IGCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE B
LITERARY DEVICES
TECHNIQUE DEFINITION
Simile A comparison between two
unlike things using "like" or
"as"
Metaphor A direct comparison
between two unlike things,
stating that one thing is
another
Personification Giving human qualities or
characteristics to non-human
objects or ideas
Hyperbole Exaggerated statements or
claims not meant to be taken
literally
Alliteration The repetition of initial
consonant sounds in a
sequence of words
Onomatopoeia The use of words that
imitate sounds
Oxymoron A combination of
contradictory terms for
emphasis or effect
Assonance The repetition of vowel
sounds within a sequence of
words
Consonance The repetition of consonant
sounds within a sequence of
words
Pun A play on words that exploits
multiple meanings or similar
sounds of a word
EFFECT ON
READER
Enhances imagery and
makes comparisons more
vivid and relatable
Creates strong imagery and
adds depth to descriptions
Makes inanimate objects or
abstract concepts more
relatable and engaging
Adds emphasis, creates
humor, or intensifies
emotions
Creates a rhythmic or
musical quality and draws
attention to specific words
Creates a sensory experience
and makes descriptions
more vivid
Creates tension or irony and
adds depth to descriptions
Creates a musical or
rhythmic quality and adds
emphasis
The repetition of consonant
sounds within a sequence of
words
Adds humor and engages
readers through clever
wordplay
EFFECT BY
WRITER
Allows for creative
expression and adds
depth to descriptions
Provides a creative way to
convey ideas and
emotions
Adds depth and
emotional connection to
the text
Highlights key ideas and
evokes strong reactions
from the reader
Adds a lyrical element to
the writing and
emphasizes certain
sounds
Evokes specific sounds
and adds a dynamic
quality to the writing
Conveys complex ideas
and engages readers
through contrasts
Adds musicality and
rhythm to the writing,
enhancing the overall
sound
Adds a poetic quality and
enhances the musicality
of the writing
Demonstrates linguistic
creativity and adds a
playful element to the
writing
Allusion A reference to a well-known
person, place, event, or
literary work
Imagery Descriptive language that
appeals to the senses to
create a vivid mental picture
Euphemism The use of mild or indirect
words or phrases in place of
harsh ones
Juxtaposition Placing two contrasting
ideas, characters, settings, or
concepts side by side for
comparison
Emotive Language Language that is used to
evoke strong emotions or
feelings in the reader
Register The level of formality or
informality in language,
which can be adjusted based
on the context or audience
Rhetorical Question A question that is asked for
effect or to make a point,
rather than to elicit an
answer
Tripling (Rule of Three) The repetition of words,
phrases, or ideas in sets of
three for emphasis or
rhetorical effect
Contrast The juxtaposition of different Creates tension, adds depth
elements, such as ideas,
characters, settings, or
themes, to highlight their
differences
Adds depth, enriches the
text with cultural references,
and establishes connections
Enhances reader immersion,
evokes emotions, and adds
depth to descriptions
Softens the impact of
sensitive topics or adds
politeness
Highlights differences or
similarities, adds complexity,
and invites analysis
Engages the reader
emotionally, creates
empathy, and can persuade
or influence their opinions
Sets the tone and establishes
the appropriate level of
formality, which can
influence the reader's
perception of the text
Engages the reader's
attention, prompts
reflection, and emphasizes a
particular idea or argument
Adds rhythm, creates a
memorable impact, and
emphasizes the importance
or significance of the
repeated elements
and complexity to the text,
and emphasizes the
contrasting aspects
Allows for intertextuality
and adds layers of
meaning to the writing
Creates a rich sensory
experience and engages
the reader's imagination
Maintains tact and
decorum while discussing
sensitive or
uncomfortable subjects
Creates contrasts,
explores conflicting ideas,
and prompts deeper
reflection
Helps convey the desired
tone or message, adds
depth and impact to the
writing, and connects
with the reader on an
emotional level
Allows for effective
communication by
adapting the language to
suit the specific purpose,
audience, or genre
Adds rhetorical flair,
encourages the reader to
think deeper about the
topic, and helps to
persuade or convey a
specific message
Enhances the structure
and flow of the writing,
adds emphasis to key
points, and engages the
reader's attention
Provides opportunities for
character development,
explores conflicting ideas,
and engages the reader
through the examination
of opposing forces
 EXAMPLES OF THE LITERARY DEVICES
• Simile: He ran like the wind.
• Metaphor: Her heart is a stone.
• Personification: The flowers danced in the breeze.
• Hyperbole: I've told you a million times.
• Alliteration: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
• Onomatopoeia: The thunder rumbled loudly.
• Oxymoron: This is just a false truth
• Assonance: The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.
• Consonance: He struck a streak of bad luck.
• Pun: I used to be a baker, but I couldn't make enough dough.
• Allusion: He had the strength of Hercules.
• Imagery: The sun sank behind the mountains, casting a golden glow across the
landscape.
• Euphemism: He passed away" instead of "He died.
• Juxtaposition: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
• Emotive Language: The heart-wrenching tale brought tears to her eyes.
• Register: Using formal language in a business letter and informal language in a personal
email.
• Tripling (Rule of Three): Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.
• Contrast: In the midst of darkness, she found light.