AFPSAT Analytical Ability — Figures of Speech (Tayutay)Slides
Figures of Speech (Tayutay) slides, sized for screen and print. Flip through them for a five-minute pre-mock refresh, or print the deck for on-paper annotation. Either way, the slides cover Figures of Speech (Tayutay) at the depth Armed Forces of the Philippines tests for the AFPSAT 2026.
Exam context
Armed Forces of the Philippines runs the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test on Multiple schedules yearly. Its Analytical Ability section sits under a "Core" weighting, and Figures of Speech (Tayutay) is the 2nd chapter in the 7-chapter AFPSAT Analytical Ability rotation. The AFPSAT passing mark is AFP-set percentile, and the most recent 2026 paper drew about a meaningful share of questions from Analytical Ability.
Figures of Speech (Tayutay) - Slides
Figures of speech, or 'tayutay' in Filipino, are essential tools in language that create vivid imagery, emphasize meaning, and enhance communication. Understanding these literary devices is crucial for developing analytical abilities, particularly in comprehending texts, poetry, and effective communication. This chapter explores various types of figures of speech in both English and Filipino, providing comprehensive examples and applications relevant to Philippine examinations.
Slides
Introduction to Figures of Speech (Tayutay)
Figures of speech are powerful linguistic tools that transform ordinary language into expressive, meaningful communication. They help writers and speakers convey complex ideas, emotions, and imagery in memorable ways.
Notes
Foundation slide establishing the importance and scope of figures of speech
Topic
Introduction and Overview
Slide Id
S1
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
1
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Figures of Speech)) Purpose Create Imagery Emphasize Meaning Enhance Expression Types Comparison Exaggeration Substitution Applications Literature Poetry Communication Examinations
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Overview of figures of speech showing their purpose, types, and applications
Simile (Pagtutulad): Direct Comparison
Simile is the most recognizable figure of speech because it explicitly states comparisons using connecting words. It helps readers understand unfamiliar concepts by comparing them to familiar ones.
Notes
Focus on identifying key connecting words that signal simile usage
Topic
Simile/Pagtutulad
Slide Id
S2
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
2
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Simile Structure] --> B[Subject] A --> C[Connecting Word] A --> D[Comparison Object] B --> E[You] C --> F[as/like/parang] D --> G[Lion/Horse/Gulong] E --> H[Complete Comparison] F --> H G --> H
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Structure showing how similes are constructed with subject, connecting word, and comparison object
Metaphor (Pagwawangis): Implied Comparison
Metaphor creates a direct identification between two unlike things, making the comparison more forceful and immediate than simile. It suggests that the subject actually possesses the qualities of what it's compared to.
Notes
Emphasize the absence of connecting words - direct statement format
Topic
Metaphor/Pagwawangis
Slide Id
S3
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
3
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[Subject] --> B[Direct Statement] B --> C[Comparison Object] D[House] --> E[IS] E --> F[Zoo] G[Father] --> H[IS] H --> I[Kayod Kalabaw] A -.-> D B -.-> E C -.-> F
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Structure of metaphor showing direct assertion without connecting words
Personification (Padiwantao): Human Qualities to Non-humans
Personification brings life to inanimate objects by attributing human emotions, actions, or characteristics to them. This technique helps readers connect emotionally with abstract concepts or objects.
Notes
Focus on identifying human actions or emotions given to non-living things
Topic
Personification/Padiwantao
Slide Id
S4
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
4
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Non-human Object] --> B[Human Action/Emotion] A --> C[Result: Living Character] D[Flowers] --> E[Nod cheerfully] F[Leaves] --> G[Dance] H[Letter] --> I[Cry tears] D --> C F --> C H --> C
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Process showing how non-human objects receive human characteristics through personification
Hyperbole (Pagmamalabis): Deliberate Exaggeration
Hyperbole uses extreme exaggeration to make a point more forcefully or to create humor. While the statement is not literally true, it effectively communicates the intensity of a situation or feeling.
