IB English Paper 1 Literary Devices

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unlike things to suggest similarity (e.g. “time is a thief”).

Simile

A comparison using like or as to create imagery or clarify meaning.

Personification

Giving human qualities to non-human things to make ideas more vivid or emotive

Symbolism

When an object, character, or image represents a deeper abstract idea (e.g. light = hope).

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell).

Motif

A recurring idea, image, or symbol that reinforces a central theme.

Allusion

An indirect reference to a historical, literary, or cultural event or figure.

Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect.

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality.

Narrative perspective

The point of view from which a story is told (first, second, third person).

Juxtaposition

Placing contrasting ideas or characters side by side to highlight differences.

Rhetorical question

A question asked to engage the audience rather than get an answer.

Emotive language

Words chosen to evoke strong emotional responses.

Loaded language

Words with strong connotations used to influence opinion.

Repetition

Repeating words or phrases to reinforce a message.

Anaphora

Repetition of a phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.

Direct address

Speaking directly to the audience using “you”

Ethos

Appeal to credibility or authority (expert opinion, qualifications).

Pathos

Appeal to emotion (fear, sympathy, hope).

Logos

Appeal to logic and reason (statistics, facts, cause-and-effect).

Tone

The writer’s attitude toward the subject (e.g. critical, optimistic, sarcastic).

Purpose

The writer’s intention (to persuade, inform, criticize, entertain).

Satire

The use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices