Figures of Speech: Simile, Metaphor and Personification
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Lesson overview
The most commonly tested literary devices.
Go to lesson quiz →Exam guidance · WAEC WASSCE Paper 1 + Paper 2 Lens
Pacing
Objective speed on Paper 1 + structured step-by-step method marks on Paper 2 Theory/Practical.
How WAEC marks this
Examiners award method marks (M1) for stating the formula/definition and accuracy marks (A1) ONLY when SI units are written.
Watch out for
Writing bare numbers without working or omitting SI units loses up to 50% of Paper 2 marks even when the final value is right.
Lesson content
Overview — Figures of Speech: Simile, Metaphor and Personification
The most commonly tested literary devices. This lesson is at the beginner level — by the end, you'll be able to recognise this question type, apply a reliable method, and avoid the traps that cost marks.
Key Concept
A SIMILE compares two unlike things using 'like' or 'as' (e.g. 'brave as a lion'). A METAPHOR states that one thing IS another, without 'like' or 'as' (e.g. 'he is a lion in battle'). PERSONIFICATION gives human qualities to non-human things (e.g. 'the wind whispered').
Why It's Tested This Way
WAEC/JAMB test these three devices together because candidates often confuse simile with metaphor — examiners want you to identify the SPECIFIC device used, not just recognise that 'some comparison' is happening.
Method
To distinguish simile from metaphor, check for the words 'like' or 'as' — their presence means simile; their absence, where one thing is directly equated with another, means metaphor. For personification, check whether a non-human thing is given a distinctly human action or feeling.
Worked Example
Worked example: 'Her smile was as bright as the sun' is a SIMILE (uses 'as'); 'Her smile was sunshine' is a METAPHOR (direct equation, no 'as' or 'like').
Second Worked Example
Second worked example: 'The old house groaned under the weight of memories' is PERSONIFICATION — a house cannot literally 'groan' with feeling; this human trait is being given to an object.
Common Traps
Common trap: calling every comparison a 'metaphor' out of habit — always check specifically for 'like'/'as' first, since that single detail is exactly what distinguishes simile from metaphor.
Lesson Summary
Remember: (1) identify what is being asked, (2) apply the WAEC strategy, (3) check against the traps. Complete the 10-question quiz below to unlock the next lesson — you need at least 60% to pass.
Mastery Check · Lesson Quiz · pass 60%
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