English paper 1

Allegory

A text where characters, events, or settings symbolise broader moral, political, or social ideas; conveys deep thematic critique indirectly rather than explicitly; how to spot: the story works on two levels (literal + symbolic); example: a fictional society representing real political systems.

Allusion

A brief reference to a well-known person, event, text, or cultural symbol; conveys shared cultural knowledge and strengthens meaning through association; how to spot: name-dropping or indirect references; example: referencing “Big Brother” to imply surveillance.

Ambiguity

The presence of multiple possible meanings or interpretations; conveys complexity and invites reader engagement rather than clear instruction; how to spot: unclear motives, unresolved endings, vague phrasing; example: an ending that can be read as hopeful or tragic.

Analogy

A comparison used to explain or clarify an abstract idea; conveys logical clarity and accessibility; how to spot: “like,” “as,” or extended comparisons; example: comparing the economy to a leaking bucket.

Anaphora

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses; conveys emphasis, urgency, and persuasive rhythm; how to spot: same opening phrase repeated; example: “We must act. We must change. We must respond.”

Anecdote

A short personal story or specific incident used as evidence; conveys relatability and credibility (ethos); how to spot: first-person storytelling; example: a writer describing their childhood experience.

Anthropomorphism

Giving human qualities to non-human things; conveys emotional connection or indirect social critique; how to spot: objects or ideas given feelings or intentions; example: “The nation mourned.”

Antithesis

Balanced contrast between opposing ideas within a sentence or structure; conveys tension and sharpens argument; how to spot: parallel structure with opposites; example: “Not freedom, but fear defines this society.”

Bias

Presenting one viewpoint while excluding alternatives; conveys subjectivity and ideological agenda; how to spot: selective evidence or loaded framing; example: ignoring counterarguments.

Cliché

An overused phrase or idea; conveys familiarity but may suggest shallow or uncritical thinking; how to spot: very common expressions; example: “At the end of the day.”

Connotation

Emotional or cultural associations attached to a word beyond its literal meaning; conveys subtle emotional manipulation; how to spot: emotionally charged word choices; example: “regime” vs “government.”

Denotation

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word; conveys objectivity and factual tone; how to spot: technical or neutral vocabulary; example: scientific definitions.

Diction

The author’s choice of words; conveys tone, authority, and intended audience; how to spot: formal vs informal language; example: jargon in expert writing.

Ellipsis

Deliberate omission of words or trailing sentences; conveys tension, trauma, or the unsaid; how to spot: “…” or abrupt gaps; example: “What happened next…”

Enumeration

Listing multiple items or details; conveys scale, seriousness, or overwhelming magnitude; how to spot: long lists separated by commas; example: listing consequences of war.

Euphemism

A mild or indirect term replacing a harsh one; conveys avoidance, politeness, or manipulation; how to spot: softened language; example: “collateral damage.”

Ethos

Appeal to credibility, authority, or trust; conveys reliability and legitimacy; how to spot: expert opinions, credentials, experience; example: quoting scientists or professionals.

Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis; conveys urgency, emotion, or satire; how to spot: extreme or absolute language; example: “This will ruin everything.”

Headline

The title of the text; conveys framing, bias, and intended reaction before reading; how to spot: emotive or sensational wording; example: fear-based news headlines.

Imagery

Language appealing to the senses; conveys emotional immersion and vividness; how to spot: visual, auditory, or tactile descriptions; example: describing smog as “choking.”

Imperative

Commanding or directive language; conveys urgency or authority; how to spot: verbs at the start of sentences; example: “Act now.”

Inclusive Language

Use of “we,” “us,” and “our”; conveys unity and shared responsibility; how to spot: collective pronouns; example: political speeches.

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality; conveys criticism, sarcasm, or exposure of hypocrisy; how to spot: meaning opposite to what’s stated; example: praising freedom while showing control.

Juxtaposition

Placing contrasting ideas or images side by side; conveys inequality or contradiction; how to spot: sharp contrasts in description; example: luxury next to poverty.

Loaded Language

Words with strong emotional connotations; conveys manipulation of reader emotion; how to spot: emotionally charged adjectives; example: “cruel,” “heartless.”

Logical Fallacy

Faulty or misleading reasoning; conveys weak logic or manipulation; how to spot: sweeping generalisations or false causes; example: “Everyone agrees, so it must be true.”

Logos

Appeal to logic and reason; conveys rationality and objectivity; how to spot: statistics, cause-effect reasoning; example: data used to justify claims.

Metaphor

Describing one thing as another; conveys conceptual framing and deeper meaning; how to spot: direct symbolic comparisons; example: “a broken system.”

Modality

Use of modal verbs (must, should, might); conveys certainty, obligation, or uncertainty; how to spot: modal verbs; example: “We must act now.”

Oxymoron

Two contradictory terms used together; conveys complexity or tension; how to spot: opposing words paired; example: “deafening silence.”

Paradox

A contradictory statement that reveals a truth; conveys philosophical depth; how to spot: statements that seem illogical but meaningful; example: “Less is more.”

Parallelism

Repetition of grammatical structure; conveys balance and authority; how to spot: similar sentence patterns; example: political rhetoric.

Pathos

Appeal to emotion; conveys empathy, fear, guilt, or sympathy; how to spot: emotive stories or imagery; example: suffering victims described vividly.

Purpose

The author’s intention behind the text; conveys why stylistic choices exist; how to spot: what the writer wants the reader to think or do; example: persuading voters.

Register

Level of formality in language; conveys social context and relationship; how to spot: slang vs formal phrasing; example: blogs vs reports.

Repetition

Repeated words or ideas throughout a text; conveys emphasis and reinforces key messages; how to spot: recurring phrases; example: repeated slogans.

Rhetorical Question

A question not meant to be answered; conveys persuasion and reflection; how to spot: questions guiding thought; example: “How long will we stay silent?”

Satire

Use of humour, irony, or exaggeration to criticise; conveys social or political disapproval; how to spot: mocking tone; example: ridiculing authority figures.

Sensationalism

Exaggerating details to provoke shock or fear; conveys urgency at the cost of accuracy; how to spot: dramatic language; example: panic-driven headlines.

Statistics

Numerical data used as evidence; conveys objectivity and logos; how to spot: percentages and figures; example: crime rate data.

Structural Shift

A noticeable change in tone, focus, or argument; conveys development or contrast; how to spot: turning points; example: shift from anecdote to data.

Syntax

Sentence structure and length; conveys pace, tension, or reflection; how to spot: short vs long sentences; example: fragmented sentences in crisis.

Tone

The writer’s attitude toward the subject; conveys emotional positioning; how to spot: word choice and mood; example: sarcastic tone.

Tricolon

Three parallel elements in a sentence; conveys completeness and memorability; how to spot: rule of three; example: “Freedom, equality, justice.”

Understatement

Deliberately downplaying significance; conveys irony or subtle critique; how to spot: minimising language; example: “Not ideal” after catastrophe.