Figurative language: simile, metaphor and personification

Apprends en jouant

Réponds à ces questions pour gagner de l'énergie, puis pêche et explore. Sans compte.

Pour les profs : diapos de leçon, notes de révision prêts à l'emploi pour Figurative language: simile, metaphor and personification (Primary English, Grade 5) — utilise-les en cours, ou lance le thème en activité de classe interactive que tes élèves jouent en direct.

Notes de leçon

What is Figurative Language?

Figurative language uses words in a special way to make pictures in your mind.
It is the opposite of literal language, which means exactly what it says.
Writers use it to make their writing more interesting and fun to read.
It can make you feel happy, sad, or excited.
There are many kinds, like similes, metaphors, and personification.

Similes

A simile compares two different things using the words like or as.
It helps you see something in a new way.
Example: 'The baby is as cute as a button.'
Example: 'He runs like the wind.'
Similes make descriptions clearer and more fun.

Metaphors

A metaphor says one thing is another thing, without using 'like' or 'as'.
It is a stronger comparison than a simile.
Example: 'The classroom was a zoo.'
Example: 'Her voice is music to my ears.'
Metaphors help you imagine things in a creative way.

Personification

Personification gives human qualities to things that are not human.
It can make objects, animals, or ideas seem alive.
Example: 'The wind whispered through the trees.'
Example: 'The sun smiled down on us.'
It makes writing more lively and helps you feel connected to things.

Why Do Writers Use Figurative Language?

To make their writing more interesting and vivid.
To help readers see things in their minds.
To explain ideas in a fresh way.
To create a mood or feeling, like calm or excitement.
To make their words memorable so you remember them.

How to Spot Figurative Language

Look for the words like or as to find a simile.
Look for sentences that say one thing is another to find a metaphor.
Look for actions or feelings that are human but given to non-human things to find personification.
Ask yourself: 'Is this really true, or is it just a picture in my mind?'
If it's not literal, it might be figurative.

Practice with Examples

Simile: 'The snow was like a white blanket.'
Metaphor: 'The snow was a white blanket.'
Personification: 'The snow danced in the wind.'
Try to make your own examples for each type.
Use them in your writing to make it better.

Diapos

Step through every slide for this topic — plus flashcards and revision notes — with a free account.

S'INSCRIRE — GRATUIT CONNEXION

Questions d'entraînement

Aperçu gratuit — 8 sur 57 questions. Inscris-toi pour toutes les voir.

1.Which figure of speech compares two things using the words 'like' or 'as'?
Easy
- Asimile
- Bmetaphor
- Cpersonification
- Dalliteration
2.Which figure of speech says that one thing IS another thing, without using 'like' or 'as'?
Easy
- Asimile
- Bmetaphor
- Cpersonification
- Donomatopoeia
3.Which figure of speech gives human qualities to something that is not human?
Easy
- Asimile
- Bmetaphor
- Cpersonification
- Didiom
4.A simile is a comparison that uses 'like' or 'as'.
Easy
True or false?
5.A metaphor is a figure of speech that gives human qualities to non-human things.
Easy
True or false?
6.Which sentence is a simile?
Easy
- AThe sun smiled down on us.
- BHer voice was music to my ears.
- CHe runs as fast as the wind.
- DThe leaves danced in the breeze.
7.Which sentence is a metaphor?
Easy
- AThe baby is as cute as a button.
- BTime is a thief.
- CThe flowers nodded in the wind.
- DThe thunder roared loudly.
8.Which sentence is personification?
Easy
- AHer smile was as bright as the sun.
- BThe wind whispered through the trees.
- CThe classroom was a zoo.
- DThe leaves fell like rain.

