CBC Archives

Review with students the terms “simile” and “metaphor.” Have students brainstorm some examples of both. Ask: Why are such figures of speech used? Where are they used?

Discuss with the class how a reporter in the 1940s would file a story. Identify that there was no television, satellite hook-ups, or CNN.

Direct students to the topic Reports from Abroad: Matthew Halton on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Students will explore Clips #1, 2, and 3, and identify and list as many examples of simile and metaphor as they can.

After listening to the clips, students will select one metaphor and draw two pictures: one that illustrates the vision Matthew Halton was trying to express, and another that is a literal translation of Halton’s metaphor.

In small groups, have students share their drawings while others in the group try to identify the metaphor illustrated. Follow with a class discussion on how these radio reports would have affected those listening at home.

Students can create a two- to three-minute audiotape describing a place or event of interest to them. Students should act as a reporter and use simile and metaphor in their reports, and share their audiotapes with the class.