1. Figures of Speech
Figures of speech are used for a descriptive effect. It is used to state ideas in vivid and imaginative ways.

2. Metaphor
A Metaphor is a type of speech that compares or equates two or more things that have something in common. A metaphor does NOT use like or as.
Example: Life is a bowl of cherries.
Time is a thief.

3. Simile
A Simile is another figure of speech that compares seemingly unlike things. Simile’s DO use the words like or as.
Example: Her voice was like nails on a chalkboard.
As cold as ice.

4. Oxymoron
An Oxymoron is a figure of speech that is a combination of seemingly contradictory words.
Examples: Same difference
Pretty ugly
Roaring silence

5. Personification
Personification is a figure of speech in which an animal, object, force of nature, or idea is given human qualities or characteristics.
Example: Tears began to fall from the dark clouds.
The stars danced playfully in the moonlit sky.

6. Example: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickle peppers
Alliteration
An Alliteration is the repetition of sounds, most often consonant sounds, at the beginning of words. Alliteration gives emphasis to words. An other word for this is a tongue twister.
Example: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickle peppers
Garry’s giraffe gobbled gooseberries greedily, getting good at grabbing goodies.

7. Allusion
An allusion is a reference to a person, place, thing, or event. It helps the reader remember the message.
Ex: The coffee you made is just as good as Starbucks!
“I was surprised his nose was not growing like Pinocchio’s.” 

8. Hyperbole Is a big exaggeration for effect.
Ex: I have a ton of homework tonight.
His brain is the size of a pea

9. Idiom A phrase that doesn’t mean what it says.
Ex: Give it a shot. (try)
To be in hot water (to be in trouble)

10. Imagery
An author’s use of language that appeals to the senses to help the reader paint a mental picture.
Ex: The yellow speed boat raced across the bright blue lake

11. Symbolism The use of one thing to represent another.
For example, a dove is a symbol of peace.
Harry Potter’s scar is like a badge of honor because he survived a battle

12. Assonance
Assonance takes place when two or more words, close to one another repeat the same vowel sound, but start with different consonant sounds.
ex:  “Men sell the wedding bells.”
"I must confess that in my quest I felt depressed and restless." 

13. Onomatopoeia
onomatopoeic words try to capture a sound and, therefore, can bring writing alive in the readers' imagination. 
Ex: Boom, Swich, clink, clank…