Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-11-recap-language-devices

[Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [IGCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse.md) › [English Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language.md) › [Edexcel IGCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse.md) › Recap: Language Devices

# Recap: Language Devices

English Language: Edexcel IGCSE - Specification B, topic 2.1.11

## Recap: Language Devices

Let's recap all the devices you have just learned:

### Alliteration

![Alliteration](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/20ce4440-a9bf-4a74-aaa7-56b222046cbf/Mediterranean-sea-.jpg)

- The same letter or sound at the beginning of words near to each other. 
- Please note, these are the same sounds, not necessarily the same letters (e.g. 'c' and 'k' may sound the same in some words).
 - E.g. The **b**eautiful **b**lue ocean **b**linked at the sun.

### Onomatopoeia

![Onomatopoeia](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/chemistry/1.1.3%20-%20Periodic%20table/big-bang-422305_640-min.jpg)

- When the way the word sounds imitates the sound it is describing.
 - E.g. Bang, crash, sizzle.

### Sibilance

![Sibilance](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/8a0b14c5-8253-4ca9-835d-2ba3c39e4991/shark.jpg)

- A specific form of alliteration, which focuses on 's' sounds. 
- It relies on the repetition of soft consonant sounds in words to create a wooshing or hissing sound in the writing. The sounds used include 's', 'sh', 'c' and 'ch'.
 - E.g. The **s**hark **s**hot through the water, charging toward**s** the **s**hore.

## Recap: Language Devices

Let's recap all the devices you have just learned:

### Simile

![Simile](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/0750b86d-53cd-4dd0-9330-c0b85a576d9e/shutterstock_696622699.jpg)

- A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, using ‘like’ or ‘as.’ 
- You are comparing the qualities of the two things you are comparing.
 - E.g. in the phrase __'He was as fierce as a lion'__, you are comparing the anger and aggression of the lion with the anger and aggression of the man you are describing.

### Personification

![Personification](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2025-09/332b7b9c-4fdf-48cf-8eba-20e4427f35c6/3eedbe88-29c4-4db7-9846-49efe4a819fe.png)

- The attribution of human characteristics to something non-human to create imagery. 
 - E.g. The waves danced on the shore.

### Metaphor

![Metaphor](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/02f9fc86-09b3-4b3e-862b-d67d4d2cbe8d/shutterstock_296511050.jpg)

- A figure of speech in which you say something is another thing. You compare the qualities of two things within this.
 - E.g. in __'the curtain of fog'__, you create the image of the fog falling down on the area as if it is a curtain being dropped over the place - this could also suggest that the fog is thick and difficult to see through.

### Emotive language

![Emotive language](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/6.2.1%20-%20Variation%20and%20evolution/dog-1224267_640-min.jpg)

- Emotive language is when language is used to create a strong emotional response – this could be any emotion, such as anger, excitement, happiness, sadness, etc.
 - E.g. The sad, downcast dog drooped its little head.

## Recap: Language Devices

Let's recap the language devices you have just learned:

### Hyperbole

![Hyperbole](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/245c7596-7d84-4f2a-bee6-80961a1e1291/shutterstock_276228476.jpg)

- An exaggerated statement, not meant to be taken literally, but used to create a dramatic effect.
 - E.g. The whole world was watching me.

### Oxymoron

![Oxymoron](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/3835dcbe-f440-4d87-affc-e26d6550f521/love-couple-kiss-.jpg)

- When two contrasting ideas are combined for dramatic effect or to create a comedic effect.
 - E.g. Loving hate.

### Pathetic fallacy

![Pathetic fallacy](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-07/afb2e872-08d7-42de-942b-ef3df50eb61b/noah-flood.jpg)

- Pathetic fallacy is when a writer gives human emotions to things that are not human, such as objects, animals or, most commonly, the weather.
 - E.g. The night was unruly.

### Pun

![Pun](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-07/5837df08-58fe-4235-a7cf-3afc558c6a4a/muslim-fishing-nets.jpg)

- A joke which exploits the different possible meanings of a word - it makes fun of the fact that there are other words which sound the same but have different meanings.
 - E.g. In the joke, __'The best way to communicate with a fish is to drop them a line'__, the pun comes from the double meaning of __'a line'__ - it can be either a fishing rod or a telephone.

## Test yourself on Recap: Language Devices

- What technique is used in this sentence?**The slippery slope was drenched with slush.**
- What technique is used in this sentence?The ball made a plop sound as it fell into the toilet.
- What technique is used in this sentence?Harry always hated hearing from his mother.
- Which words are examples of onomatopoeia?
- What technique is used in this sentence?**The boy was as happy as a puppy with a bone.**

[Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/423a79c1-c6f6-452c-a5c3-d30176aa5c13/section/1d8fce26-91bc-47bf-9ea9-7631a95598ef/session)

- Previous topic: [2.1.10 Onomatopoeia](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-10-onomatopoeia.md)
- Next topic: [2.1.12 End of Topic Test - Language Devices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-12-end-of-topic-test-language-devices.md)

