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English: literary understanding

Literary questions ask how a writer creates effects: simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration, structure and tone. To score highly, name the technique and explain its effect.

What is tested

  • Identifying similes, metaphors and personification
  • Effects of sound and rhythm (alliteration, rhyme)
  • Structure, tone and theme

Worked example

'The candle flame danced in the draught.' Which technique is used?

  1. A candle flame cannot dance; dancing is human.
  2. Giving a human action to a non-human