Language Features Effects

Rhyme

Makes the text memorable and can make poems amusing. Lightens the mood if subject matter is serious or sad in nature. Can tie together the middle and end of verses.

Alliteration

Makes small sections of the text hang together and flow better. Draws our attention to this phrase. Creates a harder or softer mood in line with the meaning

Assonance

Makes small sections of the text hang together and flow better. Draws our attention to this phrase. Repetition of vowels generally gives a soft, quiet, calm mood unless the sounds are the short vowels, eg in cat, pet, pin, off, cup.

Onomatopoeia

This helps us hear the actual sound being named and therefore we understand it properly or it transports us to the place of the sound.

Repetition

This is used to emphasize whatever is being said or written, or to mimic repetition in nature.

Metaphor

To heighten the image of an object

through comparison. It therefore enlivens descriptions by helping us to see these people/animals/things in a new light - in a way we may

Simile

To draw attention to a characteristic

(the two things have in common) to

make it easy to visualise.

Personification

personification makes inanimate objects seem lively and lifelike while it also contributes to our sense of oneness with these inanimate objects.

Choice of words

More unusual words provide more specific meaning than common ones. Specialized or technical words make it seem like the writer/speaker really knows the topic.

Use of slang

Grounds the text in informality as well as a certain social group and period of time.

Use of incorrect grammar

Creates an image of the character - helps to define personality and place him/her in a particular educational or social class. Provides authenticity in your writing.

Pun

Provokes amusement and therefore a tendency for the reader to feel good about the company / product and possibly to buy the product.

If used by a character, shows that that character is rather clever and witty.

Hyperbole

Used for emphasis to get a point across. Also illustrates something of the mood of the speaker/writer.

Simple sentences

Used to establish one idea. Often used as topic sentences, making clear what the paragraph is about or marking a change of place/topic/etc

Rhetorical question

To make the reader stop and think

or to self-reflect. To draw attention to what follows - the point.

First and second pronoun

First person: Gives immediacy to the text - the author or character makes a direct connection with the reader / audience. The emotional qualities of the text / character are more available also - the internal life of the author or character. "We" in a speech involves the audience with the speaker ("We all know that violence is wrong").

Second person: In speeches and adverts, this direct address to the listeners/viewers involves them and may challenge them to respond, even if only mentally. In narrative, the use shows interaction between characters. It can also seem accusatory.

Symbolism

These are a form of shorthand to emotions - an author can use a symbol so that the reader / audience understands the emotions invested in the object without describing those emotions every time the object is used. Provides the reader with a visual (actual or mental) aide-memoire - something that conjures up certain memories and/or emotions or qualities when s/he sees the symbol.

Euphemism

Amusement in the reader, or revealing of the character of the person using it (kindhearted or sarcastic or squeamish, for example)

Listing

Shows the extent of or emphasizes the topic/object/event being discussed/described; shows the author's wide knowledge of the topic

Sarcasm

The attitude and emotions of the author are transferred or made clear to the reader

Irony

The attitude and emotions of the author are transferred or made clear to the reader

Contrast

Strengthens each aspect of the contrast by showing up the differences

To emphasize a change or difference or idea

Use of numbers/ statistics

A specific number or statistic gives the impression that the speaker/writer is authoritative and knowledgeable

Jargon

to express knowledge and expertise.

Cliche

they can be used for comedic effect

Facts

To add credibility to statements or

opinions via evidence.

Imperative

To encourage the reader to act.

To address the reader directly.

Exclamatory sentence

into a strong command or reflect an emotional outburst.

Active verbs

To give an impression of the present

or a continuous action. To indicate an

action-packed event or high energy.

Short sentence

To show speed, anger or time passing(lots of short sentences).

To show shock or surprise

(one short sentence).

To be dramatic. To create tension.

To show a contrast.

Adjective

To modify the noun or subject.

Adverb

create for more descriptive actions, which would give the writing a more active feeling.

Quotation

The effective use of quotations augments the power of your arguments and makes your essays more interesting.

Antonyms

Provides a contrast. INtroduces a change in .. (mood)

Conjunction

Introduces a change or a sudden shift with the use of one word

First Person Narrative

Allows the reader to learn what the author or character is thinking