A.P. English Language

What is repetition? Repetition is a major rhetorical strategy for producing emphasis, clarity, amplification, or emotional effect.

So what—why repeat? Rap stars do it… Just the two of us.. And when we ride! Just the two of us.. Just you and I! Just the two of us.. And when we ride! Just the two of us.. Just you and I! Eminem

Repeating Presidents do it… With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. Abraham Lincoln Second Inaugural Address

Still Repeating… Advertisers do it… Nike— “Just do it!” Sprite— “Obey your thirst.” Verizon— “Can you hear me now?”

Repeating… Even students do it… YES YOU DO!

How to add repetition to your writing? Look at the following example: It is really important to make sure all students have their I.D.’s on them at all times. It helps school officials to keep the school safe. Also, teachers are able to send students to the correct classes if they are wandering the halls. Please wear your I.D.

BORING!

What should be repeated? And How? Look at the beginning of sentences, words, ideas and decide what would make the most impact on your audience. Ask yourself why is this information important? What could you focus on? Something asking students to agree to wear their I.D.’s? When adding repetition it is possible to take other words or rearrange ideas.

Add some repetition… It is important all students wear their I.D.’s It is important to keep the school safe. It is important teachers know where to send students. Please be responsible, please be cooperative, please wear your I.D. Same information—more powerful communication

Try it again… With a partner add repetition to the following: Graduation is an important time in every teenager’s life. It is a turning point that signals the change from kid to adult. Everyone should attend graduation or they might regret it for the rest of their lives. This day is special. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and should be cherished by friends, family and the student.

Repeating Possibilities Describing a place: The room was shrouded in shadows, sinisterly silent, dreary and dank. Describing a person: Frank knew when to speak, when to be silent and when to run away. Describing an idea: Everyone needs food, needs water, needs love.

Common Types of Repetition Alliteration Repetition of the same sound at the beginning of two or more words Assonance Repetition of similar vowel sounds, preceded and followed by different consonants, in the stressed syllables of adjacent words. Consonance The repetition of consonants in words stressed in the same place (but whose vowels differ). Also, a kind of inverted alliteration, in which final consonants, rather than initial or medial ones, repeat in nearby words.

Common Types of Repetition Anaphora Repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses, sentences, or lines. Epistrophe Ending a series of lines, phrases, clauses, or sentences with the same word or words. The opposite of anaphora. Commoratio Dwelling on or returning to one's strongest argument. Epimone Persistent repetition of the same plea in much the same words.

Try to repeat… Choose one of the following topics: Pets Vacation Freedom Sleep Sports Work

Write 3-5 sentences on your topic using one of the types of repetition. Five minutes—GO! Stop—underline your use of repetition. Share with the person sitting next to you.

Repeat the process again… Choose a topic Write 3-5 sentences using a DIFFERENT type of repetition Write for 5 minutes Stop and underline your use of repetition Share with a DIFFERENT person beside you

When to use repetition? When you are emphasizing a point. When you want to add flow. When you want to use sound. When it is necessary, never over use.

Th-th-th- that’s all Folks.