CONTRAST

The two widely differing elements are contrasted using a common value to convey further information
about one or both elements. The differences between them often intensify either their positive or negative
qualities. They frequently will be opposites. For example, the warmth of the Caribbean with the cold
winter of the United States (comparison point temperature). Contrasts also can be metaphorical.
IRONY
Irony is the contrast between what is expected or what appears to be and what actually is. For example,
A clumsy ballet dancer.
Verbal Irony (sarcasm is the tone of voice/writing)
The contrast between what is said and what is actually meant. For example, He did an excellent job of
making a mess.
Irony of Situation
This refers to a happening that is the opposite of what is expected or intended. For Example: The wedding
of a son causes a marital breakdown for the parents.
DEVICES OF COMPARISON
METAPHOR
Compares by stating the element is the item of comparison e.g. The lawyers claws were out and he
would not stop until they drew blood,

ANALOGY Extends a metaphor to compare a situation or particularly to explain a complex item by

using a familiar item to structure the explanation. E.g. Exam preparation is like baking a cake all the
ingredients must be used and preparations thorough before baking. Firstly the ingredients: study which is
lightened with periods of recreation, physical health, managing stress. (The analogy would continue for
several paragraphs even)
SIMILE
Compares two unlike objects using like, as, resembles, looked as though etc. e.g. His exam worries even
after the event were as if a rat was gnawing at his brain.

PERSONIFICATION
Compares non-human, inanimate elements OR abstract concepts to using HUMAN qualities e.g. The
building stared down at him daring him to enter OR Justice is never kindly but it is ruthlessly fair. If the
qualities are not human, then the comparison is a metaphor e.g. A beast of a car.

ALLUSION
Making reference to familiar classical, biblical, historical or other well-known cultural events. For
example: Writers often allude to Anansi-like cunning.
DEVICES OF EMPHASIS
HYPERBOLE
Exaggerates qualities of an element or an overstatement (sometimes for comedic effect). For Example: I
am so hungry I could eat a cow.
REPETITION
Uses repetition of either words, phrases or even a whole sentence. For Example: What if I do not make it,
what if I cannot pass, what if I fail?
DEVICES USING SOUND
Alliteration The repetition of initial consonant sounds barely blowing by
Assonance The repetition of similar vowel sounds- grows below grounds
Onomatopoeia - the word sounds like the sound- the hooting of the owls, the drip of water.