Repetition and Anaphora

When an author uses the same word or phrase over and over again in a text, what is this technique called?

• Anaphora

• Repetition

• Alliteration

• Rhyme

Answer explanation

Repetition is the literary device of repeating a word or phrase to add emphasis or create a rhythm. Anaphora is a specific type of repetition, while alliteration and rhyme relate to sounds.

Sort these descriptions into the correct categories: Anaphora or General Repetition.

Groups:

(a) Anaphora

,

(b) General Repetition

• Can be a single word used many times

• Repeats a phrase anywhere in a text

• Must be at the beginning of successive clauses

• Repeats a word at the start of sentences

Answer explanation

Anaphora is a specific kind of repetition where the repeated words are at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. General repetition can happen anywhere in a text.

Which sentence uses anaphora to create emphasis?

• The cat, a sleek and sneaky cat, crept silently.

• We will not quit. We will not surrender. We will not fail.

• Go, go, go, before it's too late!

• The rain fell and fell all night long.

Answer explanation

This is anaphora because the phrase 'We will not' is repeated at the beginning of three successive clauses. The other options show general repetition, not anaphora.

Match each literary term to its correct definition.

• The special importance or stress given to something

• Repetition

• Using any word or phrase more than once for effect

• Emphasis

• Repeating a word or phrase specifically at the beginning of clauses

• Anaphora

Answer explanation

Repetition is the general term for using a word more than once. Anaphora is a specific type of repetition at the beginning of clauses. Emphasis is the effect often created by both.

In the chant 'Work harder! Play harder! Live harder!', what is the main purpose of repeating the word 'harder'?

• To make the chant longer

• To confuse the listener

• To emphasize the intensity of the actions

• To create a quiet, calm mood

Answer explanation

Repeating 'harder' stresses the high level of effort and intensity the speaker wants to convey for working, playing, and living. This is an example of anaphora creating emphasis.

Which sentence contains an example of repetition?

• The dog ran fast across the green field.

• My homework is boring, boring, boring.

• She read a book and then watched a movie.

• The sun was bright and the sky was blue.

Answer explanation

This sentence repeats the word 'boring' three times to emphasize how uninteresting the homework is. The other sentences do not repeat any words for effect.

Sort the following famous quotes into two groups: Anaphora or General Repetition.

Groups:

(a) Anaphora

,

(b) General Repetition

• 'Never give in. Never, never, never, never...'

• 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...'

• 'And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.'

• 'I have a dream... I have a dream...'

Answer explanation

Anaphora involves repetition at the start of successive phrases (like 'It was the...' and 'I have a dream...'). The other examples use repetition, but not strictly at the beginning of clauses.

Anaphora is a special type of repetition that occurs where in a series of sentences or clauses?

• At the very end

• In the middle of each one

• At the beginning of each one

• Randomly throughout the text

Answer explanation

The key feature of anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase specifically at the start of successive clauses, phrases, or sentences.

Match the example of repetition to the primary feeling or idea it emphasizes.

• Urgent, positive commands

• 'I'm so, so, so sorry!'

• A sense of total defeat

• 'Go outside! Get some air! Have some fun!'

• Deep regret or apology

• 'We lost the game. We lost our chance. We lost it all.'

Answer explanation

The repetition in each example is used to intensify a specific feeling: repeating 'so' for regret, the command structure for urgency, and 'We lost' for defeat.

Read this line from a speech: 'We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall fight in the fields.' What is the main effect of using anaphora here?

• To suggest that fighting is a bad idea

• To create a powerful, determined rhythm

• To make the speech harder to understand

• To show that the speaker is tired

Answer explanation

Repeating 'We shall fight' at the start of each phrase builds a strong, rhythmic momentum that conveys unwavering determination and resolve.