Language Techniques

• nouns


  naming words:

  -concrete -> objects

  -abstract -> ideas and feelings

  -proper -> people, places, days, months, etc
• adjectives


  words that describe nouns
• verbs


  words that show action or a state of being
• adverbs


  words that describe verbs and adjectives
• pronouns


  someone or something -> the subject of the sentence
• prepositions


  words used to show where something is in place or time
• simile


  a comparison using 'like' or as' to create a vivid image
• metaphor


  a comparison made without using 'like' or 'as
• personification


  a type of imagery in which non-human objects, animals or ideas are given human characteristics
• pathetic fallacy


  the environment (usually the weather) reflects the mood of the character or scene
• onomatopoeia


  the sounds of words to express or underline their meaning, sensory imagery
• alliteration


  the repetition of the same sounds usually at the beginning of words
• assonance


  the repetition of vowel sounds in a series of words
• rule of 3


  repetition in a group of three to strengthen an idea or argument
• connotations


  implied meanings suggested by a word rather than its literal meanings
• hyperbole


  over-the-top exaggeration for effect
• repetition


  words, phrases or ideas that are repeated for effect
• rhetorical questions


  a question asked for effect with no answer expected
• emotive language


  words chosen to bring an emotional response
• what else to consider

  -if the text is in 1st or 3rd person

  -if the text is personal or impersonal

  -the effect of what tense the writer has chosen to write in (past or present)

  -always comment on the possible effects of language use on the reader