English Language Topic
Figures of Speech
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Study focus - 3 things
- Figures of speech make writing more vivid by going beyond literal meaning
- Similes and metaphors compare; personification gives human qualities; hyperbole exaggerates
- In exams, name the device and explain its effect
Section 1What figures of speech do
Figures of speech help readers picture, feel, or understand something more strongly. They are not meant to be taken literally. The thing to remember is: identify the device, then explain what it makes the reader imagine or feel.
Section 2Simile and metaphor
A simile compares using 'like' or 'as', such as 'The classroom was as quiet as a library.' A metaphor says something is something else, such as 'The classroom was a library.' Easy to mix up — similes use like/as; metaphors do not.
Section 3Personification
Personification gives human actions or qualities to non-human things. 'The wind whispered through the trees' makes the wind seem alive. This can create mood and make description more interesting.
Section 4Hyperbole
Hyperbole is deliberate exaggeration for effect. If someone says, 'I waited forever for the bus,' they do not mean forever literally. They mean the wait felt very long.
Examples
Identify the device: 'The runner was as fast as lightning.'
This is a simile because it compares the runner to lightning using 'as'. It suggests great speed.
Explain the effect: 'The sun beat down on the Kingston streets.'
This is personification because the sun is given the human-like action 'beat'. It makes the heat feel harsh and powerful.
Now let's water it
Session runs notes to flashcards to quiz back-to-back.