## English Language: Edexcel IGCSE - Specification B contents

### 1 Key Terms
- 1.1 Key Terms
  - [1.1.1 Key Terms - Nouns, Verbs & Sentences](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-1-key-terms-nouns-verbs-and-sentences.md)
  - [1.1.2 Key Terms - Sentence and Clause Types](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-2-key-terms-sentence-and-clause-types.md)
  - [1.1.3 Key Terms - Words, Sounds & Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-3-key-terms-words-sounds-and-language.md)
  - [1.1.4 Key Terms - Types of Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-4-key-terms-types-of-language.md)
  - [1.1.5 Key Terms - Images, Symbols & Mood](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-5-key-terms-images-symbols-and-mood.md)
  - [1.1.6 Key Terms - Mood & Feelings](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-6-key-terms-mood-and-feelings.md)
  - [1.1.7 Key Terms - Other Techniques](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-7-key-terms-other-techniques.md)
  - [1.1.8 End of Topic Test - Key Terms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-8-end-of-topic-test-key-terms.md)

### 2 Language Devices
- 2.1 Language Devices
  - [2.1.1 Metaphors](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-1-metaphors.md)
  - [2.1.2 Similes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-2-similes.md)
  - [2.1.3 Metaphors & Similes HyperLearning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-3-metaphors-and-similes-hyperlearning.md)
  - [2.1.4 Personification](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-4-personification.md)
  - [2.1.5 Pathetic Fallacy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-5-pathetic-fallacy.md)
  - [2.1.6 Puns & Oxymorons](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-6-puns-and-oxymorons.md)
  - [2.1.7 Hyperbole & Emotive Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-7-hyperbole-and-emotive-language.md)
  - [2.1.8 Alliteration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-8-alliteration.md)
  - [2.1.9 Sibilance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-9-sibilance.md)
  - [2.1.10 Onomatopoeia](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-10-onomatopoeia.md)
  - [2.1.11 Recap: Language Devices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-11-recap-language-devices.md)
  - [2.1.12 End of Topic Test - Language Devices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-12-end-of-topic-test-language-devices.md)

### 3 Writing Structure
- 3.1 Writing Structure
  - [3.1.1 Narrators](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-1-narrators.md)
  - [3.1.2 Paragraphs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-2-paragraphs.md)
  - [3.1.3 Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-3-tense.md)
  - [3.1.4 Present vs Past vs Future Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-4-present-vs-past-vs-future-tense.md)
  - [3.1.5 Foreshadowing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-5-foreshadowing.md)
  - [3.1.6 Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-6-structure.md)
  - [3.1.7 End of Topic Test - Writing Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-7-end-of-topic-test-writing-structure.md)

### 4 Section B: Reading & Writing
- 4.1 Writing Formats
  - [4.1.1 Letter](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-1-letter.md)
  - [4.1.2 Reports & Essays](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-2-reports-and-essays.md)
  - [4.1.3 Journal/Diary Entry](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-3-journaldiary-entry.md)
  - [4.1.4 Speech](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-4-speech.md)
  - [4.1.5 Newspaper Article](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-5-newspaper-article.md)
  - [4.1.6 Leaflet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-6-leaflet.md)
  - [4.1.7 Review](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-7-review.md)
  - [4.1.8 Travel Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-8-travel-writing.md)
  - [4.1.9 End of Topic Test - Writing Formats](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-9-end-of-topic-test-writing-formats.md)
- 4.2 Writing to...
  - [4.2.1 Writing to Inform](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-1-writing-to-inform.md)
  - [4.2.2 Writing to Inform - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-2-writing-to-inform-example.md)
  - [4.2.3 Writing to Explain](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-3-writing-to-explain.md)
  - [4.2.4 Writing to Explain - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-4-writing-to-explain-example.md)
  - [4.2.5 Writing to Persuade](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-5-writing-to-persuade.md)
  - [4.2.6 Writing to Persuade - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-6-writing-to-persuade-example.md)
  - [4.2.7 Writing to Argue](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-7-writing-to-argue.md)
  - [4.2.8 Writing to Argue - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-8-writing-to-argue-example.md)
  - [4.2.9 Writing to Persuade vs Writing to Argue](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-9-writing-to-persuade-vs-writing-to-argue.md)
  - [4.2.10 Writing to Advise](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-10-writing-to-advise.md)
  - [4.2.11 Writing to Advise - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-11-writing-to-advise-example.md)
  - [4.2.12 End of Topic Test - Writing to...](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-12-end-of-topic-test-writing-to.md)
- 4.3 Acronym of Techniques - DAFORESTAR
  - [4.3.1 Direct Address](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-1-direct-address.md)
  - [4.3.2 Alliteration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-2-alliteration.md)
  - [4.3.3 Facts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-3-facts.md)
  - [4.3.4 Opinions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-4-opinions.md)
  - [4.3.5 Repetition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-5-repetition.md)
  - [4.3.6 Exaggeration (Hyperbole)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-6-exaggeration-hyperbole.md)
  - [4.3.7 Statistics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-7-statistics.md)
  - [4.3.8 Triple (Rule of 3)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-8-triple-rule-of-3.md)
  - [4.3.9 Emotive Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-9-emotive-language.md)
  - [4.3.10 Rhetorical Questions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-10-rhetorical-questions.md)
  - [4.3.11 End of Topic Test - DAFORESTER](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-11-end-of-topic-test-daforester.md)

### 5 Section C: Writing
- 5.1 Writing Task
  - [5.1.1 Discursive Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/5-1-1-discursive-writing.md)
  - [5.1.2 Narrative Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/5-1-2-narrative-writing.md)
  - [5.1.3 Descriptive Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/5-1-3-descriptive-writing.md)
  - [5.1.4 End of Topic Test - Writing Task](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/5-1-4-end-of-topic-test-writing-task.md)