Final answer:
The literary device used in the statement about Mrs. Jinks is hyperbole, which is an exaggeration to emphasize the large number of assignments. It is important to distinguish hyperbole from similes and metaphors, as they all serve to enrich the text and add emphasis but in different ways.
"The correct option is approximately option C"
Step-by-step explanation:
The literary device being used in the sentence 'Mrs. Jinks has a million writing assignments to grade' is hyperbole. Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis. It is not meant to be taken literally, but rather to create a strong impression and add excitement or humor to the statement. In this case, saying Mrs. Jinks has a 'million' assignments emphasizes the overwhelming number of assignments to grade without literally meaning the exact number.
When it comes to teaching and learning about figurative language, hyperbole helps to capture intense feelings or impressions, much like similes and metaphors do by comparing things. Similes use 'like' or 'as' to make a comparison (e.g., 'You are like a rose'), while metaphors make a direct comparison without using 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'You are a rose'). This distinction helps ensure clarity when identifying rhetorical devices within the text.
Understanding the use of rhetorical devices is vital for analyzing and appreciating literature, as they add depth, meaning, and creativity. Figurative language is not only common in literature and daily conversation, but it also plays a crucial role in making language more evocative and engaging to the reader or listener.