Year 11 Diagnostic - Unfamiliar Texts

Simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words "like" or "as". It is used to enhance the reader's understanding by creating a vivid image or making a comparison between two unrelated concepts. This literary device allows the reader to make connections and draw similarities between the two things being compared, thereby increasing their understanding of the subject being described.

A pun is a form of wordplay that exploits multiple meanings of a word or phrase to create a humorous or witty effect. It involves using phrases or words that can be interpreted in two different ways, often resulting in a play on words or a clever twist. Puns are commonly used in jokes, riddles, and witty remarks to create humor through wordplay.

The correct answer is "a basic idea within a text". In literature, a theme refers to the central message or main idea that the author is trying to convey through their work. It is the underlying concept or topic that the story revolves around and explores. Themes can be universal and resonate with readers on a deeper level, as they often reflect on human experiences, emotions, and values. By identifying the theme of a text, readers can gain a better understanding of the author's intentions and the overall significance of the work.

The correct answer is "literary techniques used by the writer to influence the reader." Language features refer to the various tools and techniques employed by writers to convey their ideas and influence the reader's understanding and emotions. These techniques can include the use of figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, as well as rhetorical devices like repetition and irony. By employing these literary techniques, writers can enhance the effectiveness and impact of their writing, making it more engaging and persuasive to the reader.

The correct answer is descriptive use of language - adjectives, verbs, adverbs which create a picture in the mind. Imagery refers to the use of vivid and descriptive language that appeals to the senses, allowing the reader to visualize and experience the scene or situation being described. It involves the use of specific details, sensory language, and figurative language to create a mental image and enhance the reader's understanding and engagement with the text.

Metaphor is a figure of speech that involves the direct comparison of one thing to another, in which the reader is expected to understand the implied similarity between the two. It goes beyond simply using the words "like" or "as" to make a comparison, as in a simile. Instead, a metaphor states that one thing is another, creating a vivid and imaginative connection between the two. This literary device helps to enhance the reader's understanding by presenting complex ideas or emotions in a more relatable and accessible manner.

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggerating or overstating something for emphasis or dramatic effect. It is a form of exaggeration that is used to create a strong impact or make a point more vividly. In hyperbole, statements are intentionally exaggerated beyond the bounds of truth or reason to emphasize a particular idea or emotion. It is often used in literature, poetry, and everyday language to add emphasis, create humor, or make a situation more memorable.

Alliteration is the use of several words together which all begin with the same letter/sound. This literary device is often used to create a rhythmic and memorable effect in writing or speech. By repeating the initial consonant sound, alliteration can add emphasis, create a musical quality, or enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of a piece of writing. It is a common technique found in poetry, advertising slogans, and memorable phrases.

Irony is a literary technique used by writers to convey the opposite of what is actually meant. It involves using language in a way that creates a contrast between the literal meaning and the intended meaning. This can be done through the use of sarcasm, irony, or understatement. By employing irony, writers can add depth and complexity to their writing, as well as engage and influence the reader's interpretation of the text.

Assonance refers to the use of several words together that contain the same vowel sound in the middle. This literary technique is used to create a musical or rhythmic effect in writing. By repeating similar vowel sounds, the writer adds emphasis to certain words or phrases, making them more memorable and impactful. Assonance can also contribute to the overall mood or tone of a piece of literature.