Narrative Writing — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A simile compares two things using the words "like" or "as ."
Similes always use 'like' or 'as' to make the comparison clear: 'quick like a fox' or 'cold as ice.' These signal words are how you spot a simile.
2. A metaphor says something is something else without using "like" or "as."
A metaphor claims one thing IS another — 'Time is money' or 'Her voice is music' — making a direct comparison. The verb 'is' is the giveaway.
3. "The wind whispered through the trees" is an example of personification .
Wind cannot actually whisper — that is a human action — so giving the wind this human quality is personification. The word contains 'person' for a reason.
4. Using figurative language makes narrative writing more vivid and interesting.
'Vivid' means bright, lively, and easy to imagine. Figurative comparisons create stronger mental pictures than plain description.
5. "Her smile was as bright as the sun" is a simile .
The comparison uses 'as ... as' to connect the smile with the sun, which is the signature pattern of a simile. It paints a cheerful, glowing image.
6. "Time is money" is a metaphor because it does not use "like" or "as."
The sentence directly equates time with money using 'is' — no 'like' or 'as' involved. That direct equation is the mark of a metaphor.
7. Figurative language helps readers create a mental image of what is happening.
Good comparisons paint pictures in the reader's head. A 'mental image' is that picture readers see while reading.
8. "The thunder roared angrily" gives human qualities to a nonliving thing.
Thunder is a nonliving thing — it cannot feel anger or roar like a lion. Personification works by giving human emotions or actions to nonliving things.
9. Strong descriptions help the reader feel emotions along with the characters.
Vivid descriptions let readers experience the scene through the characters' senses. When readers can feel the setting, they can feel the emotions too.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
The stars danced in the sky
→ Personification (stars)
Simile
He ran as fast as a cheetah
→ Simile
Metaphor
Her voice was music
→ Metaphor
Personification (stars)
The leaves waved goodbye
→ Personification (leaves)
Personification (leaves)
The cheetah comparison uses 'as fast as' (simile); 'voice was music' equates two things directly (metaphor); stars dancing and leaves waving are both human actions given to nonliving things (personification). Spotting the signal words tells you the type.