Similes and Metaphors Worksheet (Years 5-6) | CGP Plus - Free Printable

Let's solve each part of this worksheet step by step and explain the solutions.

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1. Draw lines to match each definition to the right technique.

Definitions:
- *This describes one thing as being similar to another, often using the words 'like' and 'as'.*
→ This is a Simile (because similes use "like" or "as" to compare two things).

- *This describes something by saying it is something else.*
→ This is a Metaphor (because metaphors directly state that one thing *is* another, without using "like" or "as").

✔ Answer:
- First definition → Simile
- Second definition → Metaphor

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2. Write down a word or phrase to complete each sentence. Can you circle the sentence that uses a metaphor?

We need to complete each sentence with a suitable comparison and then identify which one is a metaphor.

#### a) Mr Green’s cat is as black as _________.
→ We’re using “as...as” → this is a simile.
Example: *Mr Green’s cat is as black as coal.*

#### b) The heat from the fire warmed me like ________.
→ Using “like” → simile.
Example: *The heat from the fire warmed me like a blanket.*

#### c) The noise of the crowd was ________.
→ This one doesn’t have “like” or “as”. Let’s make it a metaphor.
Example: *The noise of the crowd was a storm.*
→ This is a metaphor because it says the noise *was* a storm (direct comparison, no “like” or “as”).

✔ Which sentence uses a metaphor?
→ The noise of the crowd was a storm. → Circle this one.

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3. Tick the technique that is used in each sentence.

#### a) The baby squirmed like an octopus.
- Uses “like” → Simile ✔
- Not a metaphor

#### b) The lake was a mirror as the sun set.
- Says the lake *was* a mirror → direct comparison → Metaphor ✔
- No “like” or “as” used → not a simile

#### c) The players were a wave, surging forward.
- Says the players *were* a wave → direct identification → Metaphor ✔

✔ Answers:
- a) Simile ☐ Metaphor ☒
- b) Simile ☒ Metaphor ☐
- c) Simile ☒ Metaphor ☐

Wait — let's double-check b:
“The lake was a mirror…” — yes, this is a metaphor, because it equates the lake *to* a mirror.

But note: “as the sun set” is extra info — it doesn't affect the figurative language.

So final:
- a) Simile ✔
- b) Metaphor ✔
- c) Metaphor ✔

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4. Rewrite each sentence using the technique in the brackets.

#### a) The sun is bright. (Metaphor)
We need to turn this into a metaphor — say the sun *is* something else.
Example: *The sun is a blazing fireball.*
Or: *The sun is a golden coin in the sky.*

✔ Answer: *The sun is a blazing furnace.* (Any creative metaphor works.)

#### b) The loaf of bread is hard. (Simile)
Now make it a simile — use “like” or “as”.
Example: *The loaf of bread is as hard as stone.*
Or: *The loaf of bread is like a rock.*

✔ Answer: *The loaf of bread is as hard as a brick.*

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✔ Final Answers Summary:

#### 1. Matching Definitions
- "Describes one thing as being similar..." → Simile
- "Describes something by saying it is something else" → Metaphor

#### 2. Complete Sentences & Identify Metaphor
- Mr Green’s cat is as black as coal.
- The heat from the fire warmed me like a blanket.
- The noise of the crowd was a storm. ✔ (This is the metaphor)

#### 3. Tick the Technique
- The baby squirmed like an octopus. → Simile ✔
- The lake was a mirror as the sun set. → Metaphor ✔
- The players were a wave, surging forward. → Metaphor ✔

#### 4. Rewrite Sentences
- The sun is bright. → The sun is a flaming torch. (Metaphor)
- The loaf of bread is hard. → The loaf of bread is as hard as stone. (Simile)

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✔ All done! These answers teach the difference between similes (using "like" or "as") and metaphors (direct comparisons). Great practice for understanding figurative language! 🌟