Similes and Metaphors — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The runner was fast like as a cheetah on the track.
Corrected: The runner was as fast as a cheetah on the track.
Grade 4 similes use either 'like' or 'as ___ as' to make a comparison, never the two together.
2. Fix the sentence:
Her smile is sunshine bright the room.
Corrected: Her smile is the sunshine that brightens the room.
Grade 4 metaphors need a complete sentence with a linking verb like 'is' to compare two unlike things directly.
3. Fix the sentence:
The thunder roared like loud noise during the storm.
Corrected: The thunder roared like a lion during the storm.
Grade 4 figurative language compares two different things; 'thunder' and 'loud noise' are too similar to form a true simile.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The clever spy was as sly as a fox.
Grade 4 readers learn that a fox is a classic symbol of cleverness in similes.
2. During the test, the room was as quiet as a mouse.
Grade 4 figurative language uses a mouse to show extreme quietness in similes.
3. After racing home, his cheeks were as red as a tomato.
Grade 4 similes compare bright redness to a ripe tomato for vivid imagery.
4. The new puppy is as playful as a kitten.
Grade 4 readers connect playfulness with kittens, a common simile pairing.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Write one simile that compares your backpack to something heavy.
Sample answer: My backpack is as heavy as a bag of bricks after a long school day.
Grade 4 writers practice similes by linking familiar objects to vivid comparisons using 'as ___ as'.
2. Write one metaphor that describes a busy classroom.
Sample answer: Our classroom is a beehive of busy learners buzzing with ideas.
Grade 4 writers use metaphors to call one thing another, sharpening imagery without 'like' or 'as'.