Notes
Emphasize that hyperbole is not literal but creates powerful emphasis
Topic
Hyperbole/Pagmamalabis
Slide Id
S5
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
5
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Real Situation] --> B[Extreme Exaggeration] B --> C[Emotional Impact] D[Heavy backpack] --> E[Weighs a ton] F[Many repetitions] --> G[Million times] H[Much money] --> I[Flood of money] E --> J[fa:fa-exclamation Strong Effect] G --> J I --> J
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Process showing how real situations are exaggerated to create strong emotional impact
Oxymoron: Contradictory Terms Combined
Oxymoron combines opposite or contradictory terms to create new, complex meanings that capture the complexity of human emotions or situations that cannot be expressed through simple language.
Notes
Focus on the paradoxical nature that creates deeper meaning
Topic
Oxymoron
Slide Id
S6
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
6
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[Contradictory Word 1] --> C[Combined Meaning] B[Contradictory Word 2] --> C D[Sweet] --> F[Complex Emotion] E[Sorrow] --> F G[Deafening] --> H[Overwhelming Quiet] I[Silence] --> H
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Structure showing how contradictory terms combine to create complex meanings
Onomatopoeia: Sound Words
Onomatopoeia brings sounds to life through words that phonetically imitate or suggest the sound they describe. This creates immediate sensory connection for readers.
Notes
Emphasize the connection between actual sounds and their word representations
Topic
Onomatopoeia
Slide Id
S7
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
7
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Real Sound] --> B[Sound Word] B --> C[Reader Experience] D[Thunder] --> E[Bang] F[Bees] --> G[Buzz] H[Clock] --> I[Tick-tock] J[Snake] --> K[Hiss] E --> L[fa:fa-volume-up Auditory Impact] G --> L I --> L K --> L
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Process showing how real sounds become descriptive words that create auditory impact
Synecdoche (Pagpapalit-saklaw): Part for Whole
Synecdoche uses a portion of something to represent the entire thing, or uses the whole to represent a part. This creates more interesting and concise ways of referring to objects or concepts.
Notes
Focus on identifying when a part is used to represent the whole entity
Topic
Synecdoche/Pagpapalit-saklaw
Slide Id
S8
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
8
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[Part] --> C[Represents] B[Whole] --> C C --> D[Complete Object/Idea] E[Wheels] --> F[Car] G[Hands] --> H[Workers] I[Souls] --> J[People] K[Town] --> L[Citizens]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Relationship between parts and wholes in synecdoche usage
Apostrophe (Panawagan): Addressing the Absent
Apostrophe creates dramatic intensity by speaking directly to someone or something that cannot respond. This technique is powerful in expressing strong emotions or making philosophical statements.
Notes
Emphasize the one-way communication with abstract or absent entities
Topic
Apostrophe/Panawagan
Slide Id
S9
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
9
Mermaid Diagram
Code
sequenceDiagram participant Speaker as Speaker participant Abstract as Abstract Concept participant Reader as Reader Speaker->>Abstract: Direct Address Note over Abstract: Cannot respond Abstract-->>Reader: Dramatic Effect Speaker->>Abstract: Emotional Appeal Abstract-->>Reader: Philosophical Impact
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Interaction pattern in apostrophe showing one-way communication creating dramatic effect
Paradox: Contradictory Truth
Paradox presents statements that seem impossible or contradictory on the surface but actually contain deeper truths about life, human nature, or existence when examined more carefully.
Notes
Focus on the journey from apparent contradiction to deeper truth
Topic
Paradox
Slide Id
S10
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
10
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Contradictory Statement] --> B[Surface Confusion] B --> C[Deeper Analysis] C --> D[Revealed Truth] E[Beginning of End] --> F[Seems Impossible] F --> G[Think Deeper] G --> H[fa:fa-lightbulb Start of Final Phase]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Process showing how paradoxical statements lead from confusion to deeper understanding
Euphemism: Gentle Substitution
Euphemism provides gentler alternatives to words or phrases that might be considered too direct, harsh, or offensive. This shows cultural sensitivity and helps maintain social harmony.
