FREE GCSE English Question and Answers
Match the description to the exact literary technique. figurative or rhetorical language; non-literal language.
Figurative language is the use of words or expressions in a non-literal way to create vivid imagery, convey emotions, or enhance the meaning of a text. It includes various literary techniques such as metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, and symbolism.
Which of these uses comparative adjectives in an unusual way?
The sentence "He is more cleverer than me" displays a non-standard use of comparative adjectives. The correct comparative form of the adjective "clever" is "more clever" or "cleverer" (without the additional "more"). Therefore, the sentence should be: "He is cleverer than me" or "He is more clever than me." So, the correct sentence should be: "He is cleverer than me." The other sentences "You are more tired than I am," "I am faster than he is," and "We are earlier than everyone else" demonstrate standard and correct use of comparative adjectives.
Identify the definition's appropriate literary device. The repetition of vowel sounds in words that are close together.
Assonance is a literary technique that involves the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby or closely connected words. It adds musicality, rhythm, and emphasis to a line or passage in a text. Assonance focuses on the similarity of vowel sounds, while rhyme typically involves the repetition of both vowel and consonant sounds. Rhyme refers to the similarity or correspondence of sounds at the end of words, often used in poetry. A sonnet is a specific form of poetry with a 14-line structure. Onomatopoeia refers to the use of words that imitate or mimic sounds.
Which of the following sentences uses an adjective instead of an adverb?
The correct sentence should be "She cleared up and went out the door quickly." In this case, "quick" is an adjective, which describes a noun (e.g., "a quick response" or "a quick learner"). However, in the sentence provided, "quick" is modifying the verb "went," indicating the manner or speed of the action. To properly modify the verb, an adverb form is required, which is "quickly."
He were down the shops when I phoned him. - Why is this phrase not in the standard English language?
The right response is The choice of preposition is non-standard and the subject and verb do not agree. "He were" would be "he was," and "down" would be "at" in standard English.
Which of the following statements is FALSE?
The sentence "Each of us are going swimming" is NOT correct. The correct sentence should be "Each of us is going swimming." When using the phrase ""each of us,"" it is followed by a singular verb because it refers to each individual separately. Therefore, the verb "is" should be used instead of "are." So, the correct answer is: Each of us are going swimming.
Which one of these is a non-standard example of leaving out a preposition?
The sentence "My mum gave it me" is a non-standard example of leaving out a preposition. The correct sentence should be "My mum gave it to me." In standard English, the preposition "to" is required after the verb "give" to indicate the recipient of the action. However, in the given sentence, the preposition "to" has been omitted. So, the correct sentence should be: "My mum gave it to me." The other sentences "We saw each other last week," "She made me coffee this morning," and "I went to bed early last night" demonstrate standard and correct use of prepositions.
Which one of the following is untrue?
The correct phrase is "a pair of trousers is," since "a pair of trousers" is singular. But the trousers are regarded as a plural noun.
What effect does a speech's use of the first person plural (we, us, or our) have?
The effect of using the first person plural (we / us / our) in a speech is that it causes the audience to feel a sense of collective identity. By using "we," "us," and "our," the speaker includes themselves as part of the collective group, creating a shared identity with the audience. This fosters a feeling of togetherness and unity, making the audience more likely to relate to the speaker's message and feel a sense of common purpose. Using the first person plural can create a sense of inclusivity, implying that the speaker and the audience are part of the same community or have shared goals, values, or experiences. It can enhance the speaker's ability to build rapport, establish trust, and strengthen the connection with the listeners.
Identify the definition's appropriate literary device. a narrative where everything serves as a symbol for something else.
Identify the definition's appropriate literary device. a narrative where everything serves as a symbol for something else.
Which of the sentences that follow is untrue?
"The sentence ""Clearing the garden and painting the house are my jobs for next week"" is NOT correct. The correct sentence should be "Clearing the garden and painting the house is my job for next week." When using the phrase "Clearing the garden and painting the house," it should be treated as a singular compound subject, so the verb "is" should be used instead of "are."
Which of the following statements is untrue?
The true response is My friend and I am looking forward to the match. My friend and I is a plural pronoun since it refers to two or more people.
Identify the definition's appropriate literary device. the sound "s" or "sh" being repeated.
Sibilance is a literary technique that involves the repetition of the 's' or 'sh' sounds in a series of words or within a line of poetry. It creates a hissing or soft, whispering effect, adding emphasis or musicality to the language. Alliteration, on the other hand, is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words, while scansion refers to the analysis and marking of poetic meter or rhythm. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using "like" or "as."
Most speeches are intended to...
The purpose of most speeches is to influence people. Speeches are typically intended to persuade, inform, inspire, entertain, or motivate an audience. The speaker aims to convey a message, express their ideas or opinions, and have an impact on the listeners. The goal is to influence the audience's thoughts, feelings, or actions by presenting compelling arguments, sharing personal experiences, providing evidence, or appealing to emotions. While some speeches may involve reporting facts or telling stories to support their main purpose, the overarching objective is usually to influence the audience in some way.
What effect does speaking in the second person (you/yours) have?
Using the second person (you / yours) in a speech has the effect of drawing the audience in and decreasing the gap between them and the speaker. By directly addressing the audience with "you" or referring to their experiences or perspectives using "yours," the speaker creates a sense of connection and personal involvement. This can make the audience feel more engaged and invested in the speech. It helps establish a direct relationship between the speaker and the listeners, as if the speaker is speaking directly to each individual in the audience. Using the second person can enhance the persuasive power of the speech by making it more relatable, relevant, and tailored to the audience's needs and interests. It can create a sense of inclusion and increase the audience's receptiveness to the speaker's message.
Which of the following statements is untrue?
The true response is Every day, the postman, the milkman and the baker arrives at the same time.