Sound DevicesSound Devices

Primarily used in poetry

Alliteration Using words closely together that begin

with letters that make the same sound, or just begin with the same letter. (like tongue twisters)

They are used to add character to the writing and a little “fun” to the piece.

Example: The Wicked Witch of the West went her own way.

Example: Sally sells sea shells by the sea shore.

Assonance Repetition of vowel sounds within a

sentence or phrase. Similar to alliteration, but it is only vowel

sounds. (not consonants – the repetition of consonants is called “consonance”)

Example: She sang a long song that sounded wrong.

Example: Late Kate slammed the gate cause she couldn’t wait.

Rhyme Scheme Rhyming words placed at the ends of lines

in prose or poetry. Can be in patterns like abab or aabb or abcb Example: Roses are red (a) Violets are blue (b) Everybody loves me (c) But I love you! (b)

Rhythm Pattern of rhymes that create a musical,

gentle effect. Example: I’m a little teapot, short and stout Here is my handle, here is my spout When I get all steamed up, hear me shout Tip me over and pour me out.

Onomatopoeia Words whose sound is very close to the

sound they represent. Examples: grunt, huff, buzz, snap Example: The whispering of the forest

trees…. The hum of a thousand bees…..The click of the door….