Literature – JSS1 English Lesson Note (Third Term)

A simile compares two different things using the word “as” or “like”. A metaphor compares them by saying one thing is the other, without “as” or “like”. Both are figures of speech. Writers use them to make descriptions clear and interesting.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what a simile is and what a metaphor is;
• pick out similes and metaphors in sentences;
• name the quality that two compared things share;
• change a simile into a metaphor;
• write their own sentences using similes and metaphors.

What is a simile?

A simile compares two things that are different but share one quality. It usually uses “as … as” or “like”.

• You are as bright as a star.
• Tunde is as sly as a fox.
• Aremu is as fast as a cheetah on the field.
• The baby cried like a siren.

What is a metaphor?

A metaphor says that one thing is another thing. It does not use “as” or “like”. The comparison is stated directly.

• You are a star.
• Tunde is simply a fox.
• Aremu is a cheetah on the field.
• The classroom was a beehive.

Tunde is not really an animal, and Aremu is not really a cheetah. The writer means that Tunde is cunning and Aremu is very fast.

What quality do the two things share?

Every simile and metaphor rests on one shared quality. Ask yourself what the two things have in common.

How do a simile and a metaphor differ?

How do we change a simile into a metaphor?

1. Find the two things being compared.
2. Remove “as” or “like”.
3. Say that the first thing is the second thing.

Example: “Aremu is as fast as a cheetah” becomes “Aremu is a cheetah”.

Practice: make your own examples

Think of a person, an animal or a thing with a clear quality. For example, an ant is hardworking, a lion is brave and a mouse is quiet. Write one simile and one metaphor about a person you know. Choose kind or neutral comparisons.

Evaluation

Say whether each sentence is a simile or a metaphor.

1. The baby is as quiet as a mouse.
2. Our teacher is a lion in the classroom.
3. Her smile is as bright as the sun.
4. The road was a river after the rain.
5. Chidi ran like the wind.

Answer key

1. Simile (as … as)
2. Metaphor
3. Simile (as … as)
4. Metaphor
5. Simile (like)

Assignment

Say whether each sentence is a simile or a metaphor.

1. Chidi is as strong as an ox.
2. The moon is a silver coin.
3. The students were like ants at work.
4. My grandmother’s kitchen is an oven.

Answer key

1. Simile
2. Metaphor
3. Simile
4. Metaphor