11-Plus English - Study of Metaphors and Word Comparisons

English Quiz - Metaphors (Questions)

Understand metaphors for 11 Plus English. Spot comparisons without “like” or “as”, unpack imagery, and explain how they strengthen meaning.

Explore the Topic →

(quiz starts below)

Fascinating Fact:

Extended metaphors run through paragraphs, linking details to one idea, like life as a journey with paths and milestones.

In 11 Plus English, metaphors compare two things directly to create vivid images and precise meaning. You’ll identify single and extended metaphors, explain the picture they create, and link it to the writer’s message.

Key Terms

Metaphor: A direct comparison that says one thing is another, to suggest shared qualities.
Simile: A comparison using like or as, e.g., “as brave as a lion.”
Extended metaphor: A metaphor developed across several phrases or sentences to build a strong image.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is a metaphor in 11 Plus English?

A metaphor states that one thing is another to highlight a quality, e.g., “The classroom was a beehive,” suggesting busy, organised activity.

How is a metaphor different from a simile?

A metaphor says one thing is another. A simile uses like or as, e.g., “like a beehive.” Both compare, but metaphors are stronger and more direct.

How do I explain an extended metaphor in answers?

Identify the central idea, list the linked details, and state the effect: what picture it creates and how that supports the writer’s theme or mood.

Try These Related Quizzes

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
He's the apple of her eye.

[ ]	He's like an apple
[ ]	She would like to eat him because he looks like an apple
[ ]	She adores him
[ ]	She thinks he is evil

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
He lived his life in the fast lane.

[ ]	He lived in a car which he always drove fast
[ ]	He's a racing driver
[ ]	He drives fast
[ ]	He lived a life full of excitement and activity

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
She has half-baked ideas and nothing more.

[ ]	Her ideas are not thought out enough
[ ]	She likes cooking, but she isn't very good at it
[ ]	She doesn't bake very well
[ ]	She cooks better than she bakes

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
Mary tried to pull the wool over my eyes.

[ ]	Mary tries to pull his woollen cap over his eyes
[ ]	Mary tried to cover his eyes with wool
[ ]	Mary is teasing him
[ ]	Mary tried to deceive him

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
These children are rug rats.

[ ]	The children are playing at being rats on the rug
[ ]	The children can't walk yet
[ ]	The children spend a lot of time sitting on rugs
[ ]	The children are like rats

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
Peter is all thumbs; he just spilt my drink.

[ ]	Peter has no fingers - only two thumbs
[ ]	Peter is clumsy
[ ]	Peter only uses his thumbs to pick things up
[ ]	Peter knocked the drink over with his thumb

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
Andrew has decided to turn over a new leaf this year.

[ ]	Andrew turned over a new page in his book
[ ]	Andrew changed his behaviour for the better
[ ]	Andrew changed his behaviour for the worse
[ ]	Andrew turned over a leaf that had just fallen from a tree

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
My name is mud ever since I caused all that trouble at school.

[ ]	He has been shamed
[ ]	He has changed his name to mud
[ ]	He likes mud because he behaves badly
[ ]	Mud is his nickname

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
My boyfriend showered me with gifts.

[ ]	Her boyfriend made her take a shower with his gifts
[ ]	Her boyfriend threw gifts at her
[ ]	Her boyfriend gave her endless loads of gifts
[ ]	Her boyfriend took a shower with her gifts

10.

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
'Necessity is the mother of invention.'

[ ]	Someone's mother is a good inventor
[ ]	Someone's mother has to invent something
[ ]	Mothers are good inventors
[ ]	If you really want to do something very much, you will think of a way to do it

English Quiz - Metaphors (Answers)

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
He's the apple of her eye.

[ ]	He's like an apple
[ ]	She would like to eat him because he looks like an apple
[x]	She adores him
[ ]	She thinks he is evil

Perhaps she won't eat him

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
He lived his life in the fast lane.

[ ]	He lived in a car which he always drove fast
[ ]	He's a racing driver
[ ]	He drives fast
[x]	He lived a life full of excitement and activity

And often danger!

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
She has half-baked ideas and nothing more.

[x]	Her ideas are not thought out enough
[ ]	She likes cooking, but she isn't very good at it
[ ]	She doesn't bake very well
[ ]	She cooks better than she bakes

Half baked food is as bad as half baked ideas

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
Mary tried to pull the wool over my eyes.

[ ]	Mary tries to pull his woollen cap over his eyes
[ ]	Mary tried to cover his eyes with wool
[ ]	Mary is teasing him
[x]	Mary tried to deceive him

She tried to trick him

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
These children are rug rats.

[ ]	The children are playing at being rats on the rug
[x]	The children can't walk yet
[ ]	The children spend a lot of time sitting on rugs
[ ]	The children are like rats

This is an American/Canadian metaphor

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
Peter is all thumbs; he just spilt my drink.

[ ]	Peter has no fingers - only two thumbs
[x]	Peter is clumsy
[ ]	Peter only uses his thumbs to pick things up
[ ]	Peter knocked the drink over with his thumb

He's very clumsy: you'd think all his fingers are thumbs

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
Andrew has decided to turn over a new leaf this year.

[ ]	Andrew turned over a new page in his book
[x]	Andrew changed his behaviour for the better
[ ]	Andrew changed his behaviour for the worse
[ ]	Andrew turned over a leaf that had just fallen from a tree

You turn over a new leaf for the better

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
My name is mud ever since I caused all that trouble at school.

[x]	He has been shamed
[ ]	He has changed his name to mud
[ ]	He likes mud because he behaves badly
[ ]	Mud is his nickname

Mud is not considered good - if your name is mud, you had better start improving your behaviour