile (using "like" or "as") and one metaphor (saying it IS something).

Practice Problems

Problem 1

Which sentence contains a simile?

Problem 2

In the metaphor "The classroom was a zoo," what is the author suggesting?

Problem 3

"The thunder grumbled like an angry giant." What two things are being compared?

Problem 4

Which is a metaphor?

Problem 5

Why might an author write "Her eyes were stars" instead of "Her eyes were bright"?

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

What is the main difference between a simile and a metaphor?

Question 2

Convert this simile to a metaphor: "He is as brave as a lion."

Question 3

When might a writer choose figurative language over literal language?

Summary

like

Similes

Compare using "like" or "as" - "fast as lightning"

=

Metaphors

Say one thing IS another - "Life is a journey"

🎨

Vivid Images

Both create pictures in the reader's mind

💡

Deeper Meaning

They help express emotions and complex ideas

Remember: Great writers use figurative language to make their writing come alive. Look for similes and metaphors in the books you read, and try using them in your own writing!

Next Steps

Look for similes and metaphors in your favorite books
Practice writing descriptions using figurative language
Move on to learn about Personification and Hyperbole