Similes: as busy as a bee

1What is a simile?

When we compare one thing with another using "like" or "as ... as", we call it a simile.

• Nethmi was as busy as a bee.
• The garden was like a rainbow.
• The breeze was as soft as a feather.

2Why do writers use similes?

Similes help us see a picture in our mind. They show what is the same about two things:

• Same colour: Her hair is as white as snow.
• Same shape: The moon is as round as a plate.
• Same ability: Rajith runs as fast as a deer.
• Same size or height: My brother is as tall as a tree.

3Common similes

• as busy as a bee
• as brave as a lion
• as cold as ice
• as light as a feather
• as quiet as a mouse
• as bright as the sun
• as slow as a tortoise

A simile always uses "like" or "as". "The garden is a rainbow" is NOT a simile, because it has no "like" or "as".

4Make a simile poster

Choose a topic: the sun, the sky, the sea, your pet. Write four similes about it and draw pictures. Example for the moon:

• The moon is as round as a clock.
• The moon is like a silver plate.
• The moon is as bright as a lantern.
• The moon is as yellow as an egg yolk.