English Techniques Flashcards
Alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in closely placed words, often used to create rhythm or emphasize phrases.
Allusion
Allusion is a brief reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work of art, used to add meaning or context to a text.
Allegory
An allegory is a narrative in which characters, events, and settings symbolize deeper meanings or abstract ideas, often to convey moral, political, or philosophical messages.
Antonym
An antonym is a word that has the opposite meaning of another word.
Assonance
Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within closely placed words to create internal rhyme or enhance mood.
Colloquialism
Colloquialism is the use of informal language or expressions that are specific to a region, culture, or group, often used to create a sense of realism in dialogue.
Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using “like” or “as” to highlight similarities between them.
Colloquial voice
Colloquial voice is a style of writing or speaking that uses informal, conversational language, often to make the text feel more relatable or authentic.
Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things by stating that one is the other, thereby suggesting a deeper meaning or connection.
Personification
Personification is a literary technique in which human qualities or characteristics are attributed to non-human entities or abstract concepts, creating vivid imagery and emotional resonance.
Slang
Slang is informal language or expressions that are often specific to a particular group, culture, or subculture, typically used to convey a casual tone or to establish identity among peers.
Jargon
Jargon is specialized terminology or language used by a particular profession, group, or industry, often making it difficult for outsiders to understand.
Neologism
A neologism is a newly coined word, expression, or term that may be in the process of entering common usage, often reflecting changes in culture, technology, or social trends.
Anachronism
An anachronism is an element in a text or artwork that is out of its proper historical time period, often used deliberately for effect or to highlight contrasts between eras.
Cliché
A cliché is an overused expression or idea that has lost its original impact or meaning due to excessive repetition.
Oxymoron
An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory or opposing terms to create a new, often paradoxical meaning.
Irony
Irony is a literary technique where the intended meaning of words or situations is opposite to their literal meaning, often highlighting contrasts between appearance and reality.
Paradox
A paradox is a statement or concept that appears self-contradictory or absurd but may reveal a deeper truth upon closer examination.
Rhetorical questions
A rhetorical question is a question posed for effect rather than to elicit an answer, often used to provoke thought or emphasize a point.
Satire
Satire is a literary technique that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or expose flaws in society, individuals, or institutions, often to provoke change or reflection.
Tone
Tone is the attitude or emotional quality conveyed by a writer toward a subject or audience, often reflected through word choice, style, and perspective.
Sensory language
Sensory language is descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) to create vivid imagery and immerse the reader in the experience.
Epiphany
An epiphany is a sudden, profound realization or insight that changes a character’s understanding or perspective in a significant way.
Fable resolution
A fable resolution is the concluding part of a fable where the story’s moral lesson is revealed, often showing the consequences of characters’ actions and reinforcing the fable’s theme.
Symbolism
Symbolism is the use of objects, characters, colors, or events to represent deeper meanings or abstract ideas, adding layers of significance to a narrative.
Reflective
Reflective writing or tone involves a thoughtful consideration of events, emotions, or ideas, often revealing personal insights or deeper understanding.
Voice
Voice is the unique style and perspective through which a writer expresses themselves, shaped by tone, diction, and syntax, and giving the text a distinctive personality.
Anecdote
An anecdote is a brief, engaging story or account of a particular incident, often used to illustrate a point, convey a lesson, or provide insight into a character or situation.
Bias
Bias is a tendency or inclination to favor one perspective, opinion, or group over others, often leading to unfair or subjective judgments.
Argument
An argument is a set of statements or reasons presented to support a particular claim or viewpoint, often involving opposing perspectives to persuade or inform an audience.
Thesis
A thesis is a concise statement or central argument that outlines the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or scholarly work, guiding the direction of the writing.
Analogy
An analogy is a comparison between two different things that highlights their similarities, often used to clarify or explain a concept by relating it to something more familiar.
Factual evidence
Factual evidence consists of verifiable information or data that supports a claim or argument, often used to establish credibility and strengthen reasoning in writing or discourse.
Expert
An expert is a person who has extensive knowledge, skills, or experience in a particular field or subject, often recognized as a credible source of information or authority.
Statistics
Statistics are numerical data or mathematical calculations that summarize, analyze, and interpret information, often used to support arguments or provide insights into trends and patterns.