Are metaphors worth teaching? : A study about the relation between the use of metaphors in L2 writing and high grades in the National test of English for year 9 in the compulsory education in Sweden.

Abstract: The present study offers an initial exploration of the implications of metaphoric competence in L2 writing in the Swedish educational context. Metaphors from a cognitive perspective, are a core part of our daily lives. Moreover, they are a reflection of our thoughts and cognition, and an important part of every student learning path towards mastering a second language. The development of metaphoric competence, which includes the ability to understand and produce metaphors, can contribute substantially to second language proficiency. This paper examines the extent to which students obtaining the highest grades in the Swedish national test for grade 9 use metaphors in comparison to students who get the lowest grades and see whether there is a difference in the metaphoric comptence among students. For the study, 20 essays were analysed using the metaphor identification procedure (MIP). Finally, the paper explores the educational implications of these results in the EFL classroom.