Common Language Techniques

Question 1

Term

Answer 1

Definition

Question 2

Simile

Answer 2

Comparison using ‘like’ or ‘as’ (e.g., ‘as brave as a lion’).

Question 3

Metaphor

Answer 3

Direct comparison stating one thing is another (e.g., ‘Time is a thief’).

Question 4

Personification

Answer 4

Giving human qualities to non-human things (e.g., ‘The wind whispered’).

Question 5

Alliteration

Answer 5

Repetition of initial consonant sounds (e.g., ‘sweet birds sang’).

Question 6

Assonance

Answer 6

Repetition of vowel sounds within words (e.g., ‘the rain in Spain’).

Question 7

Consonance

Answer 7

Repetition of consonant sounds (e.g., ‘the lumpy, bumpy road’).

Question 8

Onomatopoeia

Answer 8

Words that imitate sounds (e.g., ‘buzz’, ‘clang’).

Question 9

Imagery

Answer 9

Descriptive language appealing to the senses (e.g., ‘crimson sun dipped’).

Question 10

Hyperbole

Answer 10

Exaggerated statements (e.g., ‘I’ve told you a million times’).

Question 11

Oxymoron

Answer 11

Contradictory terms together (e.g., ‘bittersweet’).

Question 12

Symbolism

Answer 12

Using symbols to represent ideas (e.g., a dove symbolising peace).

Question 13

Juxtaposition

Answer 13

Placing contrasting elements close together (e.g., ‘rich and poor’).

Question 14

Irony

Answer 14

A contrast between what is said and meant, or audience knowledge over character’s.

Question 15

Foreshadowing

Answer 15

Hints about what will happen later in the story.

Question 16

Flashback

Answer 16

A scene set earlier than the main story.

Question 17

Mood

Answer 17

The emotional feeling evoked in the reader.

Question 18

Tone

Answer 18

The author’s attitude towards the subject.

Question 19

Rhetorical Question

Answer 19

A question posed for effect, not needing an answer.

Question 20

Repetition

Answer 20

Repeating words or phrases to emphasise an idea.

Question 21

Sibilance

Answer 21

Repetition of the ‘s’ or ‘sh’ sound, often creating a hissing effect.

Question 22

Pathetic Fallacy

Answer 22

Attributing human emotions to nature, often reflecting mood.

Question 23

Allusion

Answer 23

An indirect reference to something well-known.

Question 24

Emotive Language

Answer 24

Words that evoke strong emotions.

Question 25

Contrast

Answer 25

Using opposing ideas or images to create a striking effect.

Question 26

Triadic Structure

Answer 26

Grouping words in threes for emphasis (e.g., ‘life, liberty, and happiness’).