1. English techniques in writing Curriculum links Underpins L2 Functional English and GCSE English reading and writing. May 2016 Kindly contributed by Julie Hobson, TEAM Wearside. Search for Julie on www.skillsworkshop.org and visit the download page for this resource to find a related Word document, and further links.www.skillsworkshop.org May 2016 Kindly contributed by Julie Hobson, TEAM Wearside. Search for Julie on www.skillsworkshop.org and visit the download page for this resource to find a related Word document, and further links.www.skillsworkshop.org

2. English Techniques in writing

3. Alliteration Definition A repetition of sounds that are similar Are generally consonants and will appear at the beginning of words Example The sun sizzled softly in the afternoon The waves washed wistfully against the shores The parched pavement peeled in the hot summer sun

4. Analogy Definition 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 Example 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

5. Cliché Definition You may have heard someone say a cliché before Are a technique of expression People are able to get the gist of its meaning Example 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

6. Colloquialism Definition Vary from region to region Used in informal language Example To bamboozle Wanna Gonna Y’all Go nuts

7. Emotive language Definition Relate to or refer to emotions Adjectives and adverbs are often used Example 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

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

9. Imperative Definition 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. Example Please be quiet Stand up straight Take that chewing gum out of your mouth

10. Metaphor Definition 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 Example He was a speeding bullet A sea of trouble Drowning in debt The world is your oyster

11. Onomatopoeia Definition 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 Example James whacked the cricket ball Bees were buzzing around the garden Janey bounced around on the pogo stick – boing, boing, boing

12. Oxymoron Definition Two words that are close together that contradict each other Shows contrast Example Same difference Smart fool Awfully pretty Liquid gas Original copies Seriously funny

13. Personification Definition 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 Example 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.

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

15. Simile Definition Figure of speech that makes a comparison Shows similarities between two different things Uses word “like” or “as” Example 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

16. Superlatives Definition 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 Example My cousin is the tallest among the giants My car is the fastest we’ve ever had