Metaphor
Saying something is something else, to make a comparison. "The classroom was a zoo." Creates a strong, vivid image and shows how the writer sees the subject.
Simile
Comparing two things using "like" or "as". "She was as quiet as a mouse. "Helps the reader picture something clearly by linking it to something familiar.
Repetition
Using the same word, phrase or structure more than once."Never give up, never give in."Emphasises an important idea and makes it memorable.
Facts and Data
Statistics, numbers or proven information used as evidence."Over 70% of the Earth's surface is ocean."Builds credibility and makes the argument feel reliable.
Triplet
A group of three words, phrases or ideas together."Stop, look, listen."Sounds rhythmic and complete, and makes a point feel convincing.
Listing
A series of items or details, often more than three."The market sold fish, flax, kumara, honey and bread."Builds a rich picture or a sense of abundance or overwhelm.
Juxtaposition
Placing two contrasting things side by side."Gleaming towers stood beside a crumbling shed."Highlights the difference between them and makes the reader think.
idiom
A common phrase whose meaning isn't literal."It's raining cats and dogs."Makes the voice sound natural and familiar, and adds personality.
Jargon
Specialist words used by a particular group or profession."The pilot requested clearance and checked the altimeter."Makes a character or text sound expert, or can exclude outsiders.
Hyperbole
Deliberate exaggeration for effect."I've told you a million times!"Emphasises feeling, adds humour or drama.
Personification
Giving human actions or feelings to non-human things."The wind whispered through the trees."Brings a place or object to life and creates mood.
Alliteration
Repeating the same starting sound in nearby words."Big, bold and beautiful."Draws attention to the phrase and gives it rhythm.
Oxymoron
Two opposite words combined."Deafening silence."Shows a contradiction or tension and surprises the reader.
Sibalance
Repeating "s" or soft hissing sounds."The sea sighed softly on the sand."Creates a soft, quiet or sometimes sinister sound.
Short/minor Sentence
A very brief sentence, often only a few words."The door slammed. Silence."Creates tension, drama or emphasis, and slows the pace.
Lexical Choices
The writer's deliberate choice of particular words."She stormed out" instead of "She left".Shows tone, attitude and meaning through one carefully chosen word.
Emotive language
Words chosen to stir strong feelings."A heartbreaking, devastating loss."Makes the reader feel sympathy, anger, joy or sadness.
Explicit language
Direct, blunt or graphic wording that leaves nothing hidden."Blood ran down his face."Creates shock, realism or honesty.
Imperative
A command or instruction."Protect our oceans."Sounds urgent and direct, and pushes the reader to act.
Direct Address
Speaking straight to the reader or listener using "you"."You can make a difference."Makes the reader feel personally involved.
Collective/inclusive language
Words that include everyone, like "we", "us", "our"."We all share this land."Creates unity and a sense of belonging.
Adjective
A describing word that adds detail to a noun."The rugged, windswept coast."Adds colour and detail, and sets tone.
Rhetorical question
A question asked for effect, with no answer expected."Who would want to lose a place like this?"Makes the reader think and often points them to one answer.
Rhyme
Words that end with the same sound."Sea" and "me", "stone" and "bone".Creates rhythm, music and memorability.
Colloquial language
Informal, everyday speech, including slang and regional phrases."Yeah, nah" or "hard case".Makes a voice feel real, local and relaxed.