Language technique
Simile
Comparing two things using like or as
Metaphor
e.g. he was like a star shining brightly in the darkness
Comparing two things which are not literally the same
Personification
e.g. She is an angel
Giving something non-human human characteristics
Alliteration
e.g. The wind danced
When two or more words start with the same letter
Onomatopoeia
e.g. Big bouncing ball
When the sound reflects the word
Lexical set/ Lexical
field
Definition
e.g. bang
Using words that relate to each other to create an effect
Imagery
e.g The candle flickered and burned; its glow made the room radiate with warmth.
Using an image to convey a deeper meaning
Symbolism
e.g As the sunset, I knew I would never see him again
Using an object to represent a deeper meaning
Pathetic Fallacy
e.g. The clock ticked relentlessly; I knew my time was coming.
Using the weather to reflect the mood
Repetition
e.g The wind whipped mercilessly through the graveyard.
Repeating a word or phrase for effect
Hyperbole/
Exaggeration
e.g Slowly, I walked to the door. Slowly, I turned the handle.
Overstating an idea or emotion for effect
Superlative
e.g My heart broke into a million pieces. I knew that I would never love again
Expressing something to the highest degree
Oxymoron
e.g He was the kindest person I ever met.
Put two opposite words together for effect
Emotive Language
e.g loving hate or bitter sweet
Using language that conveys emotions
The Five Senses
e.g Full of joy and wonder, I danced all the way home.
See, hear, smell, touch and taste
e.g. the forest buzzed with the sound of birds’ wings flapping ad insects leaping from leaf to
leaf.
Using colour to convey a specific emotion
Colour imagery
e.g Grey clouds filled the window as despair descended