Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-11-onomatopoeia [Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [GCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse.md) › [English Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language.md) › [AQA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa.md) › Onomatopoeia # Onomatopoeia English Language: AQA GCSE, topic 2.1.11 ## Onomatopoeia Onomatopoeia is when the way the word sounds imitates the sound it is describing. ### Heels clacking ![Heels clacking](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/04e255bb-90cd-4b5c-a133-8021f43dbb72/high-heels.jpg) - Her heels __clacked__ on the wooden floor. - In this phrase, __‘clacked’__ is onomatopoeia because __‘clack’__ sounds like the noise that high heels make when they hit wooden floors. - The onomatopoeia adds to your writing because it grabs the reader’s attention, jarring them as the description is interrupted with the literal sound, __‘clack’__. ### Earthquake rumbling ![Earthquake rumbling](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/1f87c078-8be0-47a5-b781-d5dd64950b89/Waves-Scale-Earthquake-.jpg) - The earthquake __rumbled__ across the valley. - In this phrase, __‘rumbled’__ is onomatopoeia because __‘rumble’__ sounds like the noise that earthquakes make as they move through the ground. - The onomatopoeia adds to your writing because it grabs the reader’s attention, jarring them as the description is interrupted with the literal sound, __‘rumble’__. ### Paint splattering ![Paint splattering](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-07/67d522ee-ba38-46cc-a83b-cf71dd85e24a/paint-artist.jpg) - He flicked the brush and paint __splattered__ across the wall. - In this phrase, __‘splattered’__ is onomatopoeia because __‘splat’__ sounds like the noise that paint makes when it hits a surface. - The onomatopoeia adds to your writing because it grabs the reader’s attention, jarring them as the description is interrupted with the literal sound, __‘splat’__. ## Tips for Using Onomatopoeia Onomatopoeia is when the way the word sounds imitates the sound it is describing. ### Focus on the sound ![Focus on the sound](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/AQA%20New%20Modules/8.1.1/red%20sound%20wave.jpg) - Focus on the sound you are trying to create. What are you describing and what sound do you want your reader to actually hear in their heads as they read the sentence? ### Consider tone/atmosphere ![Consider tone/atmosphere](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/chemistry/2.3.1-%20Chemical%20properties/lightning-399853_640-min.jpg) - Consider what kind of tone/atmosphere you are trying to create – the right onomatopoeic sound could give you a very tense feeling (__‘rumble’, ‘crunch’, ‘clatter’__) or could create a more uplifting feeling (__‘hum’, ‘jingle’__). ### Choose vocabulary well ![Choose vocabulary well](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2025-09/7f11a6bc-90eb-491a-ba24-e565572df596/b4358096-bd43-4716-b3a8-9796bc75b7f3.png) - Your choice of vocabulary is vital in creating your language devices effectively. ## Test yourself on Onomatopoeia - Which word uses onomatopoeia in this sentence?Harry smacked his lips as his mother brought out the piping hot pizza. - Which word uses onomatopoeia? - Which word uses onomatopoeia? - Which phrases use onomatopoeia? - Which onomatopoeic word is most appropriate for creating a tense atmosphere? [Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/df1578de-6327-45fa-9420-1619f20f680e/section/67a68367-b304-443f-9035-ad12eecba102/session) - Previous topic: [2.1.10 Sibilance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-10-sibilance.md) - Next topic: [2.1.12 Emotive Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-12-emotive-language.md) ## English Language: AQA GCSE contents ### 1 Key Terms - 1.1 Key Terms - [1.1.1 Nouns](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-1-nouns.md) - [1.1.2 Verbs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-2-verbs.md) - [1.1.3 Sentence Types](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-3-sentence-types.md) - [1.1.4 Words](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-4-words.md) - [1.1.5 Sound](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-5-sound.md) - [1.1.6 Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-6-language.md) - [1.1.7 Images & Symbols](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-7-images-and-symbols.md) - [1.1.8 Phrases](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-8-phrases.md) - [1.1.9 Mood](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-9-mood.md) - [1.1.10 Key Terms - Other Techniques](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-10-key-terms-other-techniques.md) - [1.1.11 End of Topic Test - Key Terms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-11-end-of-topic-test-key-terms.md) ### 2 Language Techniques - 2.1 Language Devices - [2.1.1 Metaphors](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-1-metaphors.md) - [2.1.2 Similes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-2-similes.md) - [2.1.3 Metaphors & Similes HyperLearning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-3-metaphors-and-similes-hyperlearning.md) - [2.1.4 Personification](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-4-personification.md) - [2.1.5 Pathetic Fallacy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-5-pathetic-fallacy.md) - [2.1.6 Pun](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-6-pun.md) - [2.1.7 Oxymoron](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-7-oxymoron.md) - [2.1.8 Hyperbole](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-8-hyperbole.md) - [2.1.9 Alliteration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-9-alliteration.md) - [2.1.10 Sibilance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-10-sibilance.md) - [2.1.11 Onomatopoeia](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-11-onomatopoeia.md) - [2.1.12 