Skills – Analysing Non-Fictional Texts

Vocabulary flashcards covering analysis structure, stylistic devices, stylistic types, and tone as presented in the 'Skills – Analysing Non-Fictional Texts' lecture notes.

Paragraph structure in an analysis

Consists of (1) a topic sentence identifying the theme, (2) explanations, examples, and evidence from the text with line numbers, and (3) an analysis of the effect on the reader.

Simile

Compares two different things using “like” or “as” to make a description more vivid; examples include “The city was like a jungle” and “He was as brave as a lion.”

Metaphor

Describes something by saying it is something else without using “like” or “as”; examples include “Time is money” and “Her words were a knife in his back.”

Personification

Gives human qualities to animals, objects, or ideas; examples include “The wind whispered through the trees” and “Fear followed him everywhere.”

Alliteration

The repetition of the same initial sound in nearby words; examples include “Let us lead the land we love” and “Dark and dangerous days.”

Hyperbole

A strong exaggeration to emphasize a feeling or idea; examples include “I’ve told you a thousand times” and “He was dying of embarrassment.”

Rhetorical Question

A question not meant to be answered, but to make the reader think or manipulate them to agree; examples include “Do we really want to live like this?” and “What kind of future are we creating?”

Contrast / Juxtaposition

Shows the difference between two ideas, characters, or situations placed close together; examples include “The room was small, but his dreams were big” and “She felt alone in the crowd.”

Symbol

An object, person, or situation that stands for a deeper meaning; an example includes looking at a reflection in a broken mirror.

Style

Describes how a text is written, referring specifically to the language, structure, and techniques used by the author.

Formal Style

A serious and objective style often used in speeches or official texts, identified by long, well-structured sentences, formal vocabulary, and an absence of contractions.

Informal Style

A personal and conversational style identified by the use of contractions (don’t, can’t), short sentences, everyday language, and direct address (you, we).

Emotive / Emotional Style

A style that strongly appeals to the reader's emotions through the use of emotive adjectives (cruel, heartbreaking), exclamations, metaphors, and hyperboles.

Factual / Objective Style

A style focusing on information and facts rather than feelings, characterized by statistics, neutral language, and an absence of personal opinion.

Persuasive Style

A style that combines emotional and moral appeals with facts to convince the reader, using rhetorical questions, anecdotes, and appellative language (together, duty).

Tone

Describes the attitude of the speaker or author towards the topic or the audience.

Angry / Outraged Tone

Identified by strong negative words (unacceptable, shameful), short, forceful sentences, and exclamations.

Critical Tone

Identified by highlighting problems or weaknesses, using analytical language, and the use of contrast and negation.

Hopeful / Optimistic Tone

Identified by positive, future-oriented language, uplifting vocabulary, and positive modal verbs like “can” and “will.”

Sympathetic / Compassionate Tone

Identified by understanding language, a focus on feelings and struggles, and appeals for support.

Ironic / Sarcastic Tone

Identified by the contrast between what is said and what is meant, often involving exaggerated or unbelievable praise where context indicates criticism.