Loading…
GCSE English Language · key term
A comparison that describes one thing as another, rather than using ‘like’ or ‘as’.
Used by AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas
Paper 1, Paper 2
A description that presents one thing as another, transferring associations between them.
A comparison that describes one thing as another, without using ‘like’ or ‘as’.
Use terminology to support an explanation: naming a metaphor is not a substitute for explaining the comparison.
Create a free account to keep every note you open and track your progress.
A description that presents something as something else, transferring qualities between them without using ‘like’ or ‘as’.
Paper 1, Paper 2
A comparison that describes something as something else, rather than using ‘like’ or ‘as’.
Revise: Analysing languageWith a simile or metaphor, identify what is being compared, the qualities transferred by the comparison and why those qualities matter. With sensory description, explain what the reader is made to imagine and how that shapes the scene. There is no single automatic effect for a technique: alliteration does not always create menace, and a short sentence does not always create tension.
Paper 1, Paper 2
A description of one thing in terms of another, without making a literal comparison using ‘like’ or ‘as’.
Revise: Analysing languageA simile compares using ‘like’ or ‘as’, while a metaphor describes something in terms of something else. Imagery can evoke sound, touch and movement as well as sight.
A description that presents something as something else to suggest a shared quality, rather than describing it literally.
A description that presents one thing as another, transferring associations between them.
A description of one thing as another, suggesting a connection between them.
Paper 1, Paper 2
A comparison that describes something as something else, without using 'like' or 'as'.
Revise: Analysing languageThe metaphor “well of darkness” suggests depth, making the space above Shorthouse feel difficult to see into. This is contrasted with the “cosy, bright” room he remembers. Those adjectives associate the outside world with comfort and visibility, making his present surroundings feel less secure.
A description that presents one thing as another to suggest a resemblance or association.
Component 1, Component 2
A comparison that describes one thing as another, transferring some of its qualities to it.
Revise: Analysing languageNaming a metaphor identifies a choice; explaining what the comparison transfers to its subject analyses it. Equally, an ordinary verb can deserve close attention without belonging to an elaborate literary technique.
A comparison that presents something as something else, rather than saying it is like that thing.
