Academic Olympics :/
Alliteration
Occurs when the author uses the same letter or sound to begin each word in a string of words
Whats an example of alliteration?
“Abby’s alligator ate apples and asparagus”
Allusion
A figure of speech that makes reference to a well-known person, event, or place
Whats an example of allusion?
“I was surprised his nose wasn’t growing like Pinocchio’s!”
Assonance
The repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words; used to reinforce the meaning of words and often used to set the mood.
Whats an example of assonance?
“Poetry is old, ancient, goes back far. It is among the least of living things. So old it is that no man knows how and why the first poems came.”
Hyperbole
An exaggerated comment or line used for effect and not meant to be taken literally.
Whats an example of hyperbole?
“I’ve told you a million times!”
Imagery
Language evoking one, some or all of the five senses.
Whats an example of imagery?
“She ordered a triple scoop of mint, chocolate chip ice cream with hot fudge and whip cream.”
Metaphor
A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as”.
Whats an example of metaphor?
“You are the light of my life”
Personification
Occurs when author gives animals, objects, ideas, or actions the qualities of humans.
Whats an example of personification?
“My lungs screamed at me for breath”
Simile
A comparison of two unlikely items using “like” or “as”.
Whats an example of a simile?
“The trees were as tall as mountains”
Symbolism
An object or actions that mean something more than its literal meaning; a symbol’s meaning rarely changes from text to text.
Whats an example of symbolism?
“The color yellow represents happiness”
Tone or mood
The attitude and author takes toward the shape, and life of the words; give voice and personality to the character, as well as the whole piece, where the reader gets a sense of funny, serious, dramatic, etc.
What are some examples of words used for tone and mood?
Longing, nostalgia, terror, passion, and excitement
Idiom
A phrase that has both figurative and literal meaning
Whats an example of an idiom?
“butterflies in my stomach”