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GCSE Literary Devices and Language Techniques with Examples (PDF)

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Jess W

13/10/2025

English Lang.

Literary Devices

466

13 Oct 2025

3 pages

GCSE Literary Devices and Language Techniques with Examples (PDF)

user profile picture

Jess W

@fusedepy

The document provides a comprehensive guide on literary devices for... Show more

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
1 / 3
Literary Devices
Connotations
associations
magery - a particularly memorable
Rhythmn - the pace of a sentence
Semantic Field! a set
their me

Advanced Literary Techniques and Sound Devices

This section delves deeper into understanding figurative language GCSE notes, focusing on sound devices and advanced literary techniques essential for GCSE literary devices PDF study.

The page begins with dental alliteration, a specific form of alliteration using 'd' sounds. It then moves on to diction, emphasizing its importance in character development and tone.

Definition: Diction refers to the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.

Direct speech and the concept of doppelgangers are introduced, followed by an explanation of double meanings in literature. The page also covers enjambment, a poetic technique that carries a sentence from one line to the next without punctuation.

Example: Enjambment example: "The sky is / Blue today, a perfect / Canvas for clouds."

Euphony and fricatives are contrasted as sound devices, with euphony creating pleasing sounds and fricatives producing harsh effects. The concept of foreshadowing is introduced as a narrative technique.

Highlight: Foreshadowing is crucial for creating suspense and anticipation in storytelling.

The page concludes with guttural alliteration and half-rhyme, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of sound devices in literature.

Literary Devices
Connotations
associations
magery - a particularly memorable
Rhythmn - the pace of a sentence
Semantic Field! a set
their me

Advanced Figurative Language and Structural Devices

This final section of the GCSE literary devices PDF focuses on complex figurative language and structural devices, essential for achieving language techniques GCSE grade 9.

The page begins with hyperbole and imperatives, moving on to internal rhyme and irony. Juxtaposition is introduced as a powerful comparative device.

Definition: Juxtaposition is the placement of contrasting elements side by side for dramatic effect.

Onomatopoeia, oxymoron, and paradox are explained, providing students with tools for analyzing complex literary works. The concept of paronomasia (wordplay) is introduced, along with pathetic fallacy.

Example: Pathetic fallacy example: "The sky wept as she said goodbye."

The page covers personification and phallic imagery, demonstrating the range of figurative language examples students might encounter. Structural devices like polysyndeton and prolepsis are explained, enhancing students' understanding of narrative techniques.

Highlight: Rhetorical questions are powerful persuasive devices in speeches and argumentative writing.

The document concludes with advanced techniques such as sibilance, similes, soliloquies, and symbolism, providing a comprehensive overview of literary techniques for GCSE English students.

Literary Devices
Connotations
associations
magery - a particularly memorable
Rhythmn - the pace of a sentence
Semantic Field! a set
their me

Literary Devices: Connotations and Imagery

This page introduces fundamental literary devices list GCSE concepts, focusing on connotations, imagery, and rhythm. It explores the power of word associations and memorable images in literature.

Definition: Connotations are the associations or secondary meanings that words carry beyond their literal definitions.

The page also covers semantic fields, which are groups of words related by meaning. Alliteration, a sound device using repeated initial consonants, is introduced as a specific literary technique.

Example: Alliteration example: "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."

Other devices mentioned include chiasmus (reversed repetition), contrast, and flashback (phalepsis). The page emphasizes the importance of anaphora in speeches, which involves repeating phrases at the beginning of successive clauses.

Highlight: Anaphora is particularly effective in speeches, creating rhythm and emphasis.

Anthropomorphism, assonance, and asyndeton are briefly touched upon, providing a foundation for understanding more complex language techniques in English.

Vocabulary: Cacophony refers to harsh, discordant sounds, often created by repeating hard 'c' sounds.

The page concludes with an introduction to colloquial language and consonance, setting the stage for more advanced literary techniques.



