Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-9-sibilance [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) › Sibilance # Sibilance English Language: Edexcel IGCSE - Specification B, topic 2.1.9 ## Sibilance Sibilance is a more specific form of alliteration, which focuses on __'s'__ sounds. ### Strange sizzling sky ![Strange sizzling sky](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/4.2.1-%20Respiration/sky-1441936_640-min.jpg) - A __s__trange __s__izzle __s__oftly filled the __s__ilent __s__ky. - In this phrase, the repeated __‘s’__ sounds combine with the words chosen to create a sense of calm, but also the feeling that something more sinister is about to happen. - The adjectives __‘strange’__ and __‘silent’__ give us the feeling that we are waiting for something to happen, but the adverb __‘softly’__ also creates a sense of calm. ### Sad, uncertain circumstances ![Sad, uncertain circumstances](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/5285205c-0c0d-4b3a-8e65-a04f55e88f27/girl-sad-hurt.jpg) - The un**c**ertain __c__ircumstance**s** were __s__ad. - In this phrase, the __‘s’__ sound comes from the letter __‘s’__ and also the soft letter __‘c’__ (in __‘circumstances’__, the second __‘c’__ makes a harder sound and so is not part of the sibilance here). - In this phrase, the repeated __‘s’__ sounds combine with the words chosen to create a sense of uncertainty and secrecy. - The adjective __‘uncertain’__ immediately sets an unsure, negative tone, which is reinforced by the sibilance in the sentence. ### Cheeky child chattered ![Cheeky child chattered](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/acb5fba1-f80d-4951-aea7-5b119fe334dd/boy-286797_1920.jpg) - A __ch__eeky __ch__ild __ch__attered. - In this phrase, the repeated __‘ch’__ sounds are soft and combine with the words used to create a light-hearted, positive feeling. It sets a lighter tone for the writing. - The adjective __‘cheeky’__ with the verb __‘chattered’__ build up a softer image of a child enjoying themselves. ## Tips for Using Sibilance Sibilance is a more specific form of alliteration, which focuses on __'s'__ sounds. ### Wooshing or hissing sound ![Wooshing or hissing sound](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/c01fb4b5-fb60-480d-9c8e-ff4f35c5fee6/shutterstock_547176661.jpg) - Sibilance 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'__. The sounds can happen anywhere in the words. ### Plan where sibilance should go ![Plan where sibilance should go](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/b8a50c91-d3b6-4b50-a1d3-590674dae798/thought-light-bulb-bubble-.jpg) - Use sibilance carefully – before you put it into your writing, think about where it should go. What do you want to draw attention to? ### Choose vocabulary carefully ![Choose vocabulary carefully](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/459a2801-295b-41b3-991f-dbe870731ba3/information-words-.jpg) - Remember that sibilance is only effective when used with the correct choice of words – your choice of vocabulary is vital in creating effective sibilance. - Sibilance will reinforce the words you have chosen – it will combine with your words to emphasise the tone of your writing, so be aware of the tone you want to create before you start. ### Focus on the sound ![Focus on the sound](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/1b8ba991-4cf4-4345-97c2-aa53fc2c840a/secret-shh.jpg) - Focus on the sound you are trying to create. Is your sibilance going to emphasise a sinister, secret, calm or still feeling? The type of sounds you choose to repeat will affect the mood of your writing. ## Test yourself on Sibilance - What is sibilance a specific form of? - What sound does sibilance focus on? - Which phrase uses sibilance? - Which use of sibilance creates a violent tone? - Which use of sibilance creates a lighthearted tone? [Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/423a79c1-c6f6-452c-a5c3-d30176aa5c13/section/2c2e8791-ce54-4a17-8593-f97fd755b23d/session) - Previous topic: [2.1.8 Alliteration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-8-alliteration.md) - Next topic: [2.1.10 Onomatopoeia](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-10-onomatopoeia.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)