English terms

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses

Metaphor

Direct comparison between two unlike things

Simile

Comparison using like or as

Personification

Giving human qualities to non-human things

Symbolism

Using something to represent a deeper meaning

Motif

Recurring idea image or symbol

Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration

Litotes

Understatement using negation

Oxymoron

Two contradictory terms together

Juxtaposition

Placing contrasting ideas side by side

Contrast

Highlighting differences between ideas

Irony

Difference between expectation and reality

Pathetic fallacy

Weather reflecting mood or emotion

Euphemism

Mild expression replacing something harsh

Dysphemism

Harsh expression replacing something neutral

Connotation

Implied meaning of a word

Denotation

Literal meaning of a word

Semantic field

Group of related words

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds

Assonance

Repetition of vowel sounds

Sibilance

Repetition of s sounds

Plosives

Harsh consonant sounds such as p b t d

Onomatopoeia

Words that imitate sound

Rhyme

Repetition of similar sounds

Rhythm

Pattern of beats in language

Cacophony

Harsh jarring sounds

Euphony

Pleasant harmonious sounds

Narrative perspective

Point of view of narrator

Stream of consciousness

Flow of thoughts in writing

Chronology

Order of events

Non linear structure

Events presented out of order

Flashback

Return to past events

Foreshadowing

Hinting at future events

Cyclical structure

Ending mirrors the beginning

Volta

Shift in tone or argument

Enjambment

Sentence continues across lines

Caesura

Pause within a line

Pacing

Speed of narrative

Tone

Writer’s attitude

Mood

Atmosphere created for reader

Narrative voice

Style of narration

Register

Level of formality

Didactic

Intended to teach

Ambiguity

Multiple possible meanings

Declarative

Statement sentence

Interrogative

Question sentence

Imperative

Command sentence

Minor sentence

Incomplete sentence

Parallelism

Similar sentence structure repeated

Repetition

Repeating words or phrases

Anaphora

Repetition at the start of clauses

Epiphora

Repetition at the end of clauses

Polysyndeton

Many conjunctions used

Asyndeton

Omission of conjunctions

Syntax

Sentence structure

Diction

Word choice

Modality

Level of certainty

Rhetorical question

Question not expecting an answer

Direct address

Speaking directly to the reader

Inclusive pronouns

Using we or us to involve the reader

Emotive language

Language that evokes emotion

Antithesis

Contrasting ideas in parallel structure

Tricolon

Group of three elements

Extended metaphor

Metaphor developed over time

Identity

Sense of self

Power

Control or influence

Conflict

Struggle between forces

Isolation

Separation from others

Memory

Recollection of the past

Nature

Natural world

Society

Social structures and norms

Freedom

Ability to act independently