Rhetorical Devices

Question 1

Amplification

Answer 1

extends a sentence/phrase in order to further explain, emphasize,
exaggerate certain points of a definition, description, or argument.

And, a repeating a word or expression while adding more detail

Question 2

Analogy

Answer 2

Compares two things, which are alike in several respects.
EX: A Grade 9 science teacher explaining atoms to his class “The atomic structure is like the solar system (simile). The sun is the nucleus and the planets are the atoms (metaphor).”

Question 3

Juxtaposition

Answer 3

Comparing two conflicting images or ideas, designed to make a point of the contrast.

Question 4

Paradox

Answer 4

A logical impossibility
Ex: Animal Farm “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others”

Question 5

Parallelism

Answer 5

Recurring structure in sentences, and a structural balance to word choices in order to provide balance to sentences
EX: I like to run, to jump, and to play

Question 6

Anaphora

Answer 6

Use of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences or phrases
Ex: Be strong. Be brave. Be courageous!

Question 7

Pathetic Fallacy

Answer 7

A type of personification in which the weather mirrors the mood of the scene.
EX: Thunder/lightning at the beginning of Macbeth mirrors the ominous mood

Question 8

Euphemism

Answer 8

Substitution of an agreeable expression for one whose meaning might be harsh or unpleasant.
Ex: Someone died. -> Someone passed away

Question 9

Simile

Answer 9

A direct comparison using ‘like’ or ‘as’ or “than.

Question 10

Rhetorical Questions

Answer 10

A question to which the answer is already known or implied.
EX: Are you kidding me? OR
Is the pope Catholic?

Question 11

Personification

Answer 11

Metaphorically represents an animal/ inanimate object as having human attributes.

Question 12

Onomatopoeia

Answer 12

EX: buzz, pow, zap, fizz, growl, snap, crackle, pop

Question 13

Hyperbole

Answer 13

Exaggeration for emphasis.
EX: She is going to die of embarrassment.

Question 14

Allusion

Answer 14

A reference to a famous historical/biblical or literary figure or event
EX: Harriet Tubman was the Moses of her people.
He is as strong as Hercules !

Question 15

Alliteration

Answer 15

Repetition of the same starting sound for two or more word
EX: The hungry hippopotamus was a hazard.
Mr. Webster’s starter activities: MUG shot Mondays, two-article Tuesday, Words on Wednesday…