Illustrating an idea by giving an example that is similar to it in significant ways. Example: The idea of a life cycle of a person can be represented by the life cycle of a tree.

A story which develops a symbolic pattern of ideas that is representative of something else. Example: Animal Farm is an allegory of the revolution against Communism in Russia.

A reference to a famous literary, mythological, religious or historical figure, character or person. Example: He is my Romeo. (Refers to Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet.')

A vagueness or uncertainty of meaning, where there are two possible meanings. Example: Anna saw Zoe go into her house. (Whose house?)

Prejudice in favour of or against one thing, person or group compared with another. Example: He hoped his children would inherit his green eyes.

Humour or wit that is dark or sarcastic in nature. Example: My parents put us to sleep by tossing us up in the air. Of course, you have to have low ceilings for this method to work.

Everyday language acceptable in casual speech. May contain idioms, slang, abbreviations and incorrect grammar. Example: Bae's new digs are sweet. (My boyfriend's new house is nice.)

An inconsistency in something being said either deliberate or accidental. Example: He said he loved the flowers but threw them in the bin.

Using contradictory elements to create a comparison or effect. Example: He was dark and mysterious where she was lightness and joy.

A tired expression which has lost its vitality (and sometimes its original meaning). It can sometimes be used for humorous purposes. Example: 'There are many fish in the sea.'

A polite or 'nicer' way to say something which is embarrassing or unpleasant. Example: "His clothes have seen better days." (His clothes are shabby or worn out.)

Language that is used in a way that is different from the usual literal meaning, in order to create a particular mental image. Example: She exploded with rage.

Using deliberate, extreme exaggeration for emphasis. Such statements are not literally true, but are used for emphasis. Examples: "I nearly died laughing," or, "I was hopping mad."

A group of words established by common usage in a specific area. These often have an accepted meaning which is unclear from the wording. Example: Down in the dumps. (Feeling sad.)

Irony is an implied discrepancy between what is said and what is meant. Example: "What nice weather we're having!" (A tornado is about to hit.)

A discrepancy between the expected result and actual result in a given situation. Example: The fire station burnt down.

When an audience perceives something that a character in the literature does not know. Example: In 'Romeo & Juliet,' Romeo thinks Juliet is dead, and the audience knows she is not.

Using words like 'you' or 'us,' referring to the audience to include them in the message being communicated. This makes the message more personal and credible.

Specific and technical language used by particular groups of people. Example: IT Jargon USB, hard drive, memory, gigabyte., WIFI.

The deliberate contrast of characters, settings or situations to create an effect. Example: Twins in movies are often portrayed as opposite in character one good, one evil.

Refers to language using the denotations or basic meanings of words, without any connotations or associations attached. Example: The mat is very soft. (It is.)

A form of figurative language that makes a comparison by stating that two items are the same that one is the other. Example: He was a roaring lion. (He was loud and frightening.)

A metaphor that is extended through an entire poem or a large section of a literary work. Example: A person likened to an eagle has 'talons' for fingers and acts in a predatory manner

The act of using words ridiculously, or confusing words that sound alike for comedy. Example: I just got the results of my autopsy (biopsy).

Contradictions in wording often used to create humour or sarcasm. Examples: Microsoft Works, virtual reality, working holiday, jumbo shrimp.

An apparently contradictory statement generally understood within the context of a poem or other literary work. Example: Youth is wasted on the young.

A funny or witty imitation of a genre or particular text. Also called a spoof or takeoff. Example: 'Scream' is a parody of the film, 'I Know What You Did Last Summer.'

A figure of speech in which a nonhuman thing is given human attributes or qualities. Example: The flowers bowed in the wind. (Bowing is considered a human thing.)

A play on words which uses a homonym to deliver two meanings at the same time. Example: The past, present and future walked into a bar. It was tense.

The reason for which something is written or made, or for which it exists. Example: The story was written to entertain and inform its audience.

When words or phrases are reused to emphasise a sound or idea. Makes it seem more important as the writer comes back to it. Example: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

A question that is used ironically or sarcastically to make a point. Often doesn't have a specific or logical answer. Example: "Why can't people just do what they say they'll do?"