Emotive Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-12-emotive-language.md) - [2.1.13 All Language Devices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-13-all-language-devices.md) - [2.1.14 End of Topic Test - Language Devices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-14-end-of-topic-test-language-devices.md) - 2.2 Writing Structure - [2.2.1 Narrators](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-1-narrators.md) - [2.2.2 Paragraphs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-2-paragraphs.md) - [2.2.3 Present Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-3-present-tense.md) - [2.2.4 Past Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-4-past-tense.md) - [2.2.5 Future Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-5-future-tense.md) - [2.2.6 Present vs Past vs Future](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-6-present-vs-past-vs-future.md) - [2.2.7 Foreshadowing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-7-foreshadowing.md) - [2.2.8 Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-8-structure.md) - [2.2.9 End of Topic Test - Writing Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-9-end-of-topic-test-writing-structure.md) ### 3 Paper 1: Reading - 3.1 Paper 1: Reading - Section A - [3.1.1 Paper 1: Reading - Overview - Section A](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-1-paper-1-reading-overview-section-a.md) - [3.1.2 Paper 1: Reading - Answering Question 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-2-paper-1-reading-answering-question-1.md) - [3.1.3 Paper 1: Reading - Answering Question 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-3-paper-1-reading-answering-question-2.md) - [3.1.4 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Reading](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-4-exam-style-questions-paper-1-reading.md) - [3.1.5 Paper 1: Reading - Answering Question 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-5-paper-1-reading-answering-question-3.md) - [3.1.6 Paper 1: Reading - Answering Question 4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-6-paper-1-reading-answering-question-4.md) - [3.1.7 End of Topic Test - Section A](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-7-end-of-topic-test-section-a.md) - [3.1.8 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Reading](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-8-exam-style-questions-paper-1-reading.md) - [3.1.9 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-9-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q2.md) - [3.1.10 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-10-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q3.md) - [3.1.11 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q4 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-11-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q4-1.md) - [3.1.12 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q4 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-12-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q4-2.md) ### 4 Paper 1: Writing - 4.1 Paper 1: Writing - Structuring Your Answer - [4.1.1 Paper 1: Writing - Overview - Section B](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-1-paper-1-writing-overview-section-b.md) - [4.1.2 Paper 1: Writing - Descriptive Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-2-paper-1-writing-descriptive-writing.md) - [4.1.3 Paper 1: Writing - Narrative Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-3-paper-1-writing-narrative-writing.md) - [4.1.4 Paper 1: Writing - Answering Section B (option 1)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-4-paper-1-writing-answering-section-b-option-1.md) - [4.1.5 Paper 1: Writing - Answering Section B (option 2)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-5-paper-1-writing-answering-section-b-option-2.md) - [4.1.6 Paper 1: Writing - Answering Section B - Checklist](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-6-paper-1-writing-answering-section-b-checklist.md) - [4.1.7 End of Topic Test - Writing Section](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-7-end-of-topic-test-writing-section.md) - [4.1.8 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-8-exam-style-questions-paper-1-writing.md) - [4.1.9 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q5 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-9-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q5-1.md) - [4.1.10 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q5 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-10-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q5-2.md) ### 5 Paper 2: Reading - 5.1 Paper 2: Reading - DAFORESTER - [5.1.1 Paper 2: Reading - Direct Address](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-1-paper-2-reading-direct-address.md) - [5.1.2 Paper 2: Reading - Alliteration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-2-paper-2-reading-alliteration.md) - [5.1.3 Paper 2: Reading - Facts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-3-paper-2-reading-facts.md) - [5.1.4 Paper 2: Reading - Opinions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-4-paper-2-reading-opinions.md) - [5.1.5 Paper 2: Reading - Repetition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-5-paper-2-reading-repetition.md) - [5.1.6 Paper 2: Reading - Exaggeration (Hyperbole)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-6-paper-2-reading-exaggeration-hyperbole.md) - [5.1.7 Paper 2: Reading - Statistics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-7-paper-2-reading-statistics.md) - [5.1.8 Paper 2: Reading - Triples (Rule of 3)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-8-paper-2-reading-triples-rule-of-3.md) - [5.1.9 Paper 2: Reading - Emotive Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-9-paper-2-reading-emotive-language.md) - [5.1.10 Paper 2: Reading - Rhetorical Questions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-10-paper-2-reading-rhetorical-questions.md) - [5.1.11 