Language techniques

Identify the language technique: Time is a thief.

• metaphor

• simile

• allusion

• contrast

Explain: Time is a thief.

• It is implied that time steals moments and opportunities from us without our control.

• It is implied that time is a criminal.

• It is implied that we have a lot of time on our hands.

• It is implied that time is infinite.

Identify the language technique: The ancient building stood like a weather-beaten sentinel.

• alliteration

• comparison

• metaphor

• simile

Explain the effect: The ancient building stood like a weather-beaten sentinel.

• It is suggested that the building is protected.

• It is suggested that the building was secure.

• It is suggested that the building has endured the effects of time and the elements.

• It is suggested that the building has magical properties.

Identify the language technique: The wind whispered secrets through the trees.

• assonance

• onomatopoeia

• personification

• metaphor

Identify the language technique and explain the effect: The clock ticked loudly in the silent room.

• Onomatopoeia - the sound of the loud clock is being imitated to show that the clock is broken.

• Onomatopoeia - The sound of the ticking clock is emphasised to create tension in the silent room.

• Personification - the clock is compared to a loud person.

• There is a contrast between loud and silent.

Identify the technique and effect: The rain fell softly, softly on the roof, a gentle rhythm of nature.

• repetition - emphasising the gentle and soothing nature of the rain, creating a rhythmic effect.

• contrast - between nature and the roof, showing man's interference with nature

• metaphor - comparing rain to an instrument that has rhythm.

• There are no language techniques in this sentence.

Identify the technique and the effect: In the midst of bustling city streets, a solitary flower bloomed in the cracked pavement.

• Juxtaposition of the delicate flower against the harsh city landscape shows beauty in an unexpected place.

• Assonance - repetition of the harsh vowel sounds to show the writer is upset.

• Personification - suggesting the flower is about to die.

• Onomatopoeia of the city sounds to emphasise how busy it is.

The word ' thugs' in the following sentence has connotations of...

"The media portrayed the protesters as a group of thugs."

• connotations of criminality, violence and aggression.

• connotations of innocence and youthfulness.

• connotations of people who get upset easily.

• connotations of unhappiness, cruelty and stress.

I feel useless and small - ashamed and embarrassed- that I can't read.

Choose the most true statement below.

• The writer uses emotive language like 'ashamed' and 'embarrassed' to highlight feelings of inadequacy.

• The writer uses contrasts to show conflicting emotions.

• The writer uses verbs to show inadequacy.

• The writer does not use any language techniques here.