Understanding Language Techniques

Alliteration

• What it is: The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words close together.

• Example: Sally sold seashells by the seashore.

• Why it’s used: To create rhythm or emphasise particular words

Simile

• What it is: Comparing two things using "like" or "as."

• Example: Her voice was as sweet as honey.

• Why it’s used: To make descriptions more vivid and relatable.

Metaphor

• What it is: Saying something is something else, without using "like" or "as."

• Example: The classroom was a zoo.

• Why it’s used: To create strong imagery and express ideas simply.

Personification

• What it is: Giving human qualities to non-human things.

• Example: The leaves danced in the wind.

• Why it’s used: To make descriptions more relatable or vivid.

Onomatopoeia

• What it is: Words that sound like the noise they describe.

• Example: The door creaked, the kettle whistled.

• Why it’s used: To make descriptions feel more dynamic and lifelike.

Hyperbole

• What it is: Exaggeration for emphasis or effect.

• Example: I’ve told you a million times!

• Why it’s used: To emphasize a point and make something sound larger than life.

Repetition

• What it is: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.

• Example: I won’t stop. I won’t give up.

• Why it’s used: To make an idea stronger or more memorable.

Rhetorical Question

• What it is: A question asked for effect, where the answer is obvious or not expected.

• Example: Why would anyone want to leave such a beautiful place?

• Why it’s used: To engage the reader and prompt thought.

Imagery

• What it is: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, etc.).

• Example: The warm, golden sunset bathed the field in a soft glow.

• Why it’s used: To create vivid pictures in the reader's mind and make the writing more immersive.

Contrast

• What it is: Placing two things side by side to highlight their differences.

• Example: The bright flowers stood out against the dull, grey sky.

• Why it’s used: To highlight differences and help make meaning clearer.