langauge features bcea

Noun

A word used to identify a person, place, thing, or idea, making writing vivid and memorable.

Example: Person, place, thing, or idea.

Verb

An action word that creates a clear image for the reader.

Example: Run, walk, read, learn.

Imperative verb

A command word that creates a specific tone or mood.

Example: "Write me that essay!"

Interrogative verb

A verb form used to ask a question, provoking thought and engagement.

Example: "Why is the sky blue?"

Incomplete verb

A verb structure forming a minor sentence (often in dialogue) that adds climax or precision to a description.

Example: "Gone fishing."

Adjective

A word describing a noun, strengthening writing by providing details about character or setting.

Example: "Her hair is blue."

Simile

A comparison between two unlike things introduced by "like" or "as" to create a vivid image.

Example: "She is as innocent as an angel."

Metaphor

A direct comparison stating one thing is another without using "like" or "as".

Example: "She is an angel."

Extended metaphor

Variations of a single underlying comparison sustained throughout a section of writing to create a complex description.

Example: "It is a white seed, which unfurls itself into a black bud poking through."

Adverb

A word that modifies a verb, adjective, or sentence, adding specific detail to the main clause.

Example: Slowly, often, very.

Pronoun

A word taking the place of a noun, making writing feel more direct and personal to the reader.

Example: She, her, herself, himself.

Preposition

A word or phrase linking a noun or pronoun to a verb or adjective to show location, time, or direction.

Example: "I am going with her" (after, to, with, in, on).

Onomatopoeia

The naming of an action or object through the imitation of its natural sound, adding energy or humor.

Example: Boom, bang, slam.

Interjection

A word inserted into a sentence to express sudden emotion, making feelings real and relatable.

Example: "Ouch, that's sore!"

Cliché

An expression that has been overused to the point of losing its original impact, sometimes used for comedic effect.

Example: "A diamond in the rough" or "in the nick of time."

Jargon

Specialized phrases or terminology used within a specific profession, trade, or context.

Example: TRO (Temporary Restraining Order).

Enjambment

The continuation of a sentence across line breaks without terminal punctuation in poetry, creating a stream of consciousness.

Example: "Autumn showing off colours slowly / Letting the splendid colours / Flow softly to earth below."

Emotive language

Word choices aimed at triggering emotional reactions in the reader.

Example: "Brave granny risks life to save emaciated orphan."

Allusion

An indirect reference to another text, historical event, or person that offers additional depth.

Example: "Dulce et Decorum est" referencing Horace's poetry.

Paradox

A statement that appears contradictory or absurd on the surface, yet conveys a deeper truth.

Example: "This is the beginning of the end."

Allegory

A narrative with a secondary symbolic level of meaning hidden beneath the surface story.

Example: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.

Hyperbole

An intentional exaggeration not meant to be taken literally, used for comedic or dramatic effect.

Example: "I have a million things to do today!"

Diction

An author's specific word choices, revealing tone, education level, or character background.

Example: "Hey, what's up."

Repetition

Re-using specific words or phrases multiple times to add emphasis and rhythm.

Example: "Gas! Gas!"

Listing

A continuous sequence of objects, names, or descriptions used to emphasize scale and construct imagery.

Example: "Rivers swollen, bridges down, land flooded, water contaminated – it was a disaster."

Dialogue

Direct spoken conversation between characters, shedding light on their relationship and personality.

Example: "Hello Tom." / "Please don't speak to me, I'm very angry with you."

Narrator

The voice telling the story, whose point of view and background frame how events are presented.

Example: Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird—Her childlike voice influences how we see Maycomb and the events of the novel

Sibilance

The deliberate repetition of soft consonant sounds (like 's' or 'sh') to create a hissing auditory effect.

Example: "Sing a Song of Sixpence."

Lexical choices

Lexical choice refers to the deliberate selection of specific words—nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs—to shape meaning, tone, and audience perception. E.g slender has connotations of gracefulness whilst skinny can be criticised. Tone example can be saying commence (more formal) instead of start.