What is alliteration?

Study for the QTS Literacy Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Alliteration refers to the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words. This literary device is often used to create rhythm, enhance the musical quality of language, and make phrases more memorable. For example, in the phrase "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers," the repeated 'p' sound exemplifies alliteration. This technique is popular in poetry, prose, and even advertising because it tends to catch the reader's or listener's attention and can evoke emotion or imagery associated with the sounds being repeated.

The other options each define different literary concepts. The use of rhymes pertains to the end sounds of words in poetry rather than the initial sounds. Figurative language encompasses a broad range of language tools including metaphors and similes but does not specifically address sound repetition. Finally, the structure of a narrative relates to the organization and framework of a story, separate from the specific sound device of alliteration.

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