Metaphor

Definition

A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes something by saying it is something else, without using ‘like’ or ‘as.’ It creates a direct comparison between two unrelated things to suggest they share a quality.

For example: “The moon was a silver coin hanging in the sky.” The moon is not literally a coin, but the metaphor helps us picture its shape and brightness.

Metaphors are powerful because they are bold. Instead of suggesting a similarity (as a simile does), a metaphor states it as fact. This makes the writing feel more vivid and confident — exactly what 11+ examiners want to see.

Difference from a Simile

Similes and metaphors are closely related, and pupils often confuse them. The rule is simple:

• Simile: Uses ‘like’ or ‘as’ — “Her anger was like a volcano.”
• Metaphor: Says something IS something else — “Her anger was a volcano, ready to erupt.”

Both are forms of figurative language and both are valued in 11+ writing. However, metaphors are generally considered the more sophisticated device because they demand more imagination from both the writer and the reader.

A useful trick for upgrading your writing: take any simile you have written and try converting it into a metaphor. Often the metaphor version sounds stronger and more polished.

Extended Metaphors

An extended metaphor is a metaphor that continues across several sentences or even an entire paragraph. Instead of making a single comparison, you develop the idea further.

Here is an example:

“The exam hall was a battlefield. Rows of soldiers sat in silence, their weapons — pens and pencils — lined up before them. At the sound of the starting bell, they charged into the first question, fighting for every mark.”

Notice how the battlefield metaphor carries through: pupils become soldiers, pens become weapons, and starting the exam becomes a charge. This kind of sustained comparison shows real skill and can earn top marks in the 11+ creative writing paper.

You do not need to use extended metaphors in every piece, but having one or two practised and ready can make your writing stand out.

Metaphors in 11+ Writing

Here are some ways to use metaphors effectively in your 11+ creative writing:

• For emotions: “A wave of sadness washed over her.” This is more vivid than simply writing “she felt sad.”
• For settings: “The forest was a cathedral, its branches arching overhead like stained-glass windows.” This creates atmosphere instantly.
• For characters: “He was a rock — unmovable, silent, and cold.” This tells the reader about personality without needing a long description.
• For weather: “The wind was a thief, snatching hats and scattering leaves.” This combines metaphor with personification for extra impact.

The key is to choose comparisons that match your atmosphere. A horror story might use metaphors involving darkness, predators, or storms. A joyful scene might use metaphors of light, warmth, or music.

How Examiners Reward Metaphors

11+ examiners specifically look for evidence of figurative language. A well-placed metaphor signals that the pupil:

• Understands literary devices and can use them deliberately
• Has a strong vocabulary and can think creatively about language
• Can create atmosphere and emotion without relying on simple adjectives

Even a single effective metaphor can lift a piece of writing from “good” to “excellent” in an examiner’s eyes. The important thing is that it feels natural within the piece, not forced or out of place.

Practise by choosing an everyday object — a tree, a river, a building — and writing three different metaphors for it. Over time, thinking in metaphors will become second nature.