AS Literature terminology

This is a set of flash cards with terms and definitions for basic language terminology. Useful when writing about prose and revising for units that focus on language and techniques. 

Will also be useful to Lang/Lit students. 

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  • Created by: S Machin
  • Created on: 21-04-13 20:44
Proper Nouns
Usually begin with a capital letter and refer to specific people, places, occasions etc. For example - Jane Eyre, Aunt Reed, Helen Burns, Gateshead, Lowood Institution, Saturday, Sunday, Christmas.
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Common Nouns
Not so specific and refer to types of people, objects, feelings etc. For example: servants, orphans, pupils, books, pencils, brushes, disappointment, jealousy, love.
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Concrete nouns
names of things which physically exist. For example: house, tree, table
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Abstract nouns
refer to feelings, ideas and qualities, things which do not physically exist. For example: freedom, friendship, strength
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Collective nouns
names given to groups of people, animals, objects. For example: team, flock, herd
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Adjectives
These are words which describe nouns. For example: ‘his eyes were small and grey'.
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Main Verb
A single verb that expresses the main meaning. For example: ‘Shew the book’.
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Auxiliary Verb
‘Helping’ verbs placed in front of main verbs. For example: ‘I was reading’.
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Adverbs
Describe the way in which verbs are carried out. For example: ‘He ran headlong at me’.
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Personal pronouns
Words that take the place of nouns. Personal pronouns replace the subject or object of a sentence.
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First person pronouns
‘I, me, we, us’
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Second person pronouns
‘you’
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Third person pronouns
‘He, she, it, him, her, they, them’
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Conjunctions
Words which link clauses (sentences). For example: ‘I was knocked down, but that did not make me ill.’
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Prepositions
Words that show position (on, under, above), direction (towards, past, to) or time (before, during, after).
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Denotation
The straightforward, objective meaning of a word – the kind of meaning you would find in a dictionary.
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Connotation
The associations that a word has – the emotions, and attitudes that are aroused by it. Connotations can be positive or negative.
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Personification
Occurs when something that is not human or alive is described as if it were.
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Pathetic fallacy
Occurs when natural elements such as the landscape or weather are used to reflect human moods and emotions.
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Figurative
Language that is symbolic or metaphorically and not meant to be taken literally.
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Literal
Language which is factual and meant to be taken on the surface level.
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Alliteration
When two or more words begin with the same sound. For example: ‘Madam Mope!’
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Sibilants
Alliteration with two or more words beginning with 'S'. For example: ‘scarlet sashes.'
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Plosives
Alliteration with two or more words beginning with 'P, B, T, D, K or G'. For example: ‘two trees,’ and ‘gaunt goblins.'
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Simple sentences
A simple sentence has only one clause – In other words, it only has one main verb. For example: ‘Would you like to go to school?’
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Compound Sentences
A compound sentence consists of two simple sentences joined together by a coordinating conjunction (and, but or so).
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Complex sentences
In a complex sentence, one or more of the main clauses is of lesser importance than the main clause. These are called subordinate clauses - they cannot stand on their own and make sense - Because, when, who, after, although, as, except'
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Sentence Moods - Declarative
Make statements or give information – most sentences are declarative. For example: ‘You told Mr. Brocklehurst I had a bad character, a deceitful disposition.'
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Sentence Moods - Interrogative
Ask questions. For example: ‘What shall I do? – what shall I do?’
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Sentence Moods - Imperative
Issue commands, advice or instructions – they usually begin with the verb. For example: ‘Come to lunch.'
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Sentence Moods - Exclamatory
Are emphatic sentences, which are indicated in novels and other prose by the use of an exclamation mark. For example: ‘Have mercy! Have mercy, aunt Reed!’
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Discourse - Repetition
If a word or phrase is repeated, it forms a link between different sentences or different parts of a text. This enhances 'cohesion'. For example: ‘School-rules, school-duties, school-habits and notions.'
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Discourse - Intertextual reference
This happens when a text makes an implied or specific reference to another text. For example, the references to Bewick’s History of British Birds.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Not so specific and refer to types of people, objects, feelings etc. For example: servants, orphans, pupils, books, pencils, brushes, disappointment, jealousy, love.

Back

Common Nouns

Card 3

Front

names of things which physically exist. For example: house, tree, table

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

refer to feelings, ideas and qualities, things which do not physically exist. For example: freedom, friendship, strength

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

names given to groups of people, animals, objects. For example: team, flock, herd

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

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