figurative language/punctuation Flashcards
what is a metaphor?
figure of speech used to compare two relatively unlikely things
what are the 7 uses of a comma?
- to separate several adjectives (with interchangeable order)
- separate items in a list
- separate independent clauses (using coordinating conjunctions)
- separate introductory elements in a sentence
- to separate a parenthetical element
- separate direct speech/quotations
- separate elements of contrast
what is a simile?
comparison of two relatively unlikely things using “like” or “as’
what is anaphora?
repetition of a word/phrase at the start of a successive clause
effect of anaphora?
emphasis, motivation, persuasion
what is a pun and why is it useful?
a play on words
rhetorical or humorous effect
name the uses of a semicolon
used in complicated lists
to link two main clauses (related in meaning)
uses of a colon?
introduce a list
introduce quotations
links a main clause with an explanation/ elaboration
describe synecdoche
a part referring to a whole (to evoke mental imagery0
difference between alliteration, anaphora and assonance
alliteration: repetition of letters or sounds in adjacent words
anaphora: repetition of a word or a phrase at the start of a successive clause
assonance: repetition of vowel letters/sounds in adjacent words
what are the 3 types of irony? describe them
verbal irony: when what is said is not what is meant (eg. sarcasm)
dramatic irony: when the readers/audience know more than the character/s do/does
situational irony: when the result/outcome of a situation is unexpected
define the term ‘analogy’
comparison between two things to highlight their similarities
uses of dashes
to include a parenthetical element
to show an abrupt change of thought
to add information after a list
uses of hyphens
to form compound words
to join prefixes to words
to show word breaks
define the terms ‘paradox’ and ‘oxymoron’
paradox: seemingly contradicting statement that has a hint of truth
oxymoron: a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear
define ‘personification’
when human traits are given to animals/inanimate objects or things
uses of hyperbole?
to emphasize on an idea, to make a point
what is onomatopoeia?
words mimicking a sound (of an object/action
what is the use of euphemism?
softening a term/word to make it less harsh/ inoffensive
identify and explain the figure of speech used:
the teacher listened to his excuse with a wooden face
the teacher’s face is being compared to wood using a metaphor. this shows that her expression was unmoving, lacking emotion. the teacher was not moved nor did she believe in the student’s excuse
she lacked empathy towards the student (in this case)
