SAT Essay – Literary Devices
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Allusion
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A reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art
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Anecdote
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A brief story that illustrates or makes a point
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Testimony
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Information taken from experts or expert documentation to support written or spoken communication.
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Statistics
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Data that provides information about something
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Rhetorical Questions
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Asking an obvious question of your audience without intending for them to answer; a technique that is intended to provoke thought about the obvious
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Metaphor
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A direct comparison between two unlike things, saying one thing is another, using the \"to be\" verb, not \"like\" or \"as.\"
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Simile
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A direct comparison made between two unlike things, using a word of comparison such as like, as, than, such as, or resembles
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Personification
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A figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes (e.g. the leaves danced in the wind)
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Exaggeration / Hyperbole
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To make an overstatement or to stretch the truth.
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Symbolism
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A device in literature where an object represents an idea.
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Imagery
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Figurative language that appeals to the senses and creates visuals
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Diction
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An author's choice of words to convey a tone or effect.
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Slang
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Informal language
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Jargon
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Language used by a special group; technical terminology; specialized language
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Connotation
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Associations of implied meanings of words. Can be positive or negative.
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Alliteration
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Repetition of consonant sounds in words that are close together (e.g. better butter, Spongebob Squarepants)
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Syntax
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Sentence structure; if the sentences are short or long,simple or complex.
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Repetition
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Repeated use of sounds, words, or ideas for effect and emphasis
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Parallelism
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Phrases or sentences of a similar construction/meaning placed side by side, balancing each other
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Juxtaposition
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Placement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts
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Contrast
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Juxtaposing two items to give an account of the differences
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Analogy
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A comparison between two things, typically on the basis of their structure and for the purpose of explanation or clarification.
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Point of View
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Perspective from which a story is told.
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Tone
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Attitudes and presuppositions of the author that are revealed by their linguistic choices (diction, syntax, rhetorical devices)
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Humour
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Either a play on words (two meanings for the same word) or a literary tone for comic effect
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Emotive Language
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Words used deliberately to create an emotional impact
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Inclusive Language
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Use of personal prounouns to make the audience feel part of a group.
