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'Slurp', 'drizzle' and 'glug' are all examples of which literary technique?

Literary Techniques

Writers use literary techniques to create impact. Learn how personification, metaphor and juxtaposition shape tone, mood and meaning, then spot them in speeches, fiction and articles.

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Fascinating Fact:

Personification gives human traits to non human things. The gate yawned as the wind pushed it open.

In GCSE English, you study literary techniques to see how writers guide readers’ feelings and ideas. You will explore imagery, sound and structure to explain effects and support analysis with precise evidence.

Key Terms

Personification: Giving human actions or feelings to objects, ideas, or nature.
Metaphor: Saying one thing is another to suggest a strong comparison.
Juxtaposition: Placing contrasting ideas or images side by side to highlight differences.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What are literary techniques in GCSE English?

Literary techniques are writer’s tools, such as metaphor, personification, juxtaposition, alliteration, and repetition. They shape a text’s mood, focus attention, and influence how readers respond.

How do I analyse personification in an exam?

Quote the personification, explain which human quality is suggested, then link to effect. For example, calling a gate “yawning” creates laziness or eerie calm in the setting.

What is the difference between metaphor and simile?

A metaphor states one thing is another, while a simile compares using like or as. Both create vivid images, but metaphors are usually more direct and powerful.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Match the definition to the correct literary technique.
The repetition of the 's' or 'sh' sound.

Sibilance

Alliteration

Scansion

Simile

2 .

Match the definition to the correct literary technique.
A story in which everything symbolises something else.

Fiction

Motif

Allegory

Narrative

A story or poem containing allegory can also be described as 'allegorical'

3 .

Match the definition to the correct literary technique.
A description of one thing as being similar to something else.

Metaphor

Personification

Simile

Idiom

4 .

Match the definition to the correct literary technique.
Non-literal language; metaphorical or rhetorical language.

Formal language

Figurative language

Creative language

Informal language

5 .

Match the definition to the correct literary technique.
An object, person or colour used to represent an idea.

Theme

Mood

Symbol

Simile

6 .

Match the definition to the correct literary technique.
An example of figurative language in which inanimate objects are given human characteristics.

Trope

Onomatopoeia

Hyperbole

Personification

'The leaves on the tree shivered in the chill easterly breeze' would be an example of personification. Inanimate objects don't literally shiver

7 .

Match the definition to the correct literary technique.
A word which recreates the sound which it represents.

Onomatopoeia

Alliteration

Assonance

Consonance

'Slurp', 'drizzle' and 'glug' are all examples of onomatopoeia

8 .

Match the definition to the correct literary technique.
An example of figurative language which treats one thing as if it were another.

Metaphor

Alliteration

Paradox

Utopia

9 .

Match the definition to the correct literary technique.
The repetition of vowel sounds in words that are close together.

Rhyme

Sonnet

Assonance

Onomatopoeia

10 .

Match the definition to the correct literary technique.
A contrast between the audience's expectations and the reality of events.

Satire

Paradox

Situational irony

Dramatic irony

An example of situational irony is when Macbeth believes the witches' prophecies about his invincibility only to discover that Burnham wood came to Dunsinane in a way neither he nor the audience could predict

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Using language effectively

Author: Sheri Smith (PhD English Literature, English Teacher & Quiz Writer)