Similes and Metaphors Student Worksheet Pack (Definitions, Differences, Identification

A teacher-created worksheet pack that clearly teaches and assesses students’ understanding of similes and metaphors, supporting both literacy fundamentals and exam-style method recognition for classrooms aligned to AQA expectations.

Students move through a logical learning sequence:

defining each device in their own words

giving clear examples

explaining differences in purpose and construction

identifying methods in authentic quotes

generating original similes and metaphors to apply learning creatively

What the Resource Includes:

Explanation of metaphor and simile meaning

Model answer guidance for teacher reference

Identification check using canonical examples:

Metaphor prompt quotes such as “The world is a stage…”

Simile examples like “Her eyes sparkled like diamonds…”

Sentence-level error-free paragraph practice

A list of common metaphor/simile phrasing to support understanding of figurative register

Independent task to create:

three original similes

three original metaphors

success-criteria linked reasoning for writer purpose

Skills Developed:

Understanding figurative language meaning in context

Recognising and naming methods precisely (AO2 transfer)

Exploding individual words for effect on the reader

Differentiating literal vs figurative meaning

Writing accurate, cohesive sentences

Crafting original comparisons for creative or transactional writing

Improving confidence with quotation analysis and independent planning before writing

Suitable For:

KS3 lessons

KS4 writing and analysis

GCSE English Language method recognition and extended paragraphing

Mixed-ability classrooms (differentiation simple to layer where needed)

Literacy intervention or homework-focused skill reinforcement