Language Features L2 Functional Skills English

'The task was as large and as intimidating as a mountain'

This is an example of which literary technique?

• metaphor

• simile

• personification

• oxymoron

Answer explanation

A simile compares something to something else using the words 'like' or 'as'.

'The meeting was a rollercoaster'

This is an example of which literary technique?

• Hyperbole

• alliteration

• simile

• metaphor

Answer explanation

A metaphor describes something by saying that it is something else.

'You seem absolutely over the moon'

What is this phrase an example of?

• idiom

• repetition

• oxymoron

• alliteration

Answer explanation

An idiom is a common saying that means something completely different from its literal meaning. 

Idioms are great at creating very vivid images in the reader’s mind. This is because they are normally quite unusual and memorable.

”Passionate people pushed over the statue.”

This an example of which technique?

• personification

• direct address

• alliteration

• rule of 3

Answer explanation

Alliteration is when a letter or sound is repeated at the beginning of a word.

However, alliteration can still be identified if it is separated by several words, phrases, or sentences.

”It is vital to make climate decisions for the people, by the people, of the people.”

Which language feature is being used in the phrase above?

• emotive language

• simile

• rule of three

• direct address

Answer explanation

The rule of three is when the writer uses a group of three words or phrases together, therefore making the sentence itself more memorable and interesting.

”ActiveClean, your one-stop shop for a sparkling house. ActiveClean.”

This is an example of which language features?

• emotive language

• rhetorical question

• hyperbole

• repetition

Answer explanation

Repetition is when words, phrases and even whole sentences are included in the text more than once.

By repeating a word, phrase or sentence, the writer emphasizes what they are talking about, and impresses upon the reader its importance.

”I’m afraid of heights, please stop sending me leaflets for skydiving! Is this supposed to be some kind of joke?”

This an example of which language feature?

• Idiom

• Rule of 3

• Rhetorical Question

• direct address

Answer explanation

Rhetorical questions are questions which the writer asks, but does not expect or need an answer to.

”If this was the last piece of chicken in the world I wouldn’t eat it. Not after it’s been in Buster’s mouth!”

This is an example of which language feature?

• Hyperbole

• Rhetorical Question

• Alliteration

• Rule of 3

Answer explanation

Hyperbole is when the writer exaggerates an excessive amount.

This is often done for emphasis or for comedic effect, and is not meant to be taken literally by the reader.

'You may be wondering how my story began. Well, so do I. I have never been able to remember the early events of my life.'

This is an example of which language feature?

• alliteration

• personification

• direct address

• idiom

Answer explanation

Direct address to the reader is the writer pointing at you from the page.

Using the words: you, your and yours.

”The wonderful company gave generous compensation for the incident.”

This is an example of which language feature?

• Rhetorical Question

• Emotive Language

• Repetition

• Alliteration

Answer explanation

Emotive Language is used by the writer to create a specific emotion in the reader.  The writer can use a variety of different emotive language to create a variety of different effects