Lyrics game and analysis - metaphors, similes and personification

This is a fun way to show students that metaphors, similes and personification are more common than they realise!

Cut out the lyrics into squares and lay them face down on the table. Play pairs: a student turns over one square and has to identify whether it is a metaphor, a simile or an example of personification. They then chose another and see if it matches. If it does, they keep both squares. If there's no match, they put both squares back face down and the next student gets a turn. The student with the most pairs at the end of the game wins!

Students can then select four of the squares to stick in the boxes to the left of the second sheet. They then write what the song-writer compares with what and why. This provides an introduction to (or reinforcement of) how to analyse these poetic techniques.