Common Language Techniques Flashcards
Term
Definition
Simile
Comparison using ‘like’ or ‘as’ (e.g., ‘as brave as a lion’).
Metaphor
Direct comparison stating one thing is another (e.g., ‘Time is a thief’).
Personification
Giving human qualities to non-human things (e.g., ‘The wind whispered’).
Alliteration
Repetition of initial consonant sounds (e.g., ‘sweet birds sang’).
Assonance
Repetition of vowel sounds within words (e.g., ‘the rain in Spain’).
Consonance
Repetition of consonant sounds (e.g., ‘the lumpy, bumpy road’).
Onomatopoeia
Words that imitate sounds (e.g., ‘buzz’, ‘clang’).
Imagery
Descriptive language appealing to the senses (e.g., ‘crimson sun dipped’).
Hyperbole
Exaggerated statements (e.g., ‘I’ve told you a million times’).
Oxymoron
Contradictory terms together (e.g., ‘bittersweet’).
Symbolism
Using symbols to represent ideas (e.g., a dove symbolising peace).
Juxtaposition
Placing contrasting elements close together (e.g., ‘rich and poor’).
Irony
A contrast between what is said and meant, or audience knowledge over character’s.
Foreshadowing
Hints about what will happen later in the story.
Flashback
A scene set earlier than the main story.
Mood
The emotional feeling evoked in the reader.
Tone
The author’s attitude towards the subject.
Rhetorical Question
A question posed for effect, not needing an answer.
Repetition
Repeating words or phrases to emphasise an idea.
Sibilance
Repetition of the ‘s’ or ‘sh’ sound, often creating a hissing effect.
Pathetic Fallacy
Attributing human emotions to nature, often reflecting mood.
Allusion
An indirect reference to something well-known.
Emotive Language
Words that evoke strong emotions.
Contrast
Using opposing ideas or images to create a striking effect.
Triadic Structure
Grouping words in threes for emphasis (e.g., ‘life, liberty, and happiness’).
