Rhetorical Devices for Grade IX:
1. Simile
o Definition: A comparison using "like" or "as."
o Example: Her smile was as bright as the sun.
2. Metaphor
o Definition: A direct comparison without using "like" or "as."
o Example: Time is a thief.
3. Personification
o Definition: Giving human traits to non-human things.
o Example: The wind whispered through the trees.
4. Hyperbole
o Definition: An exaggerated statement for emphasis.
o Example: I’ve told you a million times!
5. Alliteration
o Definition: Repetition of initial consonant sounds.
o Example: She sells seashells by the seashore.
6. Anaphora
o Definition: Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of consecutive
sentences or clauses.
o Example: "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds,
we shall fight in the fields."
7. Rhetorical Question
o Definition: A question asked for effect, not requiring an answer.
o Example: Is this not what we all desire?
8. Imagery
o Definition: Vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses.
o Example: The aroma of fresh bread filled the air.
9. Onomatopoeia
o Definition: Words that imitate sounds.
o Example: The bees buzzed around the garden.
10. Repetition
o Definition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.
o Example: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
Q1: Identify the rhetorical device used in each of the following sentences. Write your answer in
the space provided. (1 mark each)
1. The car roared to life as the driver turned the key.
Answer: ____________________
2. Her voice was music to his ears.
Answer: ____________________
3. The stars danced playfully in the night sky.
Answer: ____________________
4. "Isn’t it obvious who the winner will be?" asked the coach with a smirk.
Answer: ____________________
5. The aroma of fresh cookies wafted through the house, tempting everyone.
Answer: ____________________
6. She sang softly, her voice as smooth as silk.
Answer: ____________________
7. I’ve got a mountain of homework to finish by tomorrow!
Answer: ____________________
8. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
Answer: ____________________
9. We will fight for justice. We will fight for equality. We will fight for a better future.
Answer: ____________________
10. Bang! The door slammed shut behind him.
Answer: ____________________
Answers:
1. Onomatopoeia
2. Metaphor
3. Personification
4. Rhetorical Question
5. Imagery
6. Simile
7. Hyperbole
8. Alliteration
9. Anaphora
10. Onomatopoeia
Grade IX - English Language
Total Marks: 20
Instructions:
Identify the rhetorical device used in each sentence.
Each correct answer is worth 1 mark.
Sentences:
1. The leaves danced in the wind as if celebrating the arrival of spring.
Answer: ____________________
2. The sound of the crashing waves was music to her ears.
Answer: ____________________
3. She’s been working so hard; she’s practically glued to her desk!
Answer: ____________________
4. Do you think money grows on trees?
Answer: ____________________
5. The thunder rumbled angrily in the distance.
Answer: ____________________
6. Let freedom ring, let hope shine, let justice prevail.
Answer: ____________________
7. The morning dew sparkled like diamonds on the grass.
Answer: ____________________
8. I’ve called you a hundred times today!
Answer: ____________________
9. The buzzing of bees filled the sunny meadow.
Answer: ____________________
10. All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.
Answer: ____________________
11. Her heart was a stone, cold and unfeeling.
Answer: ____________________
12. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the kitchen, inviting everyone inside.
Answer: ____________________
13. She sells seashells by the seashore.
Answer: ____________________
14. Can we truly ignore the cries of those in need?
Answer: ____________________
15. The clock ticks loudly, each second a reminder of the deadline.
Answer: ____________________
16. The fire roared angrily, consuming everything in its path.
Answer: ____________________
17. This is the beginning of the end.
Answer: ____________________
18. The silence was so loud you could hear a pin drop.
Answer: ____________________
19. The snow whispered under their boots as they walked.
Answer: ____________________
20. Time flies when you’re having fun.
Answer: ____________________
Answers:
1. Personification
2. Metaphor
3. Hyperbole
4. Rhetorical Question
5. Personification
6. Anaphora
7. Simile
8. Hyperbole
9. Onomatopoeia
10. Irony
11. Metaphor
12. Imagery
13. Alliteration
14. Rhetorical Question
15. Personification
16. Personification
17. Paradox
18. Hyperbole
19. Personification
20. Metaphor
