All of these forms of figurative language are meant to add rhythm and power to the flow of your words and phrases. Rappers use all of these strategies often in their song lyrics. Poetry is full of these as well. Of course, rap lyrics and poetry are basically the same thing in many ways!

1. Alliteration:

the repetition of the same sound at the starts of words or phrases that are close together.

"Bill brought blueberries" is an example of a sound device called alliteration because each word starts with the same sound.

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2. Assonance:

the repetition of the same vowel sounds inside of words that are close together.

In the sentence "Go mow the lawn," the vowel sounds repeat. That's why it's an example of assonance

3. Onomatopoeia:

words or the use of words with sounds that imitate the meaning of what they are describing, i.e. "boom" or "splash."

The author described the fight with onomatopoeia using words like “crash” and “pow” to describe the sounds of the action.

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4. Anaphora:

repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect.

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Rememeber, you will use these notes to help with your assignments!

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