Meaning, Examples and Uses of Similes

English Language 

 

Structure / Grammar 

 

Second Term Lesson Note

 

Week 5

 

Primary 6 

 

Similes : Meaning, Examples and Uses 

 

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to 

1. Define similes 
2. Compares things that are related by using similes 
3. Use similes correctly in sentences 

 

Entry Behaviour

Pupils have been taught how to make comparison of things that are related.

 

Instructional Materials

• Audio Visual Resources 
• Flash cards 
• Online Dictionary 
• Recommended English Textbook 
• Chart 
• Hard copy dictionary 

 

Methods of Teaching

• Class Discussion
• Group Discussion
• Asking Questions
• Explanation
• Role Modelling
• Role Delegation

Reference Materials 

• Scheme of Work
• Online Information
• Textbooks
• Workbooks
• 9 Year Basic Education Curriculum

 

Content 

What are similes? 

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using the words “like” or “as.” Similes can be used to make descriptions more vivid and to help the reader or listener better understand the subject being described.

 

Here are some examples of similes:

1. “She sings like a bird.”
2. “He runs as fast as a cheetah.”
3. “She is as brave as a lion.”
4. “He is as strong as an ox.”
5. “She is as graceful as a dancer.”
6. “She is as smart as a whip.”
7. “He is as sly as a fox.”
8. “She is as wise as Solomon.”
9. “He is as stubborn as a mule.”
10. “She is as calm as a cucumber.”
11. “He is as gentle as a lamb.”
12. “She is as loyal as a dog.”
13. “He is as sneaky as a snake.”
14. “She is as brave as a lion.”
15. “He is as strong as an ox.”

 

 

Similes can be used in a variety of contexts, including literature, poetry, and everyday speech. They can add depth and interest to writing and can help to create a more descriptive and vivid picture in the reader’s mind.

Fill in the gap.

1. She is __________ as a cat.
2. He is __________ as a bear.
3. She is __________ as a fox.
4. He is __________ as an elephant.
5. She is __________ as a bird.
6. He is __________ as a snake.
7. She is __________ as a tree.
8. He is __________ as a turtle.
9. She is __________ as a lion.
10. He is __________ as a fish

Answers:

1. sly
2. strong
3. sly
4. strong
5. graceful
6. sly
7. strong
8. slow
9. brave
10. quick

Some uses of similes include:

1. To describe a person’s physical characteristics or abilities: “She runs like the wind.”
2. To describe a person’s emotional state: “She was as angry as a hornet.”
3. To describe the appearance or qualities of an object: “The sun was as bright as a diamond in the sky.”
4. To compare one thing to another in order to highlight a particular quality or feature: “Her laugh was like music to his ears.”

Similes can be a useful and effective literary device when used appropriately and can add depth and interest to writing.

 

Evaluation

1. What is a simile?

A) A figure of speech that compares two things using the words “like” or “as” B) A figure of speech that involves the repetition of a word or phrase C) A figure of speech that involves the use of exaggeration for emphasis D) A figure of speech that involves the use of words or phrases to create a particular sound effect

2. Which of the following is an example of a simile?

A) She is as graceful as a dancer. B) She has a heart of gold. C) She speaks with a soft, soothing voice. D) She is a ray of sunshine.

3. In what contexts can similes be used?

A) Literature and poetry B) Everyday speech C) Scientific writing D) All of the above

4. Which of the following is NOT an example of a simile?

A) He runs as fast as a cheetah. B) She sings like a bird. C) He is as strong as an ox. D) She has a heart of stone.

5. What is the purpose of using similes in writing or speech?

A) To make descriptions more vivid and interesting B) To create a sense of mystery or intrigue C) To create a sense of fear or suspense D) To create a sense of humor or absurdity

6. Which of the following is NOT an example of a simile?

A) The sun was as bright as a diamond in the sky. B) The flowers were as colorful as a rainbow. C) The room was as quiet as a mouse. D) The clouds were as dark as a storm.

7. What is NOT a use of similes in writing or speech?

A) To describe a person’s physical characteristics or abilities B) To describe a person’s emotional state C) To compare one thing to another in order to highlight a particular quality or feature D) To create a sense of humor or absurdity

8. Which of the following is an example of a simile?

A) She was as angry as a hornet. B) She has a heart of ice. C) She speaks with a gentle, soothing voice. D) She is a shining star.

9. In what contexts can similes NOT be used?

A) Literature and poetry B) Everyday speech C) Scientific writing D) None of the above

10. What is NOT a use of similes in writing or speech?

A) To describe the appearance or qualities of an object B) To create a sense of mystery or intrigue C) To create a sense of fear or suspense D) To describe a person’s physical characteristics or abilities

 

Marking Guide 

1. A) A figure of speech that compares two things using the words “like” or “as”
2. A) She is as graceful as a dancer.
3. D) All of the above
4. D) She has a heart of stone.
5. A) To make descriptions more vivid and interesting
6. D) The clouds were as dark as a storm.
7. D) To create a sense of humor or absurdity
8. A) She was as angry as a hornet.
9. D) None of the above
10. B) To create a sense of mystery or intrigue

Presentation

1. Begin by explaining the definition of a simile and how it is used to compare two things using the words “like” or “as.”
2. Give some examples of similes to help students understand the concept, such as: “She sings like a bird,” “He runs as fast as a cheetah,” and “She is as graceful as a dancer.”
3. Have students brainstorm their own similes in small groups or as a class. Encourage them to think about different aspects of the world around them and come up with creative comparisons.
4. Once students have had a chance to generate their own similes, discuss the different ways in which similes can be used in writing and speech.
5. Have students practice using similes in their own writing by completing a writing prompt or activity that involves using similes to describe people, places, or things.
6. Conclude the lesson by reviewing the key points about similes and encouraging students to continue using similes in their writing and speech.

Optional Extension / Assignment :

1. Have students research and find examples of similes in literature or poetry, and discuss how the use of similes adds depth and interest to the writing.
2. Encourage students to continue practicing using similes in their own writing by assigning a writing assignment that involves using similes to describe a character or setting.

Conclusion

To conclude the lesson, the class teacher or subject teacher does a brief review of what he or she has just taught the pupils. He ask you questions that are related to the topic to ascertain if the learners have actually assimilated and understood the new topic that has just been taught