Functional English Unit 5 – Language and Literary Skills

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, figures of speech, and examples from Unit 5 to support understanding and recall of language and literary skills.

Language Skills

The abilities involved in effective communication through speaking, listening, reading, and writing

Literary Skills

Abilities to analyse, interpret, and create texts using stylistic, tonal, and figurative techniques

Figure of Speech

A rhetorical device that conveys meaning in a non-literal way to add clarity, emphasis, or originality

Simile

A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as” (e.g., “as brave as a lion”)

Metaphor

A direct comparison stating one thing is another, without “like” or “as” (e.g., “Time is a thief”)

Irony

Language that conveys a meaning opposite to its literal sense, often for humorous or emphatic effect

Situational Irony

When the actual outcome of a situation contrasts sharply with the expected outcome

Verbal Irony

When a speaker says one thing but intends the opposite meaning

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows information that characters in a story do not

Personification

Attributing human traits, feelings, or actions to non-human entities

Hyperbole

Intentional exaggeration for emphasis or humour (e.g., “I’ve told you a million times”)

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighbouring words for rhythmic or musical effect

Idiom

A set expression whose figurative meaning differs from its literal meaning (e.g., “kick the bucket”)

Phrase

A group of words acting as a single unit in a sentence, lacking a full subject-verb relationship

One-Word Substitution

Using a single word to replace a longer phrase for brevity and precision (e.g., “omniscient” for “all-knowing”)

Ambidextrous

Able to use both hands with equal skill

Omnipresent

Existing everywhere at the same time

Philanthropist

A person devoted to promoting the welfare of others, often through generous donations

Ephemeral

Lasting for a very short time; short-lived

Misanthrope

A person who dislikes and avoids humankind

Antithesis

Juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in parallel structures (e.g., “Give me liberty or give me death”)

Assonance

Repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words to enhance musicality

Euphemism

A mild or indirect word substituted for one considered harsh or blunt (e.g., “passed away”)

Oxymoron

A figure of speech pairing contradictory terms (e.g., “deafening silence”)

“Break the Ice”

Idiom meaning to initiate conversation and ease tension in a social setting

“Under the Weather”

Idiom meaning feeling ill or unwell

“Bite Off More Than You Can Chew”

Idiom meaning to attempt a task too large to handle

“A Piece of Cake”

Idiom meaning something very easy to do

“On the Same Page”

Phrase meaning to share the same understanding or agreement

Hyperbole (Literary Role)

Used to intensify emotions, add humour, or create vivid imagery in speech and writing