Paper 2: Reading - Alliteration
English Language: AQA GCSE, topic 5.1.2
Alliteration
Alliteration is the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of words near to each other. These are the same sounds, not necessarily the same letters (e.g. 'ph' and 'f' may sound the same in some words).
Alliteration of plosive sounds
- The __d__awn __d__rank the __d__arkness as the sun escaped her __d__ungeon.
- In this phrase, the sound ‘d’ is repeated four times.
- Plosive sounds (such as d/b/t/p) are quite abrupt and strong. They grab the reader’s attention, especially when repeated.
- In this phrase, we want to emphasise the darkness and negativity so we can highlight the change the sun brings.
Alliteration of fricative sounds
- He __f__umbled with the __ph__oto and __f__roze.
- In this phrase, the sound ‘f’ is repeated.
- In addition, the ‘f’ sound is also created with the ‘ph’ in ‘photo’.
- Fricative sounds (such as f/v/th) can either be quite soft and airy, or they can be aggressive (especially f/v, which you can only produce if you bare your teeth – an aggressive action).
Alliteration of affricative sounds
- He __j__uggled __g__ently with __g__igantic __j__ellyfish.
- In this phrase, the sound ‘j’ is repeated. In addition, the ‘j’ sound is also created with the soft letter ‘g’ (in ‘gigantic’, the first ‘g’ works because it is soft, but the second ‘g’ is not alliterative because it is a harder sound).
- Affricative sounds (such as j) can be quite strange and jarring – they interrupt the softer flow of text and grab the reader’s attention, especially when repeated.
Tips for Using Alliteration
Alliteration is the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of words near to each other. These are the same sounds, not necessarily the same letters (e.g. 'ph' and 'f' may sound the same in some words).
Plan where alliteration should go
- Use alliteration carefully – before you put it into your writing, think about where it should go. What do you want to draw attention to?
Focus on the sound
- Focus on the sound you are trying to create. Is your alliteration going to be smooth, airy, aggressive, or jarring? The type of sounds you choose to repeat will affect the mood of your writing.
Choose vocabulary wisely
- Your choice of vocabulary is vital in creating your language devices effectively.
Test yourself on Paper 2: Reading - Alliteration
Which phrases use alliteration?
Which phrase uses alliteration?
What type of sound does this alliteration create?
Yarvis yanked his ankle and Yolanda yelled out in shock.What type of sound does this alliteration create?
Sophia slept soundly upon the silky sofa.What type of sound does this alliteration create?
The monster murdered everyone in sight as he marched through the marshland.