Language Devices

Language device

Example Effect on the reader

Simile

Metaphor

Pathetic fallacy

Personification

Alliteration

Onomatopoeia

Oxymoron

Simile = A simile is when you compare one thing to another using the words ‘as’ or ‘like’

The mixture is as sticky as toffee.

She moves like a dancer.

‘hard and clear like an equestrian statue upon its pedestal’

‘glimmered like a ghost’

Make up your own…

The moon glowed like . . . . . . His face was as red as…….. Raindrops dripped down the

window pane like . . . . . . Smoke floated on the air

like . . . . . . The air smells as fresh

as . . . . . .

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Language device

Example Effect on the reader

Simile ‘glimmered like a ghost’ This creates a clear comparison with a ghost which makes the reader think…

Metaphor = when one thing is compared to another

A shark’s restaurant A lion’s roar A quilt of blue ‘slanting rays of low

sun turning the streams to threads of gold’

‘Deathly silence’ ‘the very dead of

night’

Make up your own…

The dark is …

The sun is…

The trees are……

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Language device

Example Effect on the reader

Simile ‘glimmered like a ghost’ This creates a clear comparison with a ghost which makes the reader think…

Metaphor ‘ Can be a surprising comparison, could symbolise…., could shock the reader into thinking…

Personification = when inanimate (not moving/living) objects are given the qualities or actions of a living person or creature. The dilapidated

(Having fallen into a state of disrepair or deterioration, as through neglect; broken-down and shabby.) house appeared depressed.

My computer throws a fit every time I try to use it.

Time flew and before we knew it, it was time to go home.

The popcorn leapt out of the bowl.

Can you think of any?

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Language device

Example Effect on the reader

Simile ‘glimmered like a ghost’ This creates a clear comparison with a ghost which makes the reader think…

Metaphor ‘ Can be a surprising comparison, could symbolise…., could shock the reader into thinking…

Personification ‘ Helps the reader to understand something that’s more complexabstract helps the reader to empathise…

Pathetic fallacy = similar to personification only applied to the nature. Angry clouds A cruel wind The stars danced playfully in a

moonlit sky. The flowers waltzed in the gentle

breeze.

Your turn

A ………….. sky/tree/wave…

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Language device

Example Effect on the reader

Simile ‘glimmered like a ghost’ This creates a clear comparison with a ghost which makes the reader think…

Metaphor ‘ Can be a surprising comparison, could symbolise…., could shock the reader into thinking…

Personification ‘ Helps the reader to understand something that’s more complexabstract helps the reader to empathise…

Pathetic fallacy ‘ Helps to reflect atmosphere / rising tension in the plot. Could foreshadow events in the story.

Alliteration = Is the repetition of consonant sounds near each other:

sweet smell of success bigger and better jump for joy ‘sinking sun’ ‘foaming the fantastic surges’

Can you think of any?

Write in your documentLanguage device

Example Effect on the reader

Simile ‘glimmered like a ghost’ This creates a clear comparison with a ghost which makes the reader think…

Metaphor ‘ Can be a surprising comparison, could symbolise…., could shock the reader into thinking…

Personification ‘ Helps the reader to understand something that’s more complexabstract helps the reader to empathise…

Pathetic fallacy ‘ Helps to reflect atmosphere / rising tension in the plot. Could foreshadow events in the story.

Alliteration ‘ Helps to connect words togetherAdds emphasisCreates a sound dimension that’s memorableHelps to generate a mood

Onomatopoeia means a word that sounds like the common sound of the object it is describing.

Plop went the penny in the water. My cola fizzed in the glass. Splash went my friend in the stream. The snake hissed. The train went choo choo! The birds are cawing.

Can you think of any?

Language device

Example Effect on the reader

Simile ‘glimmered like a ghost’

This creates a clear comparison with a ghost which makes the reader think…

Metaphor ‘ Can be a surprising comparison, could symbolise…., could shock the reader into thinking…

Personification

‘ Helps the reader to understand something that’s more complexabstract helps the reader to empathise…

Pathetic fallacy

‘ Helps to reflect atmosphere / rising tension in the plot. Could foreshadow events in the story.

Alliteration ‘ Helps to connect words togetherAdds emphasisCreates a sound dimension that’s memorableHelps to generate a mood

Onomatopoeia

‘ Offers the reader a sound dimension which forces them to think.Adds impact as the reader would think about the two comparisons.Could be evocative

Oxymoron = words close together that have opposite meanings We’re alone together The living dead It’s the same difference She’s pretty ugly He gave him a head butt It was like a silent scream

Language device

Example Effect on the reader

Simile ‘glimmered like a ghost’ This creates a clear comparison with a ghost which makes the reader think…

Metaphor ‘ Can be a surprising comparison, could symbolise…., could shock the reader into thinking…

Pathetic fallacy ‘ Helps to reflect atmosphere / rising tension in the plot. Could foreshadow events in the story.

Personification ‘ Helps the reader to understand something that’s more complexabstract helps the reader to empathise…

Alliteration ‘ Helps to connect words togetherAdds emphasisCreates a sound dimension that’s memorableHelps to generate a mood

Onomatopoeia ‘ Offers the reader a sound dimension which forces them to think.Adds impact as the reader would think about the two comparisons.Could be evocative

Oxymoron ‘ Contrasts help to create conflictsParadoxically this show…Is ironic as the reader would think…