Plus de questions

9.Which of the following sentences use personification? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AThe stars danced in the night sky.
- BThe old car groaned as it climbed the hill.
- CHer cheeks were roses.
- DThe alarm clock screamed at me.
- EHe is as strong as an ox.
10.Match each sentence to the correct figure of speech.
Medium
- The classroom was a zoo.
- She is as brave as a lion.
- The thunder roared angrily.
- simile
- metaphor
- personification
11.Put these steps in order to identify whether a phrase is a simile, metaphor, or personification.
Medium
- Check if it uses 'like' or 'as'.
- If it does, it is a simile.
- If it does not, check if it says one thing is another.
- If it does, it is a metaphor.
- If it does not, check if it gives human qualities to a non-human thing.
- If it does, it is personification.
12.Match each sentence to the figure of speech it uses.
Medium
- The classroom was a zoo.
- The wind danced through the trees.
- She sings like an angel.
- Simile
- Metaphor
- Personification
13.Which of the following sentences use metaphor? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AThe moon is a silver coin.
- BThe leaves danced in the wind.
- CLife is a journey.
- DHe is as brave as a lion.
- EThe snow was a white blanket.
14.A metaphor compares two things using the words 'like' or 'as'.
Easy
True or false?
15.Which sentence uses personification?
Easy
- AThe sun is a golden ball.
- BThe sun smiled at the children.
- CThe sun is as hot as fire.
- DThe sun shines brightly.
16.What figure of speech is used in this sentence? 'The wind whispered secrets through the trees.'
Medium
- ASimile
- BMetaphor
- CPersonification
- DIdiom
17.Which sentence uses a simile?
Medium
- AThe classroom was a zoo.
- BThe snow is a white blanket.
- CThe wind howled in the night.
- DThe car was as fast as a cheetah.
18.Which of the following sentences use similes? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AHer smile was as bright as the sun.
- BThe moon is a silver lantern.
- CHe swims like a fish.
- DThe wind whispered through the trees.
- EThe chocolate cake tasted like heaven.
19.The sentence 'The sun is a golden coin' is an example of personification.
Easy
True or false?
20.The sentence 'The wind whispered through the trees' is an example of personification.
Easy
True or false?
21.Read this sentence: 'The old car coughed and spluttered as it started.' Which figure of speech is used?
Easy
- Asimile
- Bmetaphor
- Cpersonification
- Didiom
22.In the sentence 'The classroom was a zoo during break time,' what does the metaphor suggest about the classroom?
Medium
- AIt was full of animals.
- BIt was very noisy and chaotic.
- CIt was very quiet.
- DIt was clean and tidy.
23.Read this sentence: 'Her voice was as soft as velvet.' What does the simile suggest about her voice?
Medium
- AIt was loud and harsh.
- BIt was gentle and smooth.
- CIt was high-pitched.
- DIt was hard to hear.
24.Which of these is an example of personification?
Easy
- AThe sun is a golden ball.
- BThe wind danced through the trees.
- CShe runs like the wind.
- DThe road is a ribbon of moonlight.
25.Read this short passage: 'The storm raged outside. The wind howled like a hungry wolf, and the rain beat against the windows like a drummer. The old house groaned under the weight of the wind.' Which sentences contain personification? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AThe storm raged outside.
- BThe wind howled like a hungry wolf.
- CThe rain beat against the windows like a drummer.
- DThe old house groaned under the weight of the wind.
26.In the sentence 'The flowers nodded their heads in the breeze,' the flowers are being given human qualities.
Easy
True or false?
27.Put these sentences in order from the one that is most literal to the one that is most figurative.
Medium
- The wind blew through the trees.
- The wind was a wild animal.
- The wind howled like a wolf.
28.Read this sentence: 'The news was a dagger to his heart.' What does the metaphor suggest about the news?
Medium
- AIt was sharp and painful.
- BIt was surprising.
- CIt was confusing.
- DIt was unimportant.
29.Which figure of speech uses the words 'like' or 'as' to compare two things?
Easy
- Asimile
- Bmetaphor
- Cpersonification
- Dalliteration
30.What is the meaning of the word 'literal'?
Easy
- Aexact and not exaggerated
- Busing like or as
- Cgiving human qualities
- Drepeating sounds
31.What is an idiom?
Easy
- Aa phrase that means something different from the words
- Ba comparison using like or as
- Ca sound word like buzz
- Da repeated consonant sound
32.Which of these sentences contains a simile?
Easy
- AThe baby is as cute as a button.
- BThe baby is a button.
- CThe button smiled at me.
- DThe button is made of plastic.
33.Which of these sentences contains a metaphor?
Easy
- AHer eyes are like stars.
- BHer eyes are stars.
- CHer eyes twinkled happily.
- DHer eyes are blue.
34.Which of these sentences contains personification?
Easy
- AThe wind blew the leaves.
- BThe wind is as strong as a lion.
- CThe wind is a whisper.
- DThe wind whispered through the trees.
35.Which of the following sentences contain a metaphor? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AThe classroom was a zoo.
- BThe wind whispered through the trees.
- CHer voice is velvet.
- DHe runs like the wind.
- EThe sun is a golden coin.
36.The sentence 'The moon is a silver dollar' is an example of a simile.
Easy
True or false?
37.What figure of speech is used in the sentence 'The stars danced in the night sky'?
Easy
- Asimile
- Bmetaphor
- Cpersonification
- Didiom
38.Which of the following sentences contain a simile? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AHer eyes sparkled like diamonds.
- BThe classroom was a zoo.
- CHe is as brave as a lion.
- DThe wind sang through the trees.
- EThe stars danced in the sky.
39.The sentence 'The moon is a silver coin' is an example of a simile.
Easy
True or false?
40.Read this short passage: 'The storm raged outside. The wind howled like a hungry wolf, and the rain beat against the windows like a drummer. The old house groaned.' Which figure of speech is used in 'The old house groaned'?
Medium
- Asimile
- Bmetaphor
- Cpersonification
- Donomatopoeia
41.Complete the sentence with the correct figure of speech.
Easy
A ____ compares two things using 'like' or 'as'.
42.What figure of speech is used in this sentence? 'The sun smiled down on us.'
Easy
43.What figure of speech is used in this sentence? 'Her voice was music to my ears.'
Easy
44.What figure of speech is used in this sentence? 'He runs as fast as the wind.'
Easy
45.Complete each sentence with the correct figure of speech: simile, metaphor, or personification.
Easy
1. 'The stars were diamonds in the sky' is a ____. 2. 'The wind whispered through the trees' is ____. 3. 'He eats like a pig' is a ____.
46.Complete the sentence with the correct figure of speech: simile, metaphor, or personification.
Easy
The stars danced in the night sky. This is an example of ____.
47.What figure of speech is used in this sentence? 'He runs as fast as the wind.' Write one word.
Medium
48.What figure of speech is used in this sentence? 'The angry clouds marched across the sky.' Write one word.
Medium
49.Complete the sentence with the correct word: 'A simile compares two things using the words ___ or ___'.
Easy
A simile compares two things using the words ____ or ____.
50.Complete the sentence with the correct word: 'A metaphor says that one thing ___ another thing, without using 'like' or 'as'.'
Easy
A metaphor says that one thing ____ another thing, without using 'like' or 'as'.
51.Complete the sentence with the correct word: 'Personification gives human qualities to something that is ___ human.'
Easy
Personification gives human qualities to something that is ____ human.
52.What figure of speech is used in this sentence? 'The stars danced in the night sky.' Write one word.
Easy
53.Explain the effect of using personification in this sentence: 'The wind whispered through the trees.'
Medium
54.Explain the effect of using personification in this sentence: 'The angry clouds marched across the sky.'
Hard
55.Explain the effect of using a simile in this sentence: 'Her smile was as bright as the sun.'
Hard
56.Read this sentence: 'The sun smiled down on the children playing in the park.' Explain the effect of using personification here.
Medium
57.Explain the effect of using a metaphor in this sentence: 'The news was a dagger to his heart.'
Medium

