Reading Comprehension Skills & Strategies - Level 6

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Na m e : ___ Date: _

Directions: You have probably noticed that many stories you read use descriptions that compare

something to something else. A comparison using like or as is called a simile—her

hair was like silk. A direct comparison—he was a fish out of water—is called a

metaphor. Read each statement. Is it a simile, metaphor, or neither?

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1. Dad said he’d be late because he still
   had a mountain of paperwork to do.
   O simile
   O metaphor
   O neither


2. The used car turned out to be a
   lemon.
   O simile
   O metaphor
   O neither


3. We heard the fire engine coming from
   blocks away.
   O simile
   O metaphor
   O neither


4. The baby has cheeks like roses and a
   smile like sunshine.
   O simile
   O metaphor
   O neither


5. What could be in this box—it is as
   light as a feather!
   O simile
   O metaphor
   O neither

Bonus!Read the title of this page again. Is it a simile or metaphor? Why? ___________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

6. The wrestler’s arms were as big as tree
   branches.
   O simile
   O metaphor
   O neither


7. It looked as if we had been walking in
   circles.
   O simile
   O metaphor
   O neither


8. Don’t mind Beth—she eats like a bird.
   O simile
   O metaphor
   O neither


9. The day was growing old and there
   was still no word from him.
   O simile
   O metaphor
   O neither

Comparisons Paint Colorful Descriptions