Language techniques Flashcards
What are superlatives?
Express extreme degree and can be an exaggeration.
Lists
Cram in lots of information.
semantic field?
Allows a build-up of imagery and creates a strong sense of a scene, image, or idea.
What do modal auxiliary verbs do?
Give strength to a verb and affect tone.
contrast
highlights two opposites side by side to place emphasis on each one.
What do imperatives?
show authority and dominance; they are persuasive.
What is the effect of a simile?
Allows the reader to look at something in a new way.
What is a metaphor?
Similar to a simile but tends to be more dramatic and poetic.
What do adjectives do?
Modify nouns and add description and imagery.
What are intensifiers?
Add intensity and make something sound more extreme.
What is a concrete noun?
Names things and helps to create an image.
What is a proper noun?
Names significant things.
What is an abstract noun?
Qualities, ideas, and concepts that can be discussed.
What does symbolism do?
Invests things with meaning to represent ideas or qualities.
What do verbs show?
Action or a state.
What is jargon?
Shows belonging to a particular niche group and can show expertise.
What do adverbs add?
More information about how an action is done.
What do prepositions show?
Placement.
What are connotations?
Allow each reader to bring their own meaning to a text.
What does ellipsis denote?
Something unfinished, interrupted, or lost; can denote suspense.
What does repetition do?
Emphasizes something for the reader’s attention.
What is hyperbole?
Makes something sound more or less than it actually is.
What does personification do?
Brings life to a subject or image.
What is sibilance?
Can quieten and calm or can sound bitter, depending on the context.
What do inclusive personal pronouns create?
Unity.
What does alliteration do?
Draws attention to a group of words and can create an atmosphere, mood, or tone.
What are plosive sounds?
Can sound aggressive when grouped.
What does onomatopoeia contribute to?
Brings life to a piece and contributes to an aural atmosphere.
What does a simple sentence sound like?
Can sound abrupt or excitable and increase the pace.
What is a minor sentence?
A fragment that can sound excitable or abrupt and increase pace.
What do monosyllabic words do?
Can sound abrupt or excitable and increase the pace.
What are triplets?
Draw attention to three things and can add a lyrical quality.
What does emotive language provoke?
A personal and emotional reaction from the reader.
What are rhetorical questions designed to do?
Make the reader think.
