Similes and Metaphors ESL Games and Worksheets
In this useful similes worksheet and game, students learn and practice common English similes to help them understand how similes make descriptions more vivid and interesting by comparing one thing to something familiar. Students begin by completing similes in a text with phrases from a box. Students then match common similes to their definitions. Next, in pairs, students play a game in which they race to write a short story that uses three similes on a card correctly. The first pair to raise their hands reads their story aloud. If their story is coherent and uses the similes correctly, they score one point. If not, the pair is out of the round, and the other pairs race to complete their stories. When a pair has won, the students swap cards, play the next round, and so on. The pair with the most points at the end of the game wins.
In this free metaphors game, students play bingo by matching metaphors with their meanings. In groups, the bingo caller reads a sentence explaining a metaphor at random from the caller's sheet, e.g. 'He is very kind and generous.' The players listen and look at the metaphors written on their bingo cards to see if they have one that matches the explanation, e.g. 'He has a heart of gold'. If they do, they cross it off. The game continues until a player has crossed off four metaphors in a row. When this happens, the player shouts 'Bingo!' and reads the metaphors they crossed off. If the metaphors match the explanations that were read, the student wins the round. Players then continue to see who can cross off all 16 metaphors first. Groups play several rounds, with students taking turns being the bingo caller and players using a different bingo card each time.
In this productive metaphors worksheet, students learn and practice common English metaphors. First, students read a short text explaining metaphors. Students then match metaphors to their meanings. Next, students complete metaphors in sentences with phrases from a box. After that, students identify metaphors in sentences and explain their meanings in their own words. Students then move on to write a short story using at least five metaphors from the worksheet. Finally, students read their stories to the class, who actively listen and give feedback, focusing on the effectiveness and creativity of the metaphors.
In these fun simile games, students match common English similes with their definitions and then use them in conversational contexts. First, students play a pelmanism game where they take turns turning over one simile card and one definition card. If the simile with as and the definition match, the student keeps the two cards and has another turn. If not, the student turns the cards back over, keeping them in the same place, and play passes to the other student. The student with the most pairs of cards at the end wins. Next, students play an impromptu speech game where they take turns picking up a speech card and talking in response to the prompt for 30 seconds, incorporating an appropriate simile from the table naturally into what they say. For example, for the situation card 'Talk about how to explain directions to a tourist', the appropriate simile would be As clear as crystal. If the student is able to do this, they keep the pair of cards. If not, the speech card is removed from the game. The student with the most pairs of cards at the end of the game wins.
