31
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?
Reading Comprehension • Saddleback Educational Publishing ©2002 3 Watson, Irvine, CA 92618•Phone (888)SDL-BACK•www.sdlback.com
- Dad said he’d be late because he still
had a mountain of paperwork to do.
O simile
O metaphor
O neither - The used car turned out to be a
lemon.
O simile
O metaphor
O neither - We heard the fire engine coming from
blocks away.
O simile
O metaphor
O neither - The baby has cheeks like roses and a
smile like sunshine.
O simile
O metaphor
O neither - 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? ___________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
- The wrestler’s arms were as big as tree
branches.
O simile
O metaphor
O neither - It looked as if we had been walking in
circles.
O simile
O metaphor
O neither - Don’t mind Beth—she eats like a bird.
O simile
O metaphor
O neither - The day was growing old and there
was still no word from him.
O simile
O metaphor
O neither
Comparisons Paint Colorful Descriptions