Creative Writing Focus Set 4
Creative Writing Focus Set 4 focuses on figurative language, simile, comparing two things using "like" or "as", metaphor, describing one thing directly as another, and personification, giving human qualities to something non-human, and on using these techniques purposefully rather than reaching for the first, most predictable comparison that comes to mind.
Method
- Use a simile to compare two things using "like" or "as" when you want to highlight one clear, specific similarity, for example the branches creaked like old bones.
- Use a metaphor when you want a bolder, more direct comparison, describing one thing as though it actually is the other, for example the branches were old bones, creaking in the wind.
- Use personification when describing a setting or object to make it feel alive and threatening, calm or welcoming, for example the wind howled through the empty street.
- Avoid overused, predictable comparisons, such as "as cold as ice" or "as brave as a lion", since these no longer create a fresh image for the reader and are treated as cliches.
- Choose a figurative comparison that also matches the mood of the scene: a calm scene calls for gentle, quiet images, while a tense scene calls for sharper, harsher ones.
- Use figurative language sparingly and purposefully; one or two well-chosen images in a paragraph are more effective than several competing for attention in the same sentence.
Worked example
Rewrite the flat sentence "The old house was scary in the moonlight" using one original simile and one example of personification.
- Identify what needs to be shown rather than told: the feeling that the house was scary.
- Think of a fresh simile for the house's appearance, avoiding cliches like "as scary as a ghost": for example, "the house crouched at the end of the lane like a beast waiting to pounce".
- Think of a personification detail for something within or around the house: for example, "its windows seemed to watch the empty lane".
- Combine both techniques into a controlled sentence or two, checking neither image contradicts the other's mood.
- Final answer: "In the moonlight, the old house crouched at the end of the lane like a beast waiting to pounce, its windows seeming to watch the empty lane below."
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Q1Write an original simile describing a bonfire, avoiding the cliche "as hot as fire".Show answer
Answer: Any original simile, for example "the bonfire roared like a caged animal, throwing sparks into the dark."
Q2Write an original metaphor describing a busy classroom, without using "like" or "as".Show answer
Answer: Any original metaphor, for example "the classroom was a hive, every pupil buzzing with a different task."
Q3Write one sentence using personification to describe a storm approaching.Show answer
Answer: Any valid personification, for example "the storm clenched its fist over the hills before it struck."
Q4Explain why "as cold as ice" is generally considered a weak simile to use in creative writing.Show answer
Answer: Because it is an overused, predictable comparison, a cliche, that no longer creates a fresh or vivid image for the reader.
Q5Explain the difference between a simile and a metaphor, using an example of each.Show answer
Answer: A simile compares two things using "like" or "as", for example "her smile was like sunshine"; a metaphor describes one thing directly as if it is the other, without "like" or "as", for example "her smile was sunshine".
Q6Why should figurative language usually be used sparingly, one or two images per paragraph, rather than in every sentence?Show answer
Answer: Because too many competing images can overwhelm or confuse the reader and slow the pace of the writing, whereas a small number of well-chosen images stand out and are more effective.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Rewrite the following flat paragraph, adding one original simile, one metaphor and one example of personification, without using any of these overused comparisons: "as cold as ice", "as brave as a lion", "as light as a feather". "The wind was very strong. The trees moved a lot. It felt like a storm was coming." (5 marks)
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Explain why matching a figurative comparison to the mood of a scene matters, using an example of a comparison that would suit a calm scene and one that would suit a tense scene. (3 marks)
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Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the creative writing focus set 4 worksheet pack - 14 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. One email opens every download in this browser for 14 days - no account, no card. Print it for personal and classroom use.
This topic is chapter 29 of 11+ English Workbook 2, the whole course as one free printable PDF.
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