English Metalanguage

Alliteration

Repetition of sounds, usually the first letter, in a sequence of words

example of alliteration

The downpour was devastating for dairy farmers

Ambiguity

A word or phrase with double meaning

example of ambiguity

I rode a horse in pjs

Analogy

Comparing two very different ideas to create understanding

Example of analogy

Just as a sword is the weapon of a warrior, a pen is the weapon of a writer.

anthology

collection of literary works

Example of anthology

collections of poems, shor stories, plays, songs, or excerpts by different authors

Ancedote

Using a story to illustrate a point

Example of anecdote

My family immigrated in 1968

Anti-climax

A sudden descent in the excitement or rhythm of the plot

Example of anit-climax

Crappy base drop

Appeal to family values

Appealing to an audience's desire for the perfect family situation

example of Appeal to family values

The family dinner is dying out, and family connectedness is suffering as a result

Appeal to fear and insecurity

Targets fears about safety from crime, dangerous situations, negative outcomes, lack of certainty

example of Appeal to fear and insecurity

If the Government fails to fund school crossings, there will be many more accidents involving school children.

Appeal to justice

Appeals to an audience's desire for justice to be served to those who do wrong

example of Appeal to justice

it is a travesty that the bail system allows criminals to re-offend with no follow up punishment

Appeal to loyalty and patriotism

Appealing to a person's commitment to their country and values

example of Appeal to loyalty and patriotism

Any Australian should know the words to the national anthem

Appeal to the hip-pocket nerve

Appealing to a person's reluctance to spend money unnecessarily

example of Appeal to the hip-pocket nerve

The Citylink bypass will cost every tax payer $1000 over the next two years

Assertion

To say something is true

example of Assertion

Sun exposure causes skin cancer

Assumption

Assuming something is true, without providing proof

example of Assumption

All health problems can be cured with a change in diet

Attacks

Putting down or humiliating an individual or group

example of Attacks

The Prime Minister obviously isnt doing his job if we are still struggling for drought relief

Audience

The most ideal person or group to which a piece is directed is written

example of Audience

The audience of Hairy Maclairy is young children, between 2 and 6 years of age, beginning to read aloud and repeat verses

Autobiography

A life story written by the person themselves

example of Audience

The Diary of a Young Girl, written by Anne Frank

Bias

Prejudice or leaning towards or away from a person or group

example of Bias

African-Americans have been victim of bias in the legal system in the past

Characterisation

An author's construction of a character

example of Characterisation

in To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout is constructed by lee as inquisitive, questioning, strong-willed and intelligent

Cliche

A commonly used phrase that has deeper meaning

example of Cliche

Don't judge a book by its cover

Colloquialism

Commonly used language that is less formal

Example of Colloquialism

Mate, you're dreamin'

Connotation

Words that carry strong emotional meaning. Positive/negative

example of Connotation

He is so childish (negative), He is childlike (positive)

Dialogue

Verbal interaction between two or more characters in a play or text

example of dialogue

Interaction between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader in Star Wars "I AM YOUR FATHER", "NOOO"

dichotomy

A a sharp division of things or ideas into two contradictory parts

example of dichotomy

Grouping mammals by those that live on land and those that live in water.

director's notes

Notes on characters, setting or context that add to a play's stage directions

example of director's notes

Arthur Miller interspersed 'The Crucible' with notes about characters andthe context of the Salem trials

Elegy

A poem of reflection, often for someone who has died

example of elegy

Skrzynecki writes a number of elegies, for example The Elegy of Don McLaughlin.

Emotional language

Words that convey the author's emotions with great clarity

example of emotional language

I was torn apart by grief; some days I could not even face feeding my children.

Emotive language

Words that carry a strong emotional meaning. This can be positive or negative

example of emotive language

The bushfire left a scene of horrific devastation.

Emphasis

Using bold or italic font in writing, using an exclamation mark; or placing stress on a word when spoken so it stands out

example of emphasis

You simply CAN'T do that! I wasn't really going to go.

Enjambment

Running over of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next

example of enjambment

'"a springtime gust/flooding the valley"

Epilogue

A concluding chapter of a text

example of epilogue

Year of Wonders has an epilogue that discusses Anna's life in the Middle East, long after the plague.

Euphemism

Using a milder or less extreme expression in place of one that is confronting

example of euphemism

He passed away this morning.

evidence

Statistics, findings of scientific studies, test results, census data to prove particular scenarios

example of evidence

The Australian Electoral Commission has stated that there are 4.5 million voters in Victoria.

Exaggeration/Hyperbole

Saying more than what is literally true, usually for humor or for emphasis.

example of exaggeration/hyperbole

There are millions of reasons he shouldn't be President.

expert opinion

Calling on a recognised authority in a particular field

example of expert opinion

The Cancer Council recommends using SPF 50+ sunscreen.

flashback/shift in time

Moving the storyline backwards or forwards in time to illustrate events or determine character decisions

example of flashback/ shift in time

Year of Wonders begins after the plague has hit, then shifts back in time one year.

back to the future

free verse

Lines of text that do not fit with rhyme, meter or specific rhythm; most novels are free verse, some poetry also

example of free verse

Many of Skrzynecki's poems are free verse in style.

generalisation

Saying something is true for everyone, not just specific people

example of generalisation

All teenagers are lazy and selfish. Cats will kill birds if they are let out of the house.

genre

the style or category of a piece

example of genre

autobiography, historical novel, horror film

imagery

Language that paints a picture with words in the audience's mind

example of imagery

The cyclone left a trail of destruction, with trees uprooted, demolished houses and snapped off powerlines littering the streets.

inclusive language

Using words like us, we, our to make a connection between the author and the audience

Example of Inclusive Language

As law-abiding citizens, it is not our responsibility to reduce crime in our streets.

Jargon

Specific vocabulary used by a group, often difficult for others to understand

example of jargon

You'll have 6 SACs for VCE 3 & 4, and the GAT will occur in June.

metaphor

Comparing one thing to another, often an abstract to a concrete idea

example of metaphor

His career was legendary

monologue

a longer speech in a play or film

example of monologue

Macbeth's 'dagger' speech is a famous monologue.

onomatopoeia

a word created to imitate a sound

example of onomatopoeia

click, crash, boom

pace

the speed at which a story or plot unfolds

example of pace

Having a lot of character development in a short amount of time

Personification

attributing personal characteristics to something non-human

example of personification

Death is often seen as the Grim Reaper, Time is seen as a man, nature as a .woman

perspective

The lens or filter through which a character, event or context is viewed by a reader

example of perspective

Year of Wonders can be viewed as a feminist novel, as it has a female-led storyline.

play on words/pun

Using puns or plays on words to create amusement or gain attention. Often used in headlines

example of word play/pun

Orange farmers find spring rains a-peel-ing.

praise

Complimenting and demonstrating support for an individual or group

example of praise

The Red Cross has worked tirelessly for the wellbeing of thousands of people, and should be commended for their efforts.