Introduction to Figures of Speech ( Simile, Metaphor, Personification, Alliteration, Assonance) – JSS1 English Lesson Note (First Term)

A figure of speech is a word or phrase that means something different from its literal meaning. It conveys meaning by identifying or comparing one thing to another that has meanings familiar to the audience. This helps create vivid rhetorical effects.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what a figure of speech is;
• define personification, simile and metaphor;
• identify an example of each in a sentence;
• give their own examples of each.

What are the types of figures of speech?

There are many types of figures of speech. Here are a few of them with descriptions and examples.

What is personification?

Personification occurs when a writer gives human traits to nonhuman or inanimate objects. It is similar to metaphor and simile, which also compare two things.

Example: “Hadn’t she felt it in every touch of the sunshine, as its golden fingertips pressed her lids open and wound their way through her hair?”

What is a simile?

A simile is a comparison between two things using “as” or “like.”

Example:

• My heart is like a singing bird, whose nest is in a watered shoot;
• My heart is like an apple tree.
• My heart is like a rainbow shell…

What is a metaphor?

A metaphor compares two unlike things that may have some qualities in common.

Examples:

• He is the dark horse.
• Tobi is a dog.

Evaluation

1. Write on five types of figures of speech.
2. Write on the following:
   • Simile
   • Metaphor
   • Assonance
   • Alliteration

Assignment

Write a letter to your cousin, telling him or her about your experience in school.