Reading Comprehension 10 - Figures of Speech 2
In the previous Upper Primary English quiz we learnt about similes, euphemisms and paradoxes. We now look at other examples of figures of speech - hyperboles, metaphors and proverbs.
Hyperboles are statements that are grossly exaggerated to create an immediate effect and grab the attention of the listener or reader. Some examples of hyperboles are:
‘I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!’
‘His brain is the size of a pea!’
‘She is as big as an elephant!’ and
‘I will die if she asks me to dance.’
In each of these you will notice the gross exaggeration.
Metaphors are another figure of speech in which you describe something with a totally different set of words than required. Often, a metaphor helps the writer to use less words to express something. Here are some examples of metaphors:
‘The detective dug up enough evidence to present to the court.’ This sentence means the same as:
'The detective used his skills to collect as much evidence as possible to make his case stronger.' ‘Dug up’ is used in the context of a dog who buries a bone to dig it up later. Also, a metaphor makes the reader or listener look for the similarities and thereby create more interest in what is being said or written.
Proverbs are yet another example of a figure of speech. A proverb is a statement that may be a truism or contain a message that forces the reader or listener to consider it carefully. For instance:
‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ This is a proverb that is useful to people who want to take revenge. It forces them to think of the action they want to take. Hopefully, the proverb will help them to forgive. Proverbs are powerful tools to drive home moral lessons and direct a person towards effective action.
Hyperboles, metaphors and proverbs grace the English language and are examples of innovative ways of using words to drive home a particular point of view. Take the quiz that follows and learn more about them.