Starter quiz
- 'A figure of speech that involves comparing two unlike things using the words 'like' or 'as' ' is the definition of a ______.
- 'simile' ✓
- The purpose of using a simile in creative writing is to ...
- show off and use impressive techniques
- use up words
- create vivid images ✓
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- Complete the following common simile: 'as warm as __________.'
- the moon
- the sun ✓
- a candle
-
- 'A large vault, typically an underground one, for burying the dead' is the definition of which word beginning with 't'?
- 'tomb' ✓
- 'Bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind' is the definition of which word beginning with 'e'?
- 'evocative' ✓
- 'To match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation' is the definition of which word beginning with 'e'?
- 'emulate' ✓
Exit quiz
- 'A phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought' is the definition of which word beginning with 'c'?
- 'cliché' ✓
- Why might we want to avoid using clichés in our writing?
- we don't want to emulate someone else's work
- we want to show our own creativity ✓
- they don't create a vivid image
-
- 'Expressing something forcibly and clearly' is the definition of which word beginning with 'e'?
- 'emphatic' ✓
- Helios is a Greek God of ...
- the sun ✓
- transport
- the moon
- hospitality
-
- 'A very slight difference in appearance, meaning, sound' is the definition of which word beginning with 'n'?
- 'nuance' ✓
- Which of the following similes creates the impression of heat as destructive?
- 'as hot as a kiln'
- 'as hot as an incinerator' ✓
- 'as hot as warm stew'
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Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- In order to emulate Chandler's use of similes, we might use an existing simile as a starting point.
- Then, we might use a synonym or antonym of the existing comparative word to create something unexpected.
- As well as the visual, we might think of the connotations of the comparative word to add layers of meaning.
- Moreover, we might consider adding extra detail to our comparative image to further add nuance.
Common misconception
That it's impossible to create imaginative similes.
While your mind will often go to common similes at first, you can consider how you can use synonyms/antonyms, sensory details, and extra detail in order to create imaginative similes.
Keywords
Cliché - a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought
Evocative - bringing strong images, memories or feelings to mind
Suet - the hard white fat on the kidneys and loins of cattle, sheep and other animals
Nuance - a very slight difference in appearance, meaning, sound
Emphatic - expressing something forcibly and clearly
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