1. English Language Techniques
May 2016
Kindly contributed to by Julie Hobson

2. Alliteration Definition Example
A repetition of sounds that are similar
Are generally consonants and will appear at the beginning of words
The sun sizzled softly in the afternoon
The waves washed wistfully against the shores
The parched pavement peeled in the hot summer sun
Make your own alliteration
May 2016
Kindly contributed to by Julie Hobson

3. Analogy Definition Example
Is a comparison where an idea or a thing is compared to another thing that is quite different from it
Aims at explaining that idea or thing by comparing it to something that is familiar
How a doctor diagnoses diseases is like how a detective investigates crimes
You are as annoying as nails on a chalkboard
Just as a caterpillar comes out of its cocoon, so we must come out of our comfort zone
May 2016
Kindly contributed to by Julie Hobson

4. Cliché Definition Example
You may have heard someone say a cliché before
Are a technique of expression
People are able to get the gist of its meaning
In the nick of time
Lasted an eternity
Frightened to death
Waking up on the wrong side of the bed
All is well that ends well
Every cloud has a silver lining
To happen just in time – to last for a very long time – to be too frightened – woke in a bad mood – a happy ending reduces the severity of problems that come in the way – problems also have something good in them
May 2016
Kindly contributed to by Julie Hobson

5. Colloquialism Definition Example Vary from region to region
Used in informal language
To bamboozle
Wanna
Gonna
Y’all
Go nuts
To deceive
May 2016
Kindly contributed to by Julie Hobson

6. Emotive language Definition Example Relate to or refer to emotions
Adjectives and adverbs are often used
I am very happy that you decided to come
Drink Coco-Cola, you’ll love it
This ghastly idea must be stopped
The girl was skipping joyfully
May 2016
Kindly contributed to by Julie Hobson

7. Hyperbole Definition Example
Use of exaggeration or overstating in order to get a point across
Used for dramatic effect
“I have told you a million times!”
“My feet are killing me!”
“worked my fingers to the bone!”
“was dying to see”
May 2016
Kindly contributed to by Julie Hobson

8. Imperative Definition Example
The imperative is a grammatical mood that forms commands or requests, including the giving of prohibition or permission, or any other kind of advice or exhortation. 
Please be quiet
Stand up straight
Take that chewing gum out of your mouth
May 2016
Kindly contributed to by Julie Hobson

9. Metaphor Definition Example
Used to compare two like things without using ‘like’ or ‘as’
A metaphor is there to make an even stronger image in the reader's head by describing a place, subject or object as something unlikely
He was a speeding bullet
 A sea of trouble
 Drowning in debt
The world is your oyster
May 2016
Kindly contributed to by Julie Hobson

10. Onomatopoeia Definition Example
A word that imitates or suggests the source of the sound it describes
It is common with animal sounds but has expanded to sounds made by other sources
James whacked the cricket ball
Bees were buzzing around the garden
Janey bounced around on the pogo stick – boing, boing, boing
May 2016
Kindly contributed to by Julie Hobson

11. Oxymoron Definition Example
Two words that are close together that contradict each other
Shows contrast
Same difference
Smart fool
Awfully pretty
Liquid gas
Original copies
Seriously funny
May 2016
Kindly contributed to by Julie Hobson

12. Personification Definition Example
Uses human characteristics to describe things that are not human, such as: animals, ideas or objects
Gives a more detailed image in the mind of the reader
My flowers were begging for water.
The ivy wove its fingers around the fence.
The thunder was grumbling like it was angry.
Hail pounded the houses and streets.
The cactus saluted those who drove past.
May 2016
Kindly contributed to by Julie Hobson

13. Rhetorical questions Definition Example
Questions where an answer is not expected
Usually questions that make a responder think about a point, or question that is so obvious
Does a fish have lips?
How am I supposed to live without you?
Are you for real?
May 2016
Kindly contributed to by Julie Hobson

14. Simile Definition Example Figure of speech that makes a comparison
Shows similarities between two different things
Uses word “like” or “as”
He is as funny as a monkey
Our soldiers are as brave as lions
Her cheeks are red like a rose
He is as cunning as a fox
John is as slow as a snail
May 2016
Kindly contributed to by Julie Hobson

15. Superlatives Definition Example
A superlative is used to indicate an extreme or unsurpassed level of emotions, association, or hatred for an object or a person or even an event.
Used by adding ‘est’ to an adjective
My cousin is the tallest among the giants
My car is the fastest we’ve ever had
May 2016
Kindly contributed to by Julie Hobson

16. “My Home…”
Write a 150/200 word article about your home town. Include as many of the language techniques you have learned today as you can. 2 points for every technique (underline them please). Maximum – 28 points.
Alliteration
Metaphor
Analogy
Onomatopoeia
Cliché
Oxymoron
Colloquialism
Personification
Emotive language
Rhetorical Question
Hyperbole
Simile
Imperative
Superlatives