Similes
(100) Decide whether this is a simile. If it is, explain the comparison: "Her smile was like sunshine."
(100) Decide whether this is a metaphor. If it is, explain the comparison: "The classroom was a zoo."
Yes — the classroom is compared to a zoo; means noisy/chaotic.
(100) What does the idiom "break the ice" mean? Use it in a sentence.
"Break the ice" = to start conversation or make people feel comfortable. Example: "Telling a joke broke the ice."
(100) Which words in this short phrase are examples of alliteration? "See the silly snakes slither over there."
"See," "silly," "snakes," "slither" all start with the 's' sound.
(100) Which word is onomatopoeia in this sentence: "The clock went tick-tock all morning"?
"tick-tock" imitates clock sounds.
(200) Complete and explain this simile: "As quiet as a ______." (Give one good word to finish and say what it means.)
Possible answer: "mouse" — "As quiet as a mouse" meaning very quiet.
(200) Explain this metaphor: "Time is a thief." What idea does it suggest?
Suggests time steals things (like moments); means time passes quickly or takes things away.
(200) Explain the meaning of "piece of cake" and give a short sentence using it.
"Piece of cake" = very easy. Example: "The test was a piece of cake."
(200) Write a two-word alliterative pair a 4th grader might use to describe a pet.
Example: "playful puppy" (both start with 'p').
(200) Give an example of an onomatopoeia word for a dog sound and use it in a sentence.
Example: "woof" — "The dog went 'woof'."
(300) Identify the two things being compared and explain the meaning: "He runs like the wind."
Compares "he" and "the wind" — means he runs very fast.
(300) Identify the two things being compared and explain: "My brother is a night owl." What does this mean about your brother?
Compares brother to a night owl — means he stays up late/active at night.
(300) What does "hit the books" mean? When would you use it?
"Hit the books" = study hard. Use before an exam.
(300) Explain why this sentence uses alliteration: "Peter Pan packed a pocktful of purple pennies." What sound repeats and how does it help the sentence?
The 'p' sound repeats many times, creating a musical/rhythmic effect.
(300) Explain why "clang" and "whisper" are different types of sound words; which is onomatopoeia and why?
"Clang" is onomatopoeia (imitates a loud metallic sound). "Whisper" names a soft sound but isn't an imitation word in the same way.
(400) Rewrite this sentence as a simile and explain its meaning: "The kitten moved very quickly." (Give a simile and short explanation.)
Example simile: "The kitten moved like a flash." Means it moved very quickly.
(400) Turn the simile "As brave as a lion" into a metaphor and explain the new sentence.
"He is a lion" meaning he is brave.
(400) Interpret this idiom: "cost an arm and a leg." What is the meaning and in what situation would someone say it?
"Cost an arm and a leg" = very expensive. Use when something is costly.
(400) Create a three-word alliterative sentence about recess and explain why it counts as alliteration.
Example: "Recess runners race." All words start with 'r' sound = alliteration.
(400) Find an onomatopoeia in this line and explain what sound it imitates: "The rain went pitter-patter on the roof."
"Pitter-patter" imitates the sound of light rain hitting a surface.
(500) Read this simile and explain what idea the writer wants you to feel: "The classroom was like a beehive of activity." What two things are compared and what does that tell you?
Compares classroom to a beehive — means busy and active with many people working.
(500) Read the metaphor and explain the meaning and feeling: "The storm was a roaring beast." What images does this give you and why might the author choose this metaphor?
Compares storm to a beast — suggests loud, scary, powerful.
(500) Read this sentence and explain the idiom: "After the long test, she let out a sigh of relief! She was "on cloud nine." What does this mean?
"On cloud nine" = extremely happy or delighted.
(500) Create a four-word alliterative sentence about balloons and explain why it counts as alliteration.
Repeating 'b' sound (bright, blue, balloons, bobbed, bench) creates a bouncy feel.
(500) Write a short example that uses two different onomatopoeia words to create a scene (for example: the kitchen after someone drops a pot). Then explain how each sound word helps the reader imagine the scene.