Class 7 English - ICSE
Figures of Speech (Introduction)
Welcome to Figures of Speech! This chapter introduces Class 7 ICSE students to the magic of creative writing. Instead of using plain, literal language, writers use figures of speech to paint pictures with words, create rhythms, and make comparisons. In this chapter, you will learn the basics of how language goes beyond its literal meaning. You will study essential poetic devices like Simile, Metaphor, Personification, and Alliteration. Mastering these concepts is vital for your ICSE English Literature and Language exams, as questions frequently ask you to identify these devices in poems and prose passages to test your comprehension and analytical skills.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Figure of Speech
A word or phrase used in a non-literal sense to add color, flair, and deeper meaning to writing or speech.
Simile
A direct comparison of two different things using the words 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'as brave as a lion').
Metaphor
An implied comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'The classroom was a zoo').
Personification
Giving human qualities or actions to non-living objects or abstract ideas (e.g., 'The wind whispered through the trees').
Alliteration
The repetition of the same starting consonant sounds in neighboring words (e.g., 'Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers').
Onomatopoeia
The use of words that imitate the actual sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to (e.g., 'buzz', 'crash').
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In ICSE Class 7 English examinations, questions on Figures of Speech typically carry around 5 to 10 marks. Common question types include identifying the figure of speech in a given line from a poem or prose, explaining why a specific device was used, and creating your own examples for each category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a Simile and a Metaphor?
A simile compares two things using the words 'like' or 'as' (Her smile was like the sun), while a metaphor makes a direct comparison by stating one thing is another without using those words (Her smile was the sun).
How can I easily spot Personification in a poem?
Look for non-living things (like stones, stars, wind, or time) performing human actions such as walking, talking, crying, or whispering.
Do I need to memorize long definitions for the ICSE exam?
No, you don't need word-for-word definitions. You should understand the concept clearly, be able to spot the device in a sentence, and provide your own correct examples.
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