LANGUAGE FEATURES
This is a list of language features commonly found in written texts. It is not exhaustive.
Examples of these language features have been provided in the articles that follow.
Make sure you are able to identify them by their correct names.
The effects/ reasons for use given here are general ones and can apply
to any text. You must use and adapt these when discussing their effect in
your specific text. Simply repeating the effects discussed here will not
earn you credits.
Remember you need to know these terms for Achievement Standard 2.6 as well.
LANGUAGE
FEATURE
Alliteration
Allusion
Analogy
Anecdote
Antithesis
Climax
Anti-climax
Assonance
Balanced/
parallel
sentences
Cliche
Colloquialisms
/ slang
Connotation/
Denotation
EFFECT/ REASON FOR USE
To help the language flow, making it easier to read; or to make the
language disharmonious, drawing your attention to it. Alliteration
acts as a simple hammer, beating home the point. Although it may be
used at the speed of the jackhammer, it is more subtle.
The effect of alliteration can be almost poetic, making it pleasant and
comfortable on the ears.
Most commonly a reference to a fictional or biblical character, to a
story or to the Bible. Makes the writer appear educated so used to add
authority to his argument. can add new realms of imagery, meaning,
or theme with relatively few words. stimulates ideas, associations, and
extra information in the reader's mind with only a word or two.
Allusions in writing help the reader to visualize what's happening by
evoking a mental picture.
Enhances the reader’s ability to recognize relationships and
incorporate new information. Help in assimilating new information
and fitting it into one's existing knowledge base.
To illustrate a point with a real life example; to add interest/make it
realistic for the reader.
It establishes a clear, contrasting relationship between the two ideas
by joining them together or juxtaposing them, often in parallel
structure. Antithesis can convey some sense of complexity in a person
or idea by admitting opposite or nearly opposite truths.
To absorb and hold the readers attention, heighten tension and sense
of expectation.
Creates relief and is often comical, eases tension. Provides a sense of
release after a tense moment.
To help the language flow, making it easier to read. The repeated
sound also makes the subject/ ideas easy to memorise. The repetition
of vowel sounds creates rhyme and a generally soothing effect.
Repetitive structure makes it catchy and easy to remember.
These phrases are familiar to readers, so they make the text easier to
read and understand.
To make the language more informal, more conversational and
personal.
Allows the reader to make associations which are beyond the literal.
Increases depth of understanding.
Contractions
Contrast
Direct
quotations
Emotive
language with
negative
connotation
Emotive
language with
positive
connotation
Euphemism
Examples
Hyperbole
Imperatives
Incomplete or
minor
sentences
Intensifier
To make the language more informal, more conversational and
personal.
Makes the reader aware of the similarities and differences between
various items.
To provide evidence to support the writer’s argument; to add
authority to the argument.
To make the reader feel uncomfortable and thus more likely to accept
the writer’s point of view.
To make the reader feel positive/inspired and thus more likely to
accept the writer’s point of view.
To tone down an unpleasantness and avoid upsetting or offending the
reader.
Create a range of associated ideas that enhances meaning. reach an
understanding of the unknown through what is known.
To create humour or stimulate positive / negative feelings in the
reader by exaggerating the truth.
To encourage the reader to act. Add a degree of compulsion.
To mimic conversation, creating informal, unthreatening
communication; to communicate ideas quickly.
To make the reader feel more strongly that something is good or bad;
directing them to the writer’s point of view.
Irony
To build suspense or create humor. Irony is often used to create
poignancy or light-heartedness..
Jargon/
To make the writer seem educated and experienced - he knows what
Neologism
he is talking about. Adds authority to the writer’s argument.
Listing
To add authority to the writer’s argument by providing further
examples.
Metaphor
To reinforce or develop an idea by providing a comparison between
two things.
Onomatopoeia To make the language sound interesting; to capture / keep the
reader’s attention.
Oxymoron
To capture the reader’s attention by providing an unexpected contrast
between two opposing ideas.
Personification To reinforce or develop an idea by providing a comparison between
two things.
Pronouns
To involve the reader and get him to relate to the ideas being
expressed/ described
Pun
To gain the reader’s attention by amusing them or to win the reader’s
respect by demonstrating the writer’s “cleverness”.
Quotes
To persuade the reader or convince him by using the words of a
respected authority.
Repetition
To reinforce an important idea and fix it firmly in the mind of the
reader. It aids recall and memorability.
Rhetorical
To involve the reader in the topic as they will automatically “respond”
question
to the question.
Simile
To reinforce or develop an idea by providing a comparison between
two things.
Superlatives
To make something seem really positive or negative so the reader
responds more emotionally to the writer’s idea.
Symbols
Statistics
Synonyms
Allow the reader to visualise an abstract idea or concept by referring
to a concrete thing. To conjure up vivid mental pictures.
Mathematical facts and figures provided to support the writer’s
argument; adds authority to the writer’s argument.
Creates a fuller understanding and more comprehensive idea by
repeating the same idea in different words.
USEFUL WORDS TO DESCRIBE EFFECTS
A LANGUAGE
FEATURE
HELPS
A TEXTSHAPING
FEATURE
reinforce/ emphasize/ stress/ mimic
summarize/ sum up/ consolidate
prepare/ ready/ hold/ keep/ predict
arouse interest/ make curious/ hint/ get thinking/
inspire/ visualize/ imagine
to add authority/ give weight to/ develop present/
impress/ entertain/ focus
persuade/ influence/ convince/ sway
dissuade/ deter/ discourage/ sensitize
involve/ engage/ absorb/ occupy
communicate/ empathize/ understand
support/ strengthen/ relate/ share
direct/ advise/ organize/ substantiate
compare/ contrast/ refer/ bring
describe/ indicate/present/ contribute
provide/ encourage/ establish/ unify
to set a mood or create an atmosphere
to bring writing to life