Worked example
What is “The lake was like a mirror” an example of?
Answer & why
Answer: A simile
Like explicitly compares the lake with a mirror, suggesting a smooth reflecting surface.
Grade 4 · Reading & language
Distinguish a simile from a metaphor
Recognize explicit similes using like or as and direct metaphors that compare unlike things.
6 authored questions + worked example
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All questions
All 6 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
What is “The blanket felt as soft as a cloud” an example of?
- A direct metaphor without a comparison word
- A command
- A simile
- A literal weather measurement
A hint
A simile signals a comparison with like or as; a metaphor calls one thing another to suggest a shared quality.
Answer & why
Answer: A simile
As soft as explicitly compares the blanket with a cloud.
Question 2
What is “Her smile was sunshine after the argument” an example of?
- A metaphor
- A literal description of a star
- A question
- A simile using as
A hint
A simile signals a comparison with like or as; a metaphor calls one thing another to suggest a shared quality.
Answer & why
Answer: A metaphor
Calling the smile sunshine suggests warmth or relief through a direct comparison.
Question 3
What is “The little boat bobbed like a cork” an example of?
- A dictionary definition
- A question
- A direct metaphor without a comparison word
- A simile
A hint
A simile signals a comparison with like or as; a metaphor calls one thing another to suggest a shared quality.
Answer & why
Answer: A simile
Like compares the boat’s bobbing with a cork’s movement.
Question 4
What is “The hallway was a river of students” an example of?
- A literal river survey
- A simile using like
- A question
- A metaphor
A hint
A simile signals a comparison with like or as; a metaphor calls one thing another to suggest a shared quality.
Answer & why
Answer: A metaphor
The moving crowd is described as a river, suggesting flowing movement.
Question 5
What is “The lake was like a mirror” an example of?
- A simile
- A question
- A list of instructions
- A direct metaphor without a comparison word
A hint
A simile signals a comparison with like or as; a metaphor calls one thing another to suggest a shared quality.
Answer & why
Answer: A simile
Like explicitly compares the lake with a mirror, suggesting a smooth reflecting surface.
Question 6
What is “His backpack was a mountain on his shoulders” an example of?
- A metaphor
- A simile using like
- A literal mountain report
- A direct question
A hint
A simile signals a comparison with like or as; a metaphor calls one thing another to suggest a shared quality.
Answer & why
Answer: A metaphor
The backpack is called a mountain to suggest its size or weight; no like or as links them.