Reading: Reading for Inference & Implied Meaning (Introduction): B1 Lesson 3: Understanding Basic Figurative Language (simple similes)
CEFR Level: B1 (Intermediate)
Target Reading Sub-skill: Reading for Inference & Implied Meaning (Introduction)
Specific Focus: Understanding Basic Figurative Language (simple similes: "as brave as a lion")
What You Will Learn
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Understand what figurative language is and why writers use it.
- Identify and understand simple similes (comparisons using "like" or "as...as").
- Recognize what two things are being compared in a simile and the shared quality.
- Interpret the meaning of common similes in context.
Hello Cambodian Learners!
Writers often use special language to make their writing more interesting, colorful, and expressive. This is called figurative language. It means the words are not used in their exact, literal dictionary meaning. One common type is a simile (SIM-i-lee). A simile compares two different things using the words "like" or "as...as" to create a picture in your mind. For example, if someone says "The traffic in Phnom Penh was as slow as a snail," they don't mean there was a real snail, but that the traffic was very, very slow!
Understanding Similes
A simile compares two unlike things using "like" or "as ... as". It helps us understand one thing by comparing it to something else that has a similar quality.
Example: Click the text to hear it.
This means he was very brave. His bravery is being compared to the bravery of a lion.
This means she sings beautifully. Her singing is being compared to the beautiful singing associated with angels.
Practice Time!
Activity 1: What's Being Compared?
Read each simile. Identify the two things being compared and the quality they share. Choose the best option.
Activity 2: Complete the Simile
Read the sentence. Choose the best word to complete the common simile.
Quick Quiz!
Great Job!
Understanding similes helps you appreciate the creativity in language and get a richer understanding of what you read. Keep an eye out for them!