Notes de révision

## Figurative Language: Simile, Metaphor, Personification **What is figurative language?** Figurative language is when we use words in a special way to create a picture in the reader's mind. It is not meant to be taken literally (word for word). It makes writing more interesting and fun! **Simile** A simile compares two different things using the words **like** or **as**. * Example: "Her smile is **like** sunshine." (It compares her smile to sunshine.) * Example: "He is **as** brave **as** a lion." (It compares his bravery to a lion's.) **Metaphor** A metaphor says that one thing **is** another thing, without using like or as. It is a stronger comparison. * Example: "The classroom was a zoo." (It means the classroom was noisy and wild, not a real zoo.) * Example: "Time is a thief." (It means time steals moments, not that time is a person.) **Personification** Personification gives human qualities (like feelings, actions, or thoughts) to something that is not human, like an animal, an object, or nature. * Example: "The wind whispered through the trees." (Wind cannot whisper, but we give it a human action.) * Example: "The sun smiled down on us." (The sun cannot smile, but we give it a human expression.) **Why do we use them?** We use these tools to make our writing more vivid and to help readers imagine things better. They can also make us feel emotions, like happiness, sadness, or excitement. **Remember:** * Simile: uses **like** or **as**. * Metaphor: says something **is** something else. * Personification: gives **human** qualities to non-human things. **Quick Practice:** * "The moon is a silver coin." – Metaphor * "The moon shines like a silver coin." – Simile * "The moon danced across the sky." – Personification Now you know the difference! Use them in your own writing to make it more interesting.

