Which rhetorical device involves repeating words in reverse order in successive clauses?

Which rhetorical device involves repeating words in reverse order in successive clauses?

• A. A Chiasmus
• B. B Antimetabole
• C. C Metaphor
• D. D Alliteration

Answer: (B)

The main concept tested is recognizing a figure of speech that repeats the same words in reverse order across two clauses. This exact reversal of the same words defines antimetabole. A classic example is: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Notice how the second clause repeats the same words as the first but in reverse order, creating a crisp, mirrored effect that stays memorable. This differs from chiasmus, which also involves reversing structure but doesn’t require repeating the same words in reverse, just mirroring the idea in a balanced way. Metaphor and alliteration don’t fit this pattern either: metaphor makes a direct comparison between unlike things, and alliteration repeats initial sounds rather than reversing the order of the same words.

The main concept tested is recognizing a figure of speech that repeats the same words in reverse order across two clauses. This exact reversal of the same words defines antimetabole.

A classic example is: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Notice how the second clause repeats the same words as the first but in reverse order, creating a crisp, mirrored effect that stays memorable.

This differs from chiasmus, which also involves reversing structure but doesn’t require repeating the same words in reverse, just mirroring the idea in a balanced way. Metaphor and alliteration don’t fit this pattern either: metaphor makes a direct comparison between unlike things, and alliteration repeats initial sounds rather than reversing the order of the same words.