English Language literary technique

Question 1

Personification

Answer 1

Is when you give human characteristics to something non human to create imagery

Question 2

Pathetic fallacy

Answer 2

Is when you give human emotions to non-human things like objects animals or the weather (most common)

Question 3

Alliteration

Answer 3

Alliteration is the occurrence of the same sound or letter at the beginning of words next to each other

Question 4

Sibilance

Answer 4

Is alliteration but with the letter S

Question 5

Paragraphs

Answer 5

A piece of writing which contains one key point

Question 6

Assonance

Answer 6

When 2 or more words close to one another repeat the same vowel sound but start with different consonant sounds.
“Although she was frAIl, she had a grAce that trAIled her everywhere”

Question 7

Onomatopoeia

Answer 7

When the word sounds like the sound they are describing
“Bang”

Question 8

Emotive language

Answer 8

Is used to create a strong emotional response

Question 9

Figurative language

Answer 9

Is using figures of speech to be more impactful, effective or persuasive. Such as metaphors or similes

Question 10

Imagery

Answer 10

Language and description used to appeal to the five senses. Often, imagery includes similes and metaphors”

Question 11

Anthropomorphism

Answer 11

This is when we make something that is not human, do or say things that make them human. Difference between anthropomorphism is when something inhuman actually does human - like things, while personification creates imagery where something inhuman seems human.

Question 12

Symbolism

Answer 12

When one idea, feeling or emotion is represented by something else. For example The colour black is often used to represent death or evil

Question 13

Parenthetical remark

Answer 13

A parenthetical remark is one that explains or qualifies something.
“I am hungry, but I only want to eat chips”

Question 14

Cliché

Answer 14

A phrase or opinion that is overused and portrays a lack of original knowledge. “frightened to death”

Question 15

Pathos

Answer 15

When language creates pity or sadness in the reader.

Question 16

Atmosphere

Answer 16

The tone or feeling created in a piece of creative work

Question 17

Antithesis

Answer 17

A person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else. “Love is the antithesis of hate”

Question 18

Colloquialism

Answer 18

The use of informal words, phrases or slang in a piece of writing

Question 19

Anaphora

Answer 19

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrases at the start of a phrase or sentence. For example the repetition of “I have a dream “ in the MLK speech

Question 20

Connotation

Answer 20

The ideas, feelings or associations which we can use to add the suggested meanings of the language or imagery. The colour red could be linked to anger, passion, love for example

Question 21

Ellipses

Answer 21

A situation in which words are left out of a sentence but the sentence can still be understood. This may be done to create tension. The symbol is …

Question 22

Oxymoron

Answer 22

When 2 contrasting words are combined for dramatic effect or for a comedic effect. “Loving Hate”

Question 23

Foreshadowing

Answer 23

A hint, warning or indication of a future event.
E.g. In narrative writing, the writer may reveal that the character is adjusting their gun in its holster. This foreshadows that something dangerous is going to happen

Question 24

Juxtaposition

Answer 24

Is 2 things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
E.g. It was the best of times and the worst of times

Question 25

Hyperbole

Answer 25

An exaggerated statement, not meant to be taken literally, but used to create dramatic effect
“The whole word was watching me”.

Question 26

Irony

Answer 26

The use of words to convey a meaning that is opposite of its literal meaning - saying the opposite of something that is true or real.
E.g. Somebody buys a gun to protect themselves, than dies to somebody breaking into their house and shooting them.

Question 27

Rule of three

Answer 27

The use of three adjectives or phrases to emphasise your ideas.

Question 28

What do you have to look for when the question is about structure

Answer 28

1. How the text is put together
2. Consider why the writer chooses to say something or do something at that particular point in the text.
3. Consider how characters or events develop throughout the text.

Question 29

semantic field

Answer 29

A group of words that are linked by meaning, for example words about family or words linked to the supernatural.