Figurative language: Using words in a special way to create a picture in the reader's mind, not meant to be taken literally.
Simile: A comparison between two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'.
Metaphor: A comparison that says one thing is another thing, without using 'like' or 'as'.
Personification: Giving human qualities (like feelings or actions) to something that is not human, like an animal or an object.

Cartes mémo

What is figurative language?

Figurative language is when words are used in a special way to create a picture in your mind or make you feel something. It is not meant to be taken literally.

What is a simile?

A simile compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'. For example: 'Her smile is like sunshine.'

What is a metaphor?

A metaphor says one thing is another thing, without using 'like' or 'as'. For example: 'The classroom was a zoo.'

What is personification?

Personification gives human qualities or actions to something that is not human, like an animal, object, or idea. For example: 'The wind whispered through the trees.'

What is an idiom?

An idiom is a phrase that means something different from the literal meaning of its words. For example: 'It's raining cats and dogs' means it's raining very hard.

What is alliteration?

Alliteration is the repetition of the same beginning sound in nearby words. For example: 'Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.'

What is onomatopoeia?

Onomatopoeia is a word that sounds like the sound it describes. For example: 'buzz', 'hiss', 'boom'.

What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?

A simile uses 'like' or 'as' to compare, but a metaphor says one thing is another. Example simile: 'He is as brave as a lion.' Example metaphor: 'He is a lion in battle.'

What does 'literal' mean?

Literal means the exact, real meaning of a word or phrase. For example, 'I am hungry' means your stomach is empty.

What does 'figurative' mean?

Figurative means using words in a creative way that is not literal. It helps create pictures or feelings. For example, 'I'm so hungry I could eat a horse' is figurative.

Why do writers use similes and metaphors?

Writers use them to make their writing more interesting, help readers see things in new ways, and create strong pictures in the reader's mind.

Can you give an example of personification?

Yes: 'The sun smiled down on us.' The sun is not human, but it is given the human action of smiling.

What is the effect of using figurative language?

It makes writing more vivid and fun to read. It can help the reader feel emotions or imagine scenes better.

What is a 'figure of speech'?

A figure of speech is a word or phrase used in a non-literal way to create an effect. Similes, metaphors, and personification are all figures of speech.

What is the meaning of the idiom 'break the ice'?

It means to start a conversation or make people feel more comfortable. For example: 'He told a joke to break the ice at the party.'

What is the meaning of the idiom 'piece of cake'?

It means something is very easy. For example: 'The math test was a piece of cake.'

What is the meaning of the idiom 'under the weather'?

It means feeling sick or not well. For example: 'I'm feeling under the weather today.'

What is the meaning of the idiom 'hit the books'?

It means to study hard. For example: 'I need to hit the books for the exam.'

What is the meaning of the idiom 'let the cat out of the bag'?

It means to reveal a secret. For example: 'She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.'

What is the meaning of the idiom 'once in a blue moon'?

It means something happens very rarely. For example: 'He visits his grandparents once in a blue moon.'

What is the meaning of the idiom 'the ball is in your court'?

It means it is your turn to make a decision or take action. For example: 'I've made my offer, so the ball is in your court.'

What is the meaning of the idiom 'burn the midnight oil'?

It means to work or study late into the night. For example: 'She burned the midnight oil to finish her project.'

What is the meaning of the idiom 'a blessing in disguise'?

It means something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good. For example: 'Missing the bus was a blessing in disguise because I met an old friend.'

What is the meaning of the idiom 'actions speak louder than words'?

It means what you do is more important than what you say. For example: 'He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.'

Unlock all 57 questions, flashcards & more

Crée un compte gratuit pour voir toutes les questions, les diapos, les cartes mémo et les notes de révision de ce thème.

S'INSCRIRE — GRATUIT CONNEXION

Annales

Les annales d'entraînement pour ce thème arrivent bientôt.

Bientôt disponible