Key Terms - Other Techniques
English Language: Edexcel IGCSE - Specification B, topic 1.1.7
Key Terms for English Language
You need to know the following key terms for your English Language exam:
Anaphora
- Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of a series of phrases or sentences.
- E.g. In Martin Luther King's I have a dream speech, he repeats 'I have a dream' throughout.
Antithesis
- A person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else.
- E.g. Love is the antithesis of hatred.
Colloquialism
- The use of informal words, phrases or even slang in a piece of writing.
- E.g. Wanna, gonna, go nuts.
Connotation
- The ideas, feelings or associations with words/phrases which we can use to add to the suggested meanings of the language or imagery.
- E.g. The colour red could be linked to anger, passion, love, blood, etc.
Ellipsis
- A situation in which words are left out of a sentence but the sentence can still be understood. This may be done to create tension. The symbol is …
- E.g. Bang… silence.
Key Terms for English Language
You need to know the following key terms for your English Language exam:
Foreshadowing
- A hint, warning or indication of a future event.
- E.g. In narrative writing, the writer may reveal that the character is adjusting their gun in its holster - this foreshadows that something dangerous will happen.
Hyperbole
- An exaggerated statement, not meant to be taken literally, but used to create a dramatic effect.
- E.g. The whole world was watching me.
Irony
- The use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning - saying the opposite of what is true/real.
- In narrative writing, the writer may tell the story of a man who buys a gun to protect himself - ironically, someone then breaks into the man's home and kills him with the gun.
Juxtaposition
- The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
- E.g. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
Oxymoron
- When two contrasting ideas are combined for dramatic effect or to create a comedic effect.
- E.g. Loving hate.
Key Terms for English Language
You need to know the following key terms for your English Language exam:
Rule of three
- The use of three adjectives or phrases to emphasise your idea.
- In narrative or descriptive writing, you may use three adjectives to emphasise a description you are trying to convey - e.g. the tree was tall, leafy and green.
- In non-fiction writing, you may use three phrases to reinforce the idea you are trying to get across - e.g. junk food is bad for your teeth, bad for your heart, and will shorten your lifespan by ten years.
Sarcasm
- The use of irony to mock somebody or something.
- Hermione: Stop moving! I know what this is – it’s Devil’s Snare!
Ron: Oh, I’m so glad we know what it’s called, that’s a great help. - In the example, Ron uses sarcasm to make fun of Hermione - he does not really think that knowing the name of the plant is helpful to their situation!
Test yourself on Key Terms - Other Techniques
What technique does this sentence use?
He knew... He knew all too well.Which word should go in the gap?
War is the ____ of peace.Which phrases use colloquialism?
What technique does this selection from Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 43 use?
I love thee freely (...)
I love thee purely (...)
I love thee with the passion (...)What is the word bittersweet an example of?