Bring your story to life! Literary Devices Bring your story to life!

Figurative Language: special comparisons, often called figures of speech, that make your writing more creative.

Compares two unlike things with the word like or as. Simile Compares two unlike things with the word like or as. The pumpkin glowed like the sun in July.

Compares two unlike things without using like or as. Metaphor Compares two unlike things without using like or as. The Smith family’s basement was a playground for unnatural creatures.

A technique that gives human traits to something that is nonhuman. Personification A technique that gives human traits to something that is nonhuman. The bird said farewell to his friends on the wall.

An exaggerated statement, often humorous. Hyperbole An exaggerated statement, often humorous. The chair lifted her so high, she could touch the stars.

Other Literary Devices to Use in Your Story

The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Alliteration The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. The wooly caterpillars wiggled in her hand as she began to weep.

The use of words that sound like what they name. Onomatopoeia The use of words that sound like what they name. Rumble! Vroom! The house on the corner erupted into the air.

Rhetorical Question A question that is asked to make the reader think; an answer is not expected. What kind of magic did you experience as a child?

Now look at your story. As you write, look for opportunities to use these types of figurative language and literary devices in your writing. 8th Grade Writers are expected to use at least 3 different devices in your story. 9th Period Advanced: You are REQUIRED to use at least 4 different devices in your story!