Download Language Techniques

1.3 Unfamiliar Texts Terminology
Abbreviation
Abstract Noun
Adverb
Acronym
Adjective
Alliteration
Anecdote
Antonym
Assonance
Cliché
Colloquialism
Complex sentence
Compound
sentence
Shortened form of a
word.
E.G. phone (telephone)
Names idea rather than
physical objects.
E.G. love, hate, survival
CompoundComplex sentence
Word that gives the
reader more about the
meaning of a verb.
E.G. Ran slowly
New word formed using
the first letters in the
names of organisation
or things.
E.G. radar (radio
detection and ranging)
Word that describes a
noun or pronoun.
E.G. blue desk
Conjunction
Direct speech
The actual words
spoken by a character
or person.
Repetition of initial
sound in a group of
words.
E.G. wild and whirling
words
Short tale to enliven a
conversation.
Emotive Language
Language chosen
because of its
connotations.
E.G. slaughtered rather
than killed.
A word or phrase used
to replace a less
socially acceptable one.
E.G. passed away
instead of died.
The use of figures of
speech like similes and
metaphors.
Story told by the person
involved.
E.G. I felt numb.
Deliberate exaggeration
for effect.
E.G. I felt so good I
knew I could conquer
the world.
Use of figurative or
descriptive language
techniques to create an
image.
A command.
E.G. Buy now!
Technical vocab used
by groups of people
who share a hobby or
workplace.
E.G. byte, mouse,
CDROM
Words opposite in
meaning.
E.G Love is the
antonym of hate.
Repetition or similarity
of vowel sounds in a
group of words.
E.G. line/find
A well worn or
stereotyped expression.
E.G. his better half
A word or phrase used
in speech but not formal
writing.
E.G. dunno, cop.
Has a main and
subordinate clause.
E.G. Although the wind
settled the rain beat
against the window.
Has two main clauses.
E.G. The rain beat
against the window and
the wind howled.
Connotation
Contractions
Euphemism
Figurative
language
First person
Hyperbole
Imagery
Imperative
Jargon
Has at least three
clauses and verbs.
E.G. Although the wind
settled, the rain beat
against the window and
came in under the
doors.
Words used to join
sentences together.
E.G. and, but
The emotional meaning
or association of a
word.
E.G. Pig – dirty, smelly.
Shortened words.
E.G. don’t, can’t
Listing
Metaphor
Minor sentence
Noun
Onomatopoeia
Oxymoron
Personal Pronoun
Personification
Point of View
Pun
Purpose
Repetition
Rhetorical
question
A list of examples or
points to give validity to
an argument.
A very close and direct
comparison, when one
thing ‘becomes’
another.
E.G. Conversations
bloom all about.
Has parts missing but
can be understood.
E.G. You going?
Naming word.
The sound of the word
spoken echoes the
noise described.
E.G. bang, pop.
Self contradiction for
effect.
E.G. ‘More haste, less
speed”
Pronoun that speaks
directly to audience.
E.G. You, use, we.
Giving non human
objects human
characteristics.
E.G. The wind danced
in the trees.
The angle from which
the story is told.
E.G. first, second or
third person.
Words which employs
two meanings, a play
on words.
E.G. The cake shop
owner sponged off his
friend.
What the text aims to
achieve.
E.G. entertain,
persuade, inform.
Word, phrase or clause
repeated for emphasis.
E.G. Martin Luther
King’s I have a Dream
speech.
A question asked for
effect not information.
E.G. Can we condone
the killing of innocent
children?
Rhyme
Rhythm
Second person
Simile
Slang
Symbol
Syntax
Tense
Third person
Tone
Verb
Repetition of identical
sounds to create a
sound effect.
E.G. let us weep for
those who sleep.
Patterns created in
verse by stressed and
unstressed syllables.
Story is told like the
reader is the subject.
E.G. You walk into the
room.
A straightforward
comparison.
E.G. The applause was
like waves crashing.
Words used by a
particular group that are
not easily understood
by outsiders. Informal.
E.G. sick, emo
Recurring image that
has a universal
recognised significance.
E.G. dove = peace.
Way in which words are
organised into
sentences.
Time at which the
action takes place.
E.G. past, present,
future.
Story told by an outside
narrator.
E.G. He, she, they.
Writer’s attitude to the
subject.
Words expressing a
state of being.
E.G. ran, sat.
How to answer this section:
1. Read and annotate the text thoroughly without looking at the questions!
2. Do a quick PATMI about the text. (Remember to read the fine print to see where the text came
from etc.)
3. Read all the questions.
4. Answer each question in detail using your own words plus examples where required. Follow a
TEE pattern where possible.
5. Before moving on to the next question check you have done what it asked.