Literary Devices
Comparing two things using like or as
Simile
Time or step order, tells events in the order they happen (first, next, then, last).
Chronological
The movie was long. The movie was interesting.
The movie was long, but it was interesting.
A group of lines in a poem, like a paragraph in a story.
Stanza
“Recycling helps the environment by reducing waste. People can recycle paper, plastic, glass, and metal. Recycling also saves energy and reduces pollution. Schools and communities often have recycling programs to make it easier for people to recycle.”
A. Recycling is hard and not helpful.
B. Recycling protects the environment by reducing waste, saving energy, and cutting pollution.
C. Only schools can recycle.
D. Recycling is more fun than trash.
B. Recycling protects the environment by reducing waste, saving energy, and cutting pollution.
the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
Irony
Shows why something happened and what happened because of it.
Cause and Effect
I forgot my homework. I felt nervous.
I felt nervous because I forgot my homework.
Line
One row of words in a poem.
“Basketball is a popular sport played around the world. Players try to score points by shooting a ball into a hoop. Teams pass the ball, defend their hoop, and follow rules to win the game. Basketball is also good exercise and teaches teamwork.”
A. Basketball is only for kids.
B. Players can score points by running only.
C. Basketball is boring.
D. Basketball is a global sport that helps players stay active and learn teamwork.
D. Basketball is a global sport that helps players stay active and learn teamwork.
the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
Alliteration
Compare and Contrast
Shows how things are the same and different.
The book was short. The book was funny.
The book was short and funny.
The main idea or lesson of the poem.
Theme
“Rainforests are home to many plants and animals. They provide oxygen and help regulate Earth’s climate. People cut down trees for wood or to clear land for farming, which harms the rainforest. Protecting rainforests is important for the planet.”
A. Rainforests are important because they support life and regulate the climate, so they must be protected.
B. Rainforests are cool and interesting.
C. I enjoy learning about the rainforest and all the interesting parts, especially climate!
D. Cutting down wood is terrible for the environment and we should stop doing that.
A. Rainforests are important because they support life and regulate the climate, so they must be protected.
My teeth chattered in the cold morning air.
Onomatopoeia
Problem and Solution
Tells about a problem and how it gets solved
The dog barked loudly. It saw a stranger. The stranger walked away.
The dog barked loudly when it saw a stranger, causing the stranger to walk away.
Words or phrases repeated to make a point or create rhythm.
Repetition
“Volcanoes are mountains that can erupt with lava, ash, and gases. Some eruptions are small, while others can be very destructive. People who live near volcanoes must be prepared for emergencies. Scientists study volcanoes to better predict when they might erupt.”
Volcanoes can erupt and be dangerous, so scientists study them to help people stay safe.
A commonly used phrase that has a different meaning from what is said or written
Idiom
An organizational pattern in writing that explains a topic, idea, person, place, or thing by providing specific details, characteristics, features, and examples to create a mental picture for the reader
Description
The book was long. It was confusing. I finished it anyway.
Even though the book was long and confusing, I finished it anyway.
Words that sound the same at the end, like cat and hat.
Rhyme
“Cats are one of the most popular pets in the world. They are independent and curious animals. Many people enjoy watching their cats explore, play, and nap in sunny spots around the house. Cats can also be trained to use a litter box and perform tricks.”
Cats are popular pets because they are curious, independent, and easy to care for.