RIC-6242 Primary Grammar and Word Study - Book C

Figures of speech
Metaphors
Focus
Metaphors
Definition
• A metaphor is a comparison between two things
without the use of ‘as’ or ‘like’. Metaphors say
something is something else.
Example:
The sunset was a rainbow of colours.
Explanation
• Metaphors are figures of speech. They are an
example of figurative language, as opposed to
literal language. In figurative language, words are
used to create mental images and impressions by
comparing ideas. These comparisons help the reader
to more clearly imagine the person, place or thing
being described.
• Metaphors make writing more interesting,
entertaining and colourful. Writers use metaphors
to emphasise a certain characteristic of something.
A metaphor states that two subjects are the same,
which gives one subject the attributes of the other.
For example:
In the playground, the children were a pack of
wild animals.
The children have been given the attributes of a
‘pack of wild animals’ being loud and untamed.
Worksheet information
• Read the explanation of a metaphor and give
examples. Ask the students if they can think of any
other examples of metaphors.
• Read the poem ‘The kitten’ with the class. Students
work in pairs or small groups to identify the
metaphors in the poem.
• In Question 2, students draw lines to match each
metaphor with its literal meaning.
• Students write a sentence containing the metaphor
stated in Question 3. When completed, ask for
volunteers to share the sentences with the class.
• Students explain and illustrate the metaphors in
Question 4.
Ideas for further practice
• Students work in small groups to think of common
metaphors for people who are: tall, short, silly, angry,
beautiful etc.
• Students work in pairs to look in familiar texts to
locate metaphors.
• Choose one attribute of a monster to write a
metaphor about.
Example:
hair, fur, eyes, nose, nails, walk, voice
Collate the metaphors to create a class poem about
a monster.
Answers
1. (a) – (b) (Note: The words in bold are the things
being compared.)
The kitten
The kitten’s claws are sharp needles,
Her teeth are daggers and knives.
With fur of soft, white snowflakes
And eyes two sparkling bright stars.
2. (a) sandpaper – rough (b) blue – sad
(c) giant – tall (d) cloud – soft
(e) bright – smart
3. Answers will vary
4. Possible answers
(a) cold
(b) kind
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