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JSS3: ENGLISH LANGUAGE - 1ST TERM

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  1. JSS3: English 1st Term (Revision) | Week 1
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  2. JSS3: English 1st Term | Week 2
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Topic Content:

  • Definition of Figure of Speech
  • Types of Figures of Speech
    • Simile, Metaphor, Alliteration, Assonance, Rhythm,
      Hyperbole, Onomatopoeia, Personification

What is a Figure of Speech?

A figure of speech is a word or group of words used to give particular emphasis to an idea. The writer uses a figure of speech deliberately to change the literal sense of the word.

Figures of speech create images or mental pictures in the reader’s mind.

Types of Figures of Speech:

The following are examples of figures of speech.

1. Simile:

A simile compares two things that have certain qualities in common by using “as” or “like”.

Examples:

  • Mary is as beautiful as an angel.
  • The girl is as cunning as a fox.

2. Metaphor:

This is a direct comparison of two things without using “as” or “like”.

Examples:

  • Mary is an Angel.
  • The girl is a fox.

3. Alliteration:

This is the repetition of consonant sounds, in two or more words on the same line.

Examples:

  • The love of money makes many mad /m/ alliterates.
  • Keep the kettle in the kitchen /k/ alliterates.

4. Assonance:

This is the repetition of vowel sounds in two or more words in the same line.

Examples:

  • Eat the meat and beans with a smile. 
  • Fill this pit.

5. Rhythm:

This is a regular repeated pattern of sounds. A song-like effect is usually achieved through a good rhythmic pattern. Rhythmic pattern refers to the alternation of a strong and soft or weak syllable. 

6. Hyperbole:

Hyperbole is the use of exaggeration to create a strong impression but is not meant to be taken literally or on the surface value. 

Example:

  • I will never leave my wife in a million years.
  • I am so hungry I could eat a cow.

7. Onomatopoeia:

These are words that imitate the sounds they represent.

Examples:

  • The flapping of the wrapper
  • The mewing of the cat

8. Personification:

This is the art of giving a human attribute or characteristic to something that is not human.

Examples:

  • The sun winked at me
  • The cloud is pregnant 

Evaluation:

Give two examples each of the following: simile, metaphor, alliteration, hyperbole and personification.

Reading Assignment:

  1. New Concept English Book 3 Page 162 – 163 by F. Ademola et al.
  2. Exam Focus on Literature Page 12 by J.O.J. Nwachukwu Agbeda.

Weekend Assignment:

  1. Create a short poem of your choice
  2. Analyse the poem with the use of figures of speech
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