Language Devices

AS English

Pathetic fallacy

The weather/atmosphere describes the mood

Personification

Non-living objects are given human characteristics

Simile

Comparing 2 things using like/as

Metaphor

Comparing 2 things using is/are

Extended Metaphor

A metaphor that unfolds, uses many interrelated metaphors and further explains the comparison made

Oxymoron

2 opposite words are placed next to each other for emphasis or to add irony

Juxtaposition

Compare or contrast 2 concepts/ words to illuminate complex ideas

Symbolism

Linking objects to a wider meaning

Semantic Field

Linking a group of words in a text to 1 idea

Irony

Expression of something that is contrary to the intended meaning

Rhetorical question

A question that does not require an answer

Hyperbole

Use of overexaggerated statements

Assonance

Repetition of vowel sounds

Alliteration

Words in a row begin with the same letter

Sibilance

Words in a row begin with 's'

Euphemism

To say something in an indirect manner

Emotive language

Use language that evokes an emotional response in the reader

Onomatopoeia

Words that describe sounds

Rule of three

Use 3 phrases/words in a row to describe something

Facts/statistics

Using evidence to support what you've stated to make it more convincing/persuasive

Plosives

Repetition of a harsh sound to create a forceful tone/emphasis, specifically P, T, C, D sounds

Zoomorphism

Humans are given animal characteristics

Opinion

Your own beliefs, judgements and views

Repetition

Repeat phrases/words for effect

Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs

Naming, Doing, and Describing words

Imperative

Command words

Cacophony

Repetition of harsh sounds

Colloquial language

Writing how you would speak (slang)

Anaphora

Repetition at the beginning of a text

Epistrophe

Repetition at the end

Aporia

Speaker expresses doubt in writing

Hubris

Character is arrogant or overly confident

Hypophora

Writer answers their own question

Paradox

Opposite ideas/themes that make sense

Satire

Use of humour to expose problems in society or people

Tmesis

Inserting a word into another word

Diction

Specific way of speaking in writing

Anachronism

Time machine - events in the text don't match the time period

Superlative

The highest order of a word (suffix -est, most)

Motif

Reoccurring image

Verbal irony

When events opposite to what the character says happens

Structural irony

Events that are opposite to what the character thinks happens

Dramatic irony

Audience knows something the characters don't

Symbolism

Objects/things have a wider meaning

Anecdote

Short personal story

Imagery

Creating an image in the reader's mind through detailed descriptions

Sensory writing

Using the 5 senses in writing: touch, sound, sight, smell, taste

Chremamorphism

Humans are given non-human characteristics

Anastrophe

Incorrect order of words

Cliche

Words/phrases that are used often in writing