Key Terminology

Question 1

Simile

Answer 1

A comparison of generally unlike things
using like' or as …as’.
Says that one thing is LIKE/AS another.

Question 2

Metaphor

Answer 2

A very strong and powerful comparison
between UNLIKE things. States that one
thing IS another (which is obviously false,
that is, not literally true).

Question 3

Personification

Answer 3

When inanimate (non-living) or non-human
objects or ideas are given human qualities.

Question 4

Alliteration

Answer 4

Repetition of consonants, usually at the
beginning of words so that the words are
linked together by sound.
Can be interrupted by a few words, but
closeness is important.

Question 5

Anaphora

Answer 5

Repetition of the starting line of a poem.

Question 6

Caesura

Answer 6

a break in the flow of sound in the middle of a line of verse.

Question 7

Emotive language

Answer 7

Powerful describing words or adjectives.

Question 8

Enjambment

Answer 8

When a sentence runs over from one line of verse into the next.

Question 9

Onomatopoeia

Answer 9

Where the SOUND of a word is the same as
its MEANING. When the sound of the
word imitates or suggest the meaning or
noise of the action described.

Question 10

Foreshadowing

Answer 10

“Foreshadowing” is a narrative device in which suggestions or warnings about events to come are dropped or planted.

Question 11

Hyperbole

Answer 11

Exaggeration for effect.

Question 12

Imagery

Answer 12

A literary device used in poetry, novels, and other writing that uses vivid description that appeals to a readers’ senses to create an image or idea in their head.

Question 13

Irony

Answer 13

The use of words that are clearly the
opposite of what is really meant. The
opposite of sincerity.

Question 14

Juxtaposition

Answer 14

When two or more ideas are contrasted near (not necessarily next to) each other.

Question 15

Oxymoron

Answer 15

When two opposing words are place side by side to create an effect.

Question 16

Pathetic fallacy

Answer 16

When human characteristics are applied to things (often found in nature), i.e. the “angry sky” or “the wind whispered through the trees”. Usually done to set the tone or reflect the mood of characters.

Question 17

Sibilance

Answer 17

Repetition of the ‘s’ sound.

Question 18

Symbolism

Answer 18

Symbolism is the idea that things represent other things.

Question 19

Assonance

Answer 19

Repetition of the vowel sounds in words Sound
with a close connection.

Question 20

Colloquial Language

Answer 20

Informal or slang words and phrases (i.e. just how you’d speak everyday!). Think wanna rather than “want to”.

Question 21

Semantic field

Answer 21

When a group of words all link to one overall theme.

Question 22

Allusion

Answer 22

Making reference to people, places, events, literary work, myths, or works of art…

Question 23

Repetition

Answer 23

Exactly how it sounds - repeating words,
phrases, lines or verses in a text.

Question 24

Rhyme

Answer 24

Repetition of sound at the ends of words.

Question 25

Half Rhyme

Answer 25

When words sound similar but are not a full rhyme, like spine and lime.

Question 26

Stanza

Answer 26

The different parts of a poem with gaps in the middle.

Question 27

Euphemism

Answer 27

An expression used to avoid saying
something embarrassing or
uncomfortable.