Notes
Emphasize the social and emotional benefits of using gentler language
Topic
Euphemism
Slide Id
S11
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
11
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[Harsh/Direct Word] --> B[Euphemism] B --> C[Gentle Communication] D[Died] --> E[Passed Away] F[Fired] --> G[Let Go] H[Namatay] --> I[Sumakabilang Buhay] E --> J[fa:fa-heart Respectful] G --> J I --> J
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Transformation from harsh terms to gentle alternatives through euphemism
Irony (Balintunay): Opposite Meaning
Irony expresses ideas by saying the opposite of what is literally meant, often for humorous or critical effect. Understanding irony requires reading between the lines and recognizing the speaker's true intention.
Notes
Emphasize the importance of context and tone in understanding irony
Topic
Irony/Balintunay
Slide Id
S12
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
12
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Literal Words] --> B[Opposite Meaning] B --> C[True Intention] D[Great Weather] --> E[Terrible Weather] E --> F[Sarcastic Criticism] G[Delicious Soup] --> H[Tasteless Soup] H --> I[Disappointed Reaction]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Structure showing how ironic statements convey opposite meanings from literal words
Metonymy: Associated Substitution
Metonymy replaces the name of something with the name of something else that is closely associated with it. This creates more vivid and engaging ways of referring to concepts or objects.
Notes
Focus on the close association between the substitute term and the actual subject
Topic
Metonymy
Slide Id
S13
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
13
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[Associated Object] --> B[Represents] B --> C[Actual Subject] D[White House] --> E[President] F[Hollywood] --> G[Film Industry] H[Crown] --> I[Monarchy] J[Pen] --> K[Writing/Literature]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Relationship between associated objects and what they represent in metonymy
Additional Filipino Figures of Speech
Filipino has unique figures of speech that reflect cultural values and traditional ways of expression. These are particularly important in understanding classical Filipino literature and poetry.
Notes
Emphasize the cultural importance and traditional usage of Filipino tayutay
Topic
Filipino-specific Figures of Speech
Slide Id
S14
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
14
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Filipino Tayutay)) Pahambing Sing prefix Magkasing prefix Gaga prefix Pangitain Vision Poetry Imagination as Reality Cultural Context Kundiman Oral Tradition Classical Literature
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Overview of uniquely Filipino figures of speech and their cultural context
Practical Application and Exam Strategies
Success in identifying figures of speech requires systematic approach, understanding of signal words, and ability to distinguish between literal and figurative meanings in various contexts.
Notes
Provide systematic approach for exam preparation and text analysis
Topic
Application and Exam Strategies
Slide Id
S15
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
15
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Read Text Carefully] --> B[Identify Signal Words] B --> C[Determine Figure Type] C --> D[Analyze Context] D --> E[Confirm Meaning] F[fa:fa-search Look for Clues] --> B G[fa:fa-book Practice Examples] --> A H[fa:fa-check Verify Understanding] --> E
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Step-by-step process for identifying and analyzing figures of speech in exam contexts
Summary and Key Takeaways
Mastering figures of speech is essential for effective communication, literary analysis, and success in Philippine examinations. Regular practice with various text types will enhance your analytical abilities and reading comprehension skills.
Notes
Reinforce the practical benefits and lifelong value of understanding figures of speech
Topic
Summary and Conclusion
Slide Id
S16
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
16
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Mastery Benefits)) Communication Expressive Writing Engaging Speech Cultural Understanding Analysis Literary Appreciation Critical Reading Exam Success Personal Growth Language Skills Creative Expression Cultural Connection
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Benefits of mastering figures of speech for personal and academic development
References
- NEW CURRICULUM CIVIL SERVICE 2026 EDITION — Analytical.pdf
- Philippine Civil Service Commission Examination Guidelines
- Classical Filipino Literature and Poetry Examples
- Standard English and Filipino Language Resources
In summary
Figures of speech (tayutay) are fundamental tools for effective communication and analytical thinking. Understanding these literary devices enhances your ability to comprehend texts, express ideas creatively, and succeed in Philippine examinations. Through recognition of signal words, analysis of context, and regular practice with diverse examples, you can develop strong analytical skills that will benefit you in academic and professional contexts. Remember that mastery comes through consistent practice with various text types, from poetry and literature to everyday communication and news articles.
Ready to practise for the AFPSAT 2026?
Super Tutor's AI review plan adapts to your weak areas and builds a weekly practice schedule around your target AFPSAT exam date.