Descriptive language is used to help the reader feel almost as if they are a part of the scene or
event being described. Description is useful because it helps readers engage with the world of the
story, often creating an emotional response. It can help a reader visualises what a character or a
place is like.
Here are some techniques and examples of how they can be used:
Technique
Simile - a descriptive technique that compares
one thing with another, usually using 'as' or
'like'.
Metaphor - a descriptive technique that
names a person, thing or action as something
else.
Hyperbole - a use of obvious exaggeration for
rhetorical effect.
Personification - a metaphor attributing human
feelings to an object.
Pathetic fallacy - a type of personification
where emotions are given to a setting, an
object or the weather.
Onomatopoeia - words that sound a little like
they mean.
Oxymoron - a phrase combining two or more
contradictory terms.
Emotive language - language intended to
create an emotional response.
Examples
The trees stood as tall as towers.
The circus was a magnet for the children.
The sun scorched through the day.
The sun smiled at the hills, ready to begin a
new day.
The clouds crowded together suspiciously
overhead as the sky darkened.
The autumn leaves and twigs cracked and
crunched underfoot.
There was a deafening silence
A heart-breaking aroma of death filled the air
as he surveyed the devastation and
destruction that had befallen them all.
Example
In the example below, look at how the writer uses descriptive techniques to create a vivid setting
for the reader and how the weather reflects the mood of the text.
The ground crumbled like sand under my feet as I heaved another step towards the summit.
Looking below, the trees were dots to my squinting eyes in the midday heat. Beating down upon
my back, the sun was relentless as I wiped the drips of salty sweat from my neckline. The silence of
the chasm below was deafening; suddenly, eagles broke the silence and screeched above me in
hunger.
Analysis
The writing opens with a simile to show the texture of the ground. The sun is personified as it is
described as ‘relentless’, giving it a ruthless personality. The silence is described as ‘deafening’, an
oxymoron that helps to emphasise how unbearable the situation is for the character. Pathetic
fallacy has been used here - the uncomfortable heat mirrors the character’s struggle as she
continues on her journey. These descriptive techniques allow the reader to feel as if they are there
and pull them into the story.
Persuasive language is used for many reasons, for example, to help to sell products or services, or
to convince people to accept a view or idea. Politicians often use persuasive techniques to get
their audience to agree with their views on a particular topic. Persuasive language is a very
powerful tool for getting what you want.
Here are some types of persuasive techniques and examples of how they can be used:
Technique
Examples
Flattery - complimenting your audience. A person of your intelligence deserves much better than
this.
Opinion - a personal viewpoint often presented as if fact. In my view, this is the best thing to have
ever happened.
Hyperbole - exaggerated language used for effect.
It is simply out of this world – stunning!
Personal pronouns - ‘I’, ‘you’ and ‘we’. You are the key to this entire idea succeeding - we will be
with you all the way. I can’t thank you enough!
Imperative command - instructional language. Get on board and join us!
Triples - three points to support an argument. Safer streets means comfort, reassurance and
peace of mind for you, your family and your friends.
Emotive language - vocabulary to make the audience/reader feel a particular emotion.
There are thousands of animals at the mercy of our selfishness and disregard for kindness.
Statistics and figures - factual data used in a persuasive way. 80% of people agreed that this
would change their community for the better.
Rhetorical question - a question which implies its own answer.
Who doesn’t want success?
Example
Thinking about what an opposing writer may say and providing a counter argument can be very
powerful and will make your own point appear stronger.
William Wallace led the Scottish rebellion against Edward I in the fourteenth century. His exploits
were made into the film Braveheart. In this extract from his speech for freedom, think about his
overall purpose and how is he trying to convince his audience in a certain way.
I am William Wallace. And I see a whole army of my countrymen, here in defiance of tyranny! You
have come to fight as free men. And free men you are! What will you do without freedom? Will
you fight? Yes! Fight and you may die. Run and you will live at least awhile. And dying in your bed
many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one
chance, just one chance, to come back here as young men and tell our enemies that they may
take our lives but they will never take our freedom!
Analysis
William uses plenty of personal pronouns (‘I, you, our’) to make the audience feel as though he is
speaking to them on an individual level. The repeated use of ‘free’ emphasises the overall topic of
his speech, and the benefit to the people listening. He repeatedly uses rhetorical questions, one
after the other to impact on the audience - they feel that they must fight to protect their freedom.
The closing sentence is highly emotive; he uses the word ‘freedom’ to leave the overall message
with his audience to consider for themselves.