GCSE English Language & Structure Features Revision Guide

These flashcards cover key language and structure features relevant for GCSE English language, focusing on definitions and effects in exam-ready terminology.

Metaphor

A comparison saying something is something else; creates vivid imagery and helps the reader understand an idea emotionally.

Simile

A comparison using like or as; makes descriptions clearer or more relatable.

Personification

Giving human qualities to non-human things; creates empathy, mood, or emotional connection.

Pathetic Fallacy

When weather reflects mood; establishes atmosphere and foreshadows events.

Emotive Language

Words designed to provoke emotion; influences the reader’s feelings or opinions.

Alliteration

Repetition of consonant sounds; adds emphasis and makes phrases memorable.

Sibilance

Repetition of ‘s’ or ‘sh’ sounds; creates tension, softness, or eeriness depending on context.

Onomatopoeia

Words that imitate sounds; makes writing more vivid and immersive.

Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration; emphasizes a point and shows strong emotion.

Sensory Imagery

Appeals to the five senses; helps the reader visualize or experience the scene.

Adjectives / Adverbs

Describing words; adds detail and shapes tone and mood.

Noun / Verb Choices (Lexical choice)

Specific vocabulary selected for effect; reveals attitude, tone, or character.

Repetition

Repeating words or phrases; highlights importance and creates rhythm.

Rhetorical Question

A question asked without expecting an answer; engages the reader and provokes thought.

Rule of Three

Three ideas listed for impact; creates rhythm and makes arguments persuasive.

Contrast / Juxtaposition

Opposing ideas placed together; highlights differences and creates tension.

Symbolism

Objects representing deeper meanings; adds layers of meaning and reinforces themes.

Narrative Perspective

Shapes the reader’s connection to characters or events through 1st, 2nd, or 3rd person.

Focus Shift

When the writer moves the reader’s attention; controls pacing and builds tension or surprise.

Zooming In / Out

Shifting between detailed and broad descriptions; highlights key details and creates a cinematic effect.

Chronological / Non-chronological Order

Events in time order or disrupted order; builds suspense and reveals information strategically.

Flashback / Flashforward

Movement in time; adds context and creates tension or foreshadowing.

Cyclical Structure

Ending mirrors the beginning; suggests inevitability and reinforces themes.

Climax / Turning Point

The most intense moment; heightens drama and shifts tone.

Foreshadowing

Hints about future events; builds suspense and prepares the reader.

Withholding Information

Deliberately delaying key details; creates mystery or tension.

Dialogue Placement

Where speech appears in the text; reveals character and changes pace.

Opening / Ending Techniques

How the writer starts or finishes the text; establishes tone and leaves a lasting impression.