Similes - PowerPoint

Similes are a key element of creative writing, and an educational resource aimed at Year 5 and 6 students delves into this literary device. The objectives of the resource are twofold: firstly, to help students understand how authors use similes to conjure vivid imagery in the reader's mind, and secondly, to enable students to employ similes effectively in their own writing. A simile is explained as a comparison between two different things, typically using the words 'as' or 'like'. For instance, instead of the plain sentence "George ran away," a simile enriches the imagery: "George ran like a fox chased by a pack of hounds." This not only paints a clearer picture but also amplifies the urgency of George's action.

The resource also touches upon the importance of avoiding clichés, which are overused phrases that have lost their original impact and fail to create strong imagery. Examples of clichéd similes include "as strong as an ox" or "as good as gold." To foster creativity and originality, the resource encourages students to craft vivid sentences by completing them with their own similes. Worksheets are provided where students can practice this skill, with sentences like "Sofia charged down the stairs like…" and "The children quickly ate their lunch like…", prompting them to think inventively. The resource includes example answers, such as "Sofia charged down the stairs like a herd of stampeding elephants" and "The children quickly ate their lunch like a pack of ravenous wolves," to guide and inspire students in their simile creation.