In today’s UK job market, recruiters prefer candidates with certificates. For this reason, job seekers try to get certificates through courses or exams. One of the most popular certifications in UK jobs is the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). The exam covers different subjects and expertise, including English. However, this exam expects participants to use their reading and writing skills, especially with figurative language. Therefore, learning about English language techniques helps them to work on the exam effectively.
Techniques in the English language are important because they help people understand texts better. At the same time, identifying the styles allows people to learn how language affects emotion. In the end, knowing these not only helps them in exams but also improves the reading and writing experience. Let’s explore English language devices further!
What are English language techniques?
English language techniques or literary devices are tools that writers use to express their moods and feelings properly. Writers use these techniques in both fiction and non-fiction texts. Rather than writing with a flat tone, using language techniques helps writers make their work stand out. For instance, they enhance the meaning of the word so the readers can engage with the writing.
In the GCSE exams, participants will do a test that measures their skills. These include reading comprehension, textual analysis, and creative writing. On this occasion, using language techniques helps attendees find reasons why writers make certain wording choices. By the end, they will understand how literary devices affect the reader’s understanding.
Purpose of English language techniques
In general, English language techniques help people create powerful writing. These are both ornaments and tools that make writing more descriptive. In addition to that, these tools also help participants to do a better analysis of a GCSE exam. As a result, they will be confident with their results and improve their comprehension. Here’s a further explanation:
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Increase analysis skills: Understanding the English language techniques allows participants to identify how writers influence readers through the text. For instance, recognising and explaining the effects of language choices develops deeper analytical skills during the GCSE exams.
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Improving writing quality: Using literary devices allows writers to develop themes and meaning in their writing. In the GCSE exam, techniques like imagery and rhetorical devices help attendees perform in the writing test.
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Developing persuasive and descriptive writing: Incorporating language techniques helps participants create more engaging and impactful writing. By using the right tools, they can make their writing more compelling and expressive.
Examples of English language techniques
When looking at English language techniques, one important thing to understand is that they make communication more interesting. These techniques help writers share their ideas in a way that can catch the reader's attention. Another thing is that they can make writing more powerful and memorable. By learning these techniques, people can express their thoughts in a more creative way.
In the English language, there are various types of writing techniques that serve different meanings. They not only improve skills but also help GCSE candidates to do well on the exam. In this section, we will look at some common examples of these language techniques.
Figurative language
Figurative language is one of the language techniques that doesn’t show the real meaning of the word. It helps writers to improve their writing by adding depth, emotion, and creativity. To illustrate, writers use nouns to paint mental pictures for their audience. In short, this helps writers make descriptions more engaging. Here are the types and examples of figurative language:
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Metaphor: A Metaphor is one of the figurative English language techniques that directly compares two unrelated things. In other words, it uses an idea to represent something else. For example, the sentence "She’s the star of the show" describes someone who stands out among others.
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Simile: A Simile is a device that uses a comparison to describe similarities. Usually, it uses ‘like’ or ‘as’ to provide readers with a clearer image. To illustrate, the sentence "He’s as cold as ice" describes two different things with the same qualities.
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Personification: Personification uses human personalities to describe non-living things. These can be objects or concepts. As an illustration, the sentence "My heart is racing at 100 miles per hour" implies the heart beats very fast.
Rhetorical devices
Other types of English language techniques that writers use in their writing are Rhetorical devices. These devices help writers to convince or catch their audience. For this reason, writers use the device in speeches, essays, and persuasive writing. There are three types of rhetorical devices. Here are the details, along with the example:
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Repetition: Repetition is one of the English language techniques when writers repeat a word or phrase in effect. By repeating words in a sentence, writers can emphasise a point to ensure the readers fully understand. For instance, the idiom "It is what it is" points out a situation that cannot be changed.
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Anaphora: In contrast to repetition, writers use anaphora to avoid repeating words in the same sentence. Although it has the same purpose, anaphora uses a word that refers to the previous words. By all means, the repetition happens in the new sentence. To illustrate, Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech I Have A Dream begins with the same phrase in every sentence.
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Rhetorical questions: Rather than looking for an answer, writers ask a rhetorical question to make a point. This language technique effectively hooks readers’ interest and makes them think about their response. For this reason, most writers use this device in persuasive writing. As an idea, the idiom "Who cares?" Emphasises that something is not important or doesn’t matter.
Sound devices in English language techniques
We have learned that there are many kinds of English language techniques in writing. Even so, they also have sound devices that make writing more memorable. These devices create rhythms by enhancing the sensory appeal to allow readers to engage with the writing. Therefore, here is the list of sound devices:
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Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound at the beginning of words. The repetition happens when a sentence uses words that begin with the same letter, like tongue twisters.
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Assonance: Different from Alliteration, Assonance uses the same vowel sounds within a sentence. It’s also called a “vowel rhyme” because it creates a similar effect to rhyme. For that reason, assonances serve as the English language techniques.
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Onomatopoeia: Onomatopoeia (ah-nuh-mah-tuh-pee-uh) uses words that represent the object’s noise. In other words, it stimulates the reader's hearing. For example, the sentence "The sausages are sizzling in the pan" describes the sound of sausages cooking.
How to use English language techniques in GCSE exams
The GCSE exam dates for 2025 start on May 5 and finish on June 25. However, the GCSE English language exam will be from 12 May until 6 June. Using English language techniques in the exam can enhance the participants’ writing and analysis. In that case, they must learn how to use those techniques beforehand.
Before sitting for the exam, understanding the common literary devices in the exam is important. Attendees must know that each device has its own purpose. Learning about those devices not only helps them identify the texts but also helps them write effectively. To conclude, make sure to understand how each feature works and how it affects readers.
While doing the exam, ensure that you apply what you learned in both reading and writing tasks. To identify English language techniques in reading, read each sentence carefully and highlight the findings. Meanwhile, using figurative language in writing results in a deeper meaning in the text. Above all, regular practise helps to give the best result in the exam. With these strategies, participants will succeed in their exams.
Improve your English skills with CCM!
In summary, using English language techniques in GCSE exams helps improve reading and writing skills. These techniques allow participants to communicate their ideas more effectively. With practise, they can use their understanding naturally in the tests. In the end, they will get the best result and be better at those literary skills.
Aside from language, having a successful career also requires good technique. If you want to start an exciting career, the College of Contract Management is the perfect place. The college offers opportunities that allow you to create a path for your professional growth. As a result, you’ll gain skills while receiving support through certifications from the college. So, what’s stopping you? Join CCM today and take the first step to an amazing future!