Words which mean the opposite of what is said, used to create humour or opinion. Example: "This lamb is so raw, it's following Mary to school." (Gordon Ramsey)

The use of humour, irony, exaggeration or ridicule to expose and criticise in a literary work. Example: Austin Powers films make fun of other spy films., such as James Bond.

A figure of speech in which there is a direct similarity or comparison between two items, using the word 'like,' 'as' or 'than.' Example: My love is like a red, red rose.

Informal language using words or expressions not considered appropriate for formal occasions; or are characteristic of a particular group. Example: Going bananas. (Going crazy.)

When an object is be representative of an idea or something greater than the object itself. Examples: Cross = Christianity, owls = wisdom, yellow = cowardice, hearts = love.

A figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa. Example: Many hands make light work.

Using similar words unnecessarily in a sentence. Examples: There was a fatal death. It was an unusual phenomenon. Immediately they got an instant reply.

Words which are oldfashioned and no longer used in normal speech. Example: "Thou art a wondrous bard."

An idea or feeling which a word evokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning. Example: A dog called a mutt is assumed to be a dirty, flearidden dog.

The explicit or direct meaning of a word these are the meanings listed in dictionaries. Example: A mutt is a dog of mixed breed.

Words which have a number of different meanings even though the spelling remains the same. Example: "Show me where you bruised your leg," vs "Did you go to the show?"

A new word, or word that may have changed its meaning in speech. Example: 'Wicked' was once only a negative word, but now can be used for positive expression 'That's wicked!"

A similar definition of a word. Examples: Synonyms for 'happy' include: contented, cheery, jovial, carefree, and joyful.

An opposite definition of a word. Examples: Antonyms for 'happy' include: unhappy, sad, dejected, and depressed.

When a sentence uses a repeated structure. Example: The dog ran across the yard, jumped over the fence, and sprinted down the alley.

An image or several images (imagery) which appeals to one or more of the senses. Example: The soft breeze caressed her face. (Appeals to the sense of touch.)

Words or conversation in written form between characters in a literary work. Example: "I'm a good friend, aren't I, Jack?" "My name is Mark."

A state of mind or feeling the reader gets when reading a piece of literature. Example: 'Wuthering Heights' creates a dark, contemplative mood.

An oral or written composition in which only one person speaks. Example: "To be or not to be, that is the question." (Hamlet)

The degree of formality of language used for different situations. Examples: formal, informal, public, private, casual.

The place and time in which a story or film takes place. Examples: Paris in Winter. A spacecraft near the planet of Azcarba Suspense in May.

A quality that excites the expectation about the outcome of an event or the story itself. Example: The audience wonders when the killer will strike in a scary movie.

The cast of voice that reveals the speaker's or writer's attitude to the audience. Can be shown through word choice or emotive language. Example: Solemn, playful or critical.

A central thought or idea of the literary work, which can be found throughout it. Example: Themes in 'The Most Dangerous Game' include the value of human life and betrayal.

Words with neutral, positive or negative connotations which are used to evoke emotion in the reader or listener. Example: the grotty mutt vs the beloved pooch.

A broad statement about things or people which may be incorrect. Examples: All mums are good cooks. All reptiles lay eggs.

Stating things too simply, usually to create humour or an effect. Example: She's not badlooking. (She's very beautiful.)

An overstatement used to create an effect or communicate an idea. Example: The fish was as big as my house!

The choices an author makes to reveal a character's personality, such as appearance, actions, dialogue, and motivations. Example: The boy was kind and obedient.

The sequence of events in a story. How and why things are caused to happen. Example: The boy's desire to prove himself resulted in him running away to join the circus.

The angle from which the action takes place from whose perspective are we looking. Example: The narrator was a 3 rd person observer to the tale.

A word that interrupts a sentence to express a mood such as surprise or annoyance. Example: Hey! Hello! Wow!

A set idea about a person or group of people, often overgeneralised and incorrect. Example: The assumption that a girl will like pink and dresses or a boy will like blue and trucks.

A central character, whose actions are the main focus of attention and represent a struggle against opposing forces. Example: Romeo & Juliet in 'Romeo & Juliet.'

A character that works in opposition to the central character or protagonist. Example: Tybalt in 'Romeo & Juliet.'

A moment of comedy used to relieve the tension for the audience in an otherwise serious or tragic situation. Example: Someone farting the wrong moment at a funeral.

The main argument or point that you are making in answer to a question or argument. Example: That uniforms should not be worn.

A short and often funny story about a real person or event. Example: The time my brother fell off his bike into the swimming pool.

The group of people who read or experience a piece of literature or presentation. Example: The old ladies at the knitting and preserving convention.

A struggle between opposing forces (Internal or external). Example: The Montagues vs the Capulets in "Romeo & Juliet."

The mood or a feeling produced by a text. Example: The mystery novel created an eerie, spooky atmosphere.

A fictional person in a literary work who may be either purely imaginary or based upon someone real. Example: Tom in the novel 'Tom Sawyer.'

Only one quality or character trait; are one sided; or always act the same way. Example: Juliet's mother in 'Romeo & Juliet' doesn't change throughout the play.

Have different, even contradictory traits; are more like real people, with real issues. Example: Juliet in 'Romeo & Juliet' tries to please her family and find her true love as well.

These characters do not change; they are flat, stereotyped characters. Example: The bad guy's 'henchmen' are always large, good at fighting, and a bit stupid.

Change or grow in some way for good or bad, they are altered by events and by their own actions and choices. Example: The ugly duckling learns to see his worth.

A character 'type' which is used over and over again and is instantly recognisable. Example: The girly, helpless fairy princess, or the charming, handsome prince who saves her

Used as a contrast to the main character or protagonist; and emphasises the main character's qualities. Example: Tybalt in 'Romeo & Juliet.'

Events in a literary work that are arranged in the order of their occurrence. Example: 'Romeo & Juliet' is told from start to finish in the correct chronological order

A moment of significant realisation which happens to the protagonist usually at the end of the story. Example: When Juliet realises she'd rather trick her family and escape than marry Paris.

Introduction and background information regarding the setting, characters, plot. Example: The exposition in 'Romeo & Juliet' tells us who people are and where the story begins.

The events leading to the climax. Example: In 'Romeo & Juliet,' Juliet's parents try to force her to marry Paris, which results in her making a plan to escape and be with Romeo.

Hints or clues about what will happen later in the story. Example: The Friar in 'Romeo & Juliet' has a bad feeling about Juliet's escape plan.

Leaving out facts and details deliberately to keep the audience interested and wondering. Example: In 'Romeo & Juliet,' we are left wondering if Romeo got the message for ages.

A scene that is set in a time earlier than the main action. Example: In 'Tomb Raider,' Lara Croft has a flashback (memory) about her father

The event or point of greatest intensity or interest the most exciting part of the story. Example: While Romeo is busy killing himself, Juliet is just waking up from her fake coma!

A significant point in the story which determines how it must end. Example: Once Juliet realises that Romeo has died, she sees no other choice but to die also.

The resolution of plot conflict in a literary work. Example: Romeo & Juliet's families are forced to admit they should have gotten along better

A false impression created to confuse or mislead the audience, creating tension. Example: Professor Snape seems like the villain in 'Harry Potter' until late in the series.

The story begins and ends with the narrative in the present, with the story in the middle. Example: Most modern fairy tales involve someone reading a story at the start and end.

The feeling a reader has when emotionally or mentally involved in a story. He or she imaginatively experiences and shares some of the same things as the characters in the story.

A command made to a listener or reader of a text or story. Example: "You must act now!" "Do not try this at home!"

The repetition of consonant sounds in a line or lines of poetry. It is usually the first letter of each word with a few words in a row. Example: Good, green grass is great.

The repetition of vowel sounds in a line of poetry, to create repeated sounds. Example: Our echoes roll in the soul.

The repetition of consonant sounds but not necessarily the first letter. Example: Home, same, name, amount.

A harsh sound or discordance in words. Dissonance can be emotional or intellectual. Example: Fiercethwarted beauty.

Words that represent sounds. Example: Bang, crash, hiss, fizz, plop, creak, miaow , woof, hiss, clang, ding.

Words that end with the same vowel and consonant sound and are stressed identically when spoken. Example: Cat, mat, hat, bat, rat, sat.

The movement or beat in language created by the flow of stressed and unstressed syllables. Example: The cat in the hat sat on the mat.

Facial expressions or body language which carry meaning. Example: She pointed at the delivery boy and beckoned him inside the shop.