English Flashcards

Which of the following is a feature of gothic literature?

Answer: Supernatural elements, decay, and psychological terror

Gothic literature typically features dark settings, the supernatural, crumbling buildings, and an atmosphere of dread or psychological horror.

What is the effect of using the second-person pronoun 'you' in a persuasive text?

Answer: It directly addresses and involves the reader

Using 'you' pulls the reader into the text, making them feel personally addressed and more likely to engage with the argument.

In 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck, what does Lennie's puppy symbolise?

Answer: The fragility of innocence and the inability to protect it

Lennie's repeated accidental killing of small creatures, including the puppy, symbolises how his strength inevitably destroys the innocent things he loves.

Which of the following sentences uses a semicolon correctly?

Answer: He loves football; however, she prefers tennis.

A semicolon can join two independent clauses, especially when using a conjunctive adverb such as 'however' or 'therefore'.

What is 'sibilance' as a poetic technique?

Answer: The repetition of 's' or 'sh' sounds to create a soft, hissing effect

Sibilance is a form of alliteration specifically involving repeated 's' or 'sh' sounds, often used to create a soft, sinister, or whispering tone.

In a GCSE English Language exam, what is the primary purpose of Question 5 in Paper 1?

Answer: To write a creative or descriptive piece of your own

Question 5 on Paper 1 asks students to produce their own creative or descriptive writing, often prompted by an image or linked to the reading theme.

Which of the following is the best definition of 'juxtaposition' in literature?

Answer: Placing two contrasting ideas, images, or characters side by side

Juxtaposition places contrasting elements next to each other to highlight their differences and create a stronger effect.