ONOMATOPOEIA

(aw-nuh-ma-tuh-pee-uh)

It signifies the use of a word that is formed

from the sound it is intended to represent.
It occurs more frequently in poetry than in
prose because in the former the sounds are
made to suggest the sense.

Examples:
1. The corn went pop in the microwave.
Ans: Onomatopoeia: The word ‘pop’ suggests sound.

2. The dried leaves crunched under my feet.

Ans: Onomatopoeia: The word ‘crunched’ suggests sounds.
 HYPERBOLE
( hai-puh-buh-lee )

The word means an ‘exaggeration’. In this a statement

is made emphatic by overstatement.

Examples:
1. She wept oceans of tears.
Ans: Hyperbole: An exaggeration is
made to emphasize the fact that
she wept a lot.

2. I am so hungry that I could eat a

horse.
Ans: Hyperbole: An exaggeration is
made to emphasize the fact that
‘I’ is too hungry.
 INVERSION

Inversion is the figure of speech in which the order of the

words is inverted for effect.

Examples:
1. Said the Duck to the Kangaroo.
Ans: Inversion: The words are not in the correct order. The
correct order should be ‘The Duck said to the Kangaroo’.

2. Such wonderful players are they.

Ans: Inversion: The words are not in the correct order. The
correct order is ‘They are such wonderful players’
 INTERROGATION
It is the act of asking a question but not for
the sake of an answer. It is asked only to say
more effectively

This figure of speech is also called RHETORICAL QUESTION

because a question is asked merely for the sake of
rhetorical effect.

Examples:
1. Don’t you want to help your mother?
Ans: Interrogation: The above question is asked for
rhetorical effect and an answer is not expected.
 APOSTROPHE
( uh-po-struh-fee )

It is direct address to the dead / lifeless, to the absent or to

a personified object or idea.

Examples:
1. O Nature! You are a goddess.
Ans: Apostrophe: The writer is speaking to
nature which is non-human.

2. Sweet Thames! Run softly till I end my song.

Ans: Apostrophe: The speaker is addressing
the river Thames which is a non-living
thing.