Year 11 vocabulary glossary

extended metaphor

A metaphor that is developed and continued across several lines, sentences or paragraphs, rather than used just once.

pathetic fallacy

Giving weather or nature human emotions in order to reflect or reinforce the mood of a scene.

juxtaposition

Placing two contrasting ideas, images or details close together for effect, so their difference stands out.

hyperbole

Deliberate, obvious exaggeration used for effect, not meant to be taken literally.

emotive language

Language deliberately chosen to provoke a strong emotional response in the reader.

colloquial language

Informal, everyday, conversational language, as opposed to formal or technical language.

sibilance

The repetition of a hissing 's' sound across nearby words, often used to create an unsettling or soothing effect.

assonance

The repetition of a vowel sound within nearby words, not necessarily at the start of the word.

anaphora

The deliberate repetition of the same word or phrase at the start of successive sentences or clauses, for emphasis.

foreshadowing

An early hint or clue in a text about something that will happen later.

minor sentence

A very short sentence, sometimes without a full verb, used deliberately for dramatic effect, such as 'Silence.'

caesura

A deliberate pause created within a line, often in poetry, usually marked by punctuation.

ellipsis

The deliberate omission of words from a sentence, often marked with ( ... ), used to create pace, tension or suggest unfinished thought.

GCSE terminology

The precise, technical vocabulary used to name and analyse language and literary techniques accurately in exam responses.

direct address

Speaking directly to the reader or audience, often using 'you', to create a persuasive, personal connection.

attitude

The feeling or position a writer holds towards their subject, distinct from the subject (topic) itself.

exam technique

The practical skills of understanding a question, planning under time pressure, and structuring an answer to maximise marks.

closed-book essay

An extended essay response written without access to the studied text, requiring quotations and details to be recalled from memory.