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Why It Matters
Similes help the reader picture exactly what you mean. Examiners reward original, precise comparisons that go beyond the obvious.
Examples
“The fog hung like a thick grey curtain across the harbour.”
-- Model answerWeak vs Strong Comparisons
“The fog was thick.”
“The fog hung like a thick grey curtain across the harbour.”
“She ran fast.”
“She ran like a startled deer, her feet barely touching the ground.”
“The sea was rough.”
“The sea churned like a washing machine set to its angriest cycle.”
Use 2-3 similes per piece — no more. Too many feel forced. Make each one original: avoid clichés like "as white as snow" or "as fast as lightning".
Practice Exercises
Try these exercises to practise using simile in your own writing. Click "Show Suggestions" to see example answers.
1
Complete this simile: The old house stood on the hill like...
a crooked tooth in the jaw of the landscape
a watchful guardian surveying the village below
a forgotten promise, crumbling at the edges
2
Complete this simile: The silence was as heavy as...
a winter coat
a held breath
the moment before a storm breaks
3
Write an original simile to describe rain hitting a window.
The rain hit the window like tiny, impatient fingers tapping to be let in
Each raindrop struck the glass like a drummer who had forgotten the tune