Rhetorical Devices

Front

What is an obvious, intended exaggeration? An example is as follows: "His snores were louder than a freight train" or "I've told you a million times."

Back

hyperbole

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5A

Front

What is a type of metaphor in which non-human objects or ideas are given human qualities? An example is as follows: "The wind whispered her name."

Back

personification

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Front

What is a comparison using "like" or "as"? An example is as follows: "She looked like a doll."

Back

simile

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Front

What is a repeated word or phrase used for emphasis? There are two common types: anaphora and epistrophe.

Back

repetition

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Front

A statement that says less than it means; often used for comedic effect. Example: "I have to have this operation. It isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain."

Back

understatement

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

Front

Several parts of a sentence or several sentences expressed in similar grammatical form to show that the ideas are equal in importance. It can add balance, rhythm, and emphasis of ideas. Example: "We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."

Back

parallelism

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Front

A statement that expresses the opposite of the literal meaning of the words. Often used for humorous or sarcastic effect. Example: "Lucky me, I've lost my wallet."

Back

verbal irony

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A

Front

The repetition of the first consonant sound, occurring close together in a series. Example: "Betty Botter bought some butter."

Back

alliteration

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Front

Putting two contrasting elements together that are so unlike that the effect is surprising, witty, or even startling. Example: "My only love sprung from my only hate."

Back

juxtaposition

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

Front

Comparison without using "like" or "as." Example: "he felt lost in a sea of nameless faces" or "the teacher planted seeds of wisdom."

Back

metaphor

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D