Language techniques

English, Language. Usually met in years 7 to 11.

Name the language technique in an example: simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration and more.

What you practise

Moves from obvious examples to ones that need careful reading. Practice moves up a level when a round goes well and down when it does not.

Each sample comes with the method and the reason every wrong option is wrong. Real practice rounds are ten questions at your level.

Sample question, level 2 of 5

Which language technique is used here? “The baby slept like a log.”

Show the answer and method

Answer: D, simile

The method: Simile compares two things using “like” or “as”. That is what this example does.

Why the other options are wrong:

A, onomatopoeia: Onomatopoeia uses a word that sounds like what it describes. That is not what this example does.
B, metaphor: Metaphor says one thing is another thing. That is not what this example does.
C, rhetorical question: Rhetorical question is a question asked for effect, not to get an answer. That is not what this example does.
E, personification: Personification gives human qualities to something that is not human. That is not what this example does.

Sample question, level 4 of 5

Which language technique is used here? “The waves clawed at the cliff.”

Show the answer and method

Answer: A, personification

The method: Personification gives human qualities to something that is not human. That is what this example does.

Why the other options are wrong:

B, repetition: Repetition repeats a word or phrase for emphasis. That is not what this example does.
C, simile: Simile compares two things using “like” or “as”. That is not what this example does.
D, alliteration: Alliteration repeats the same sound at the start of nearby words. That is not what this example does.
E, rhetorical question: Rhetorical question is a question asked for effect, not to get an answer. That is not what this example does.