Let's solve
Question 5 from the *Figurative Language Worksheet 5*, and then provide a full explanation of the solution.
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Question 5:
>
"The stones of the field are sharp as steel."
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✔ Which technique is being used?
Simile
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✔ How do you figure?
(Write a sentence explaining your answer)
> The phrase "sharp as steel" uses the word
"as" to directly compare the sharpness of the stones to steel, which is a clear indicator of a
simile. A simile makes a comparison using words like *like* or *as*.
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🔍 Explanation:
Let’s break it down:
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"Sharp as steel" → This is a
direct comparison.
- The word
"as" signals that this is a
simile, not a metaphor (which would say "are steel" without "as").
- It compares the
stones to
steel in terms of
sharpness, suggesting they are extremely sharp — just like steel.
- Similes are
explicit comparisons using "like" or "as", while metaphors are
implicit (e.g., “the stones are steel”).
So, even though steel is a hard, sharp material, the use of
"as" tells us it's a
simile, not a metaphor.
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✔ Final Answer:
-
Technique: Simile
-
Reasoning: The phrase uses "as" to compare the sharpness of the stones to steel, which is the defining feature of a simile.
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✔ Note: While some might think this is a metaphor because it compares two things, the presence of
"as" makes it a
simile. That’s the key difference!
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Let me know if you'd like help with any other questions!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of figurative language worksheet 1 answers.