End of Topic Test - DAFORESTER](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-11-end-of-topic-test-daforester.md) - 5.2 Paper 2: Reading - Structuring Your Answer - [5.2.1 Paper 2: Reading - Overview - Section A](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-1-paper-2-reading-overview-section-a.md) - [5.2.2 Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-2-paper-2-reading-answering-question-1.md) - [5.2.3 Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-3-paper-2-reading-answering-question-2.md) - [5.2.4 Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-4-paper-2-reading-answering-question-3.md) - [5.2.5 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Reading](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-5-exam-style-questions-paper-2-reading.md) - [5.2.6 Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-6-paper-2-reading-answering-question-4.md) - [5.2.7 End of Topic Test - Section A](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-7-end-of-topic-test-section-a.md) - [5.2.8 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Reading](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-8-exam-style-questions-paper-2-reading.md) - [5.2.9 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-9-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q1.md) - [5.2.10 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q2 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-10-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q2-1.md) - [5.2.11 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q2 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-11-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q2-2.md) - [5.2.12 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-12-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q4.md) ### 6 Paper 2: Writing - 6.1 Paper 2: Writing - Structuring Your Answer - [6.1.1 Paper 2: Writing - Overview - Section B](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-1-paper-2-writing-overview-section-b.md) - [6.1.2 Paper 2: Writing - Answering Section B](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-2-paper-2-writing-answering-section-b.md) - [6.1.3 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q5 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-3-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q5-1.md) - [6.1.4 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q5 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-4-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q5-2.md) - [6.1.5 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q5 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-5-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q5-3.md) - 6.2 Types of Writing - [6.2.1 Paper 2: Writing - Article](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-1-paper-2-writing-article.md) - [6.2.2 Paper 2: Writing - Essay](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-2-paper-2-writing-essay.md) - [6.2.3 Paper 2: Writing - Leaflet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-3-paper-2-writing-leaflet.md) - [6.2.4 Paper 2: Writing - Letter](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-4-paper-2-writing-letter.md) - [6.2.5 Paper 2: Writing - Speech](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-5-paper-2-writing-speech.md) - [6.2.6 Paper 2: Writing - Review](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-6-paper-2-writing-review.md) - [6.2.7 Paper 2: Writing - Travel Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-7-paper-2-writing-travel-writing.md) - [6.2.8 Paper 2: Writing - Diaries & Journals](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-8-paper-2-writing-diaries-and-journals.md) - [6.2.9 End of Topic Test - Types of Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-9-end-of-topic-test-types-of-writing.md) - 6.3 Writing to... - [6.3.1 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Inform](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-1-paper-2-writing-writing-to-inform.md) - [6.3.2 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Inform - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-2-paper-2-writing-writing-to-inform-example.md) - [6.3.3 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Explain](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-3-paper-2-writing-writing-to-explain.md) - [6.3.4 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Explain - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-4-paper-2-writing-writing-to-explain-example.md) - [6.3.5 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Persuade](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-5-paper-2-writing-writing-to-persuade.md) - [6.3.6 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Persuade - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-6-paper-2-writing-writing-to-persuade-example.md) - [6.3.7 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Argue](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-7-paper-2-writing-writing-to-argue.md) - [6.3.8 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Argue - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-8-paper-2-writing-writing-to-argue-example.md) - [6.3.9 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Persuade vs Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-9-paper-2-writing-writing-to-persuade-vs-writing.md) - [6.3.10 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Advise](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-10-paper-2-writing-writing-to-advise.md) - [6.3.11 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Advise - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-11-paper-2-writing-writing-to-advise-example.md) - [6.3.12 End of Topic Test - Writing to...](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-12-end-of-topic-test-writing-to.md) - [6.3.13 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-13-exam-style-questions-paper-2-writing.md)