ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (FAL)
GRADE 10
LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE AND RHETORICAL DEVICES
[Link] is Figurative Language?
Figurative language is using words in a creative way to make writing and speaking more
interesting. The words do not always have their normal or literal meaning.
Writers and speakers use figurative language to:
• create pictures in the reader's mind
• make ideas more interesting
• express feelings clearly
• make messages easier to remember
[Link] are Rhetorical Devices?
Rhetorical devices are language techniques used to:
• catch the audience's attention
• persuade people
• make a message stronger
• make people remember what is being said
These are often used in:
• speeches
• advertisements
• poems
• songs
• newspapers
• debates
1. SIMILE
Meaning
A simile compares two different things using the words like or as.
Formula
Something + like/as + something else
Examples
• She is as busy as a bee.
• He runs like the wind.
• The baby slept like a log.
• The water was as clear as glass.
Purpose
• Makes descriptions clearer.
• Helps readers imagine something.
2. METAPHOR
Meaning
A metaphor compares two things without using like or as.
Examples
• Time is money.
• The classroom was a zoo.
• My brother is a lion.
• Life is a journey.
Purpose
• Gives stronger meaning.
• Makes writing more powerful.
3. ALLITERATION
Meaning
Alliteration is when words close together begin with the same sound.
Examples
• Peter picked plenty of peaches.
• Busy bees buzz.
Purpose
• Makes writing interesting.
• Makes words easy to remember.
• Catches attention.
11. ASSONANCE
Meaning
Repeating the same vowel sound in nearby words.
Examples
• The rain in Spain.
• Go slow.
• Try to light the fire.
Purpose
• Makes writing flow smoothly.
• Creates rhythm.
4. REPETITION
Meaning
Repetition means repeating the same word or phrase.
Examples
• Never give up. Never give up.
• We will win! We will win!
• Read, read, read.
Purpose
• Emphasises an important idea.
• Helps people remember the message.
5. RHETORICAL QUESTION
Meaning
A rhetorical question is a question that does not need an answer.
The answer is already obvious.
Examples
• Who doesn't want to succeed?
• Isn't education important?
• Why should we give up?
Purpose
• Makes people think.
• Persuades the audience.
6. PERSONIFICATION
Meaning
Personification gives human qualities to animals or objects.
Examples
• The wind whispered.
• The flowers danced.
• The sun smiled.
Purpose
• Creates a strong picture.
• Makes writing interesting.
7. HYPERBOLE
Meaning
Hyperbole is an exaggeration.
It is not meant to be true.
Examples
• I have told you a million times.
• This bag weighs a ton.
• I found her red as a pepper.
Purpose
• Adds humour.
• Shows strong feelings.
8. OXYMORON
Meaning
An oxymoron joins two opposite words together.
Examples
• Pretty ugly
• Bittersweet
• Living dead
Purpose
• Creates interest.
• Makes readers think.
9. IRONY
Meaning
Irony is when what happens is different from what is expected.
Example
A fire station burns down.
A traffic officer gets a speeding ticket.
Purpose
• Surprises the reader.
• Can be funny or serious.
10. ONOMATOPOEIA
Meaning
Words that sound like the noise they describe.
Examples
• Bang
• Buzz
• Splash
• Boom
• Hiss
• Knock
• Tick-tock
Purpose
• Helps readers hear the sound.
• Makes writing lively.
11. EUPHEMISM
Meaning
A euphemism is a polite or gentle word or expression used instead of a harsh,
unpleasant or embarrassing word.
People use euphemisms to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to speak politely about
sensitive topics.
Examples
• My grandfather passed away last year. (passed away = died)
• She is between jobs at the moment. (between jobs = unemployed)
• The company had to let go several workers. (let go = fired)
• We should respect senior citizens. (senior citizens = old people)
• The government helps economically disadvantaged families. (economically
disadvantaged = poor)
Purpose
• Makes unpleasant information sound softer.
• Shows respect and politeness.
• Avoids offending or hurting people's feelings.
• Helps people speak about sensitive topics in a gentle way.