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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

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Anna

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Thomas R

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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

English Lang.

13 Oct 2025

466

3 pages

GCSE Literary Devices and Language Techniques with Examples (PDF)

user profile picture

Jess W @fusedepy

The document provides a comprehensive guide on literary devices for English GCSE with examples. It covers a wide range of language techniques and examplesessential for GCSE students, including... Show more

Literary Devices
Connotations
associations
magery - a particularly memorable
Rhythmn - the pace of a sentence
Semantic Field! a set
their me

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Advanced Literary Techniques and Sound Devices

This section delves deeper into understanding figurative language GCSE notes, focusing on sound devices and advanced literary techniques essential for GCSE literary devices PDF study.

The page begins with dental alliteration, a specific form of alliteration using 'd' sounds. It then moves on to diction, emphasizing its importance in character development and tone.

Definition Diction refers to the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.

Direct speech and the concept of doppelgangers are introduced, followed by an explanation of double meanings in literature. The page also covers enjambment, a poetic technique that carries a sentence from one line to the next without punctuation.

Example Enjambment example "The sky is / Blue today, a perfect / Canvas for clouds."

Euphony and fricatives are contrasted as sound devices, with euphony creating pleasing sounds and fricatives producing harsh effects. The concept of foreshadowing is introduced as a narrative technique.

Highlight Foreshadowing is crucial for creating suspense and anticipation in storytelling.

The page concludes with guttural alliteration and half-rhyme, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of sound devices in literature.

Literary Devices
Connotations
associations
magery - a particularly memorable
Rhythmn - the pace of a sentence
Semantic Field! a set
their me

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Advanced Figurative Language and Structural Devices

This final section of the GCSE literary devices PDF focuses on complex figurative language and structural devices, essential for achieving language techniques GCSE grade 9.

The page begins with hyperbole and imperatives, moving on to internal rhyme and irony. Juxtaposition is introduced as a powerful comparative device.

Definition Juxtaposition is the placement of contrasting elements side by side for dramatic effect.

Onomatopoeia, oxymoron, and paradox are explained, providing students with tools for analyzing complex literary works. The concept of paronomasia (wordplay) is introduced, along with pathetic fallacy.

Example Pathetic fallacy example "The sky wept as she said goodbye."

The page covers personification and phallic imagery, demonstrating the range of figurative language examples students might encounter. Structural devices like polysyndeton and prolepsis are explained, enhancing students' understanding of narrative techniques.

Highlight Rhetorical questions are powerful persuasive devices in speeches and argumentative writing.

The document concludes with advanced techniques such as sibilance, similes, soliloquies, and symbolism, providing a comprehensive overview of literary techniques for GCSE English students.

Literary Devices
Connotations
associations
magery - a particularly memorable
Rhythmn - the pace of a sentence
Semantic Field! a set
their me

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Literary Devices Connotations and Imagery

This page introduces fundamental literary devices list GCSE concepts, focusing on connotations, imagery, and rhythm. It explores the power of word associations and memorable images in literature.

Definition Connotations are the associations or secondary meanings that words carry beyond their literal definitions.

The page also covers semantic fields, which are groups of words related by meaning. Alliteration, a sound device using repeated initial consonants, is introduced as a specific literary technique.

Example Alliteration example "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."

Other devices mentioned include chiasmus (reversed repetition), contrast, and flashback (phalepsis). The page emphasizes the importance of anaphora in speeches, which involves repeating phrases at the beginning of successive clauses.

Highlight Anaphora is particularly effective in speeches, creating rhythm and emphasis.

Anthropomorphism, assonance, and asyndeton are briefly touched upon, providing a foundation for understanding more complex language techniques in English.

Vocabulary Cacophony refers to harsh, discordant sounds, often created by repeating hard 'c' sounds.

The page concludes with an introduction to colloquial language and consonance, setting the stage for more advanced literary techniques.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user