"Trope" comes from a Greek word meaning "turn." In the rhetorical sense, a trope refers to a "turn" in the way that words are being used to communicate something more than--or different from--a literal or straightforward message. Tropes are part of "deep structure" meanings and include such rhetorical devices as allegories, allusions, euphemisms,…

Points out that language abuses--whether jargon, euphemism, or malapropism--blur the distinction between words. Stresses the need for English instructors that can teach students the grammatical rules and inspire them with a love of language. (MM)

Describes how to use the "Make a Wish" television series to stimulate student interest in the art of playing with language; includes a sample of student writing based on study of the series. (DD)