Which literary device involves creating comparisons between dissimilar things?

The identification of figurative language as the correct answer highlights its role in making comparisons that enrich writing and expression. Figurative language encompasses a variety of tools, such as similes, metaphors, and analogies, which allow writers to draw connections between seemingly unrelated ideas or objects. For instance, saying "the world is a stage" is a metaphor that conveys a complex idea about life using the image of a stage, thereby enhancing understanding or evoking emotions.

This device invites readers to engage more deeply with the text, fostering imagination and interpretation. By presenting an idea through a familiar or vivid image, figurative language enables a greater depth of understanding and appreciation.

The other options represent different writing styles and techniques. Expository writing focuses on explaining or informing rather than comparing, descriptive language emphasizes detailed imagery to evoke sensations or visualizations, and persuasive language is aimed at convincing readers of a particular viewpoint. Each plays a significant role in communication but does not primarily center on the act of creating comparisons between dissimilar things.