Page 208 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing
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One way to express ideas is by comparing the familiar with the
unfamiliar. If your doctor tells you that a centrifuge separates the liquid
parts of your blood sample from the solid by centrifugal force, you may
not understand. If she says that a centrifuge separates plasma from
solid blood components just as a washer on the spin cycle separates
water from clothes, then you will understand the concept more readily.
Like an example, a comparison may be brief or extended. Although
entire essays are developed using comparison, you may use
comparison techniques in any essay to make your writing more
specific.
Comparisons Using Like or As
When you make brief comparisons, you may find the words like and
as useful. A comparison using like or as is called a simile.
Examples of Similes
Nina moved across the dance floor like a skater on ice.
The car was crumpled like a used tissue.
Nina moved across the dance floor as gracefully as a skater on
ice.
The car was as crumpled as a used tissue.
