Classify figures of speech: review
Key Notes :
1. Definition of Figures of Speech
- Figures of speech are literary devices used to create a special effect or meaning by comparing, exaggerating, or giving new meaning to words.
- They help make writing more expressive and vivid.
2. Types of Figures of Speech
1. Simile
- A comparison between two things using “like” or “as.”
- Example: “She is as brave as a lion.”
2. Metaphor
- A direct comparison without using “like” or “as.”
- Example: “Time is a thief.”
3. Personification
- Giving human qualities to non-human things.
- Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.”
4. Hyperbole
- An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.
- Example: “I have told you a million times.”
5. Alliteration
- The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in a sentence or phrase.
- Example: “She sells seashells by the seashore.”
6. Onomatopoeia
- Words that imitate sounds.
- Example: “The clock ticked loudly in the quiet room.”
7. Oxymoron
- A combination of two contradictory or opposite words placed next to each other.
- Example: “Deafening silence.”
8. Allusion
- A reference to a well-known person, event, or work of art.
- Example: “He was a real Romeo with the ladies.”
9. Irony
- The expression of meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite.
- Example: “The fire station burned down.”
10. Euphemism
- A mild or indirect word or expression used in place of a harsher or more direct one.
- Example: “Passed away” instead of “died.”
3. Review Techniques
- Identify: Spot the figure of speech used in a sentence.
- Analyze: Understand why the author used this particular figure of speech.
- Classify: Categorize the figure of speech (e.g., simile, metaphor).
- Interpret: Determine the effect or meaning the figure of speech conveys in the context.
Learn with an example
🤜 Which figure of speech is used in this text?
I got hit in the head by a can of lemonade. Luckily it was a soft drink.
- pun
- allusion
The text uses a pun, a word or phrase that humorously suggests more than one meaning.
Lemonade refers to a carbonated beverage such as lemonade. It also suggests that the can is soft and thus doesn’t cause too much pain.
🤜 Which figure of speech is used in this text?
‘There’s nothing I love more than skipping lunch,’ Mr Anderson told the flight attendant when he learned that no food would be available on his flight.
- allusion
- verbal irony
The text uses verbal irony, which involves saying one thing but implying something very different.
Nothing I Love More shows verbal irony because Mr Anderson is probably upset that there isn’t anything to eat.
🤜 Which figure of speech is used in this text?
He had hoped to find his missing watch, but he couldn’t find the time.
- pun
- onomatopoeia
The text uses a pun, a word or phrase that humorously suggests more than one meaning.
He couldn’t find the time meant he didn’t have enough time to go looking. It also suggests that he didn’t manage to find his watch.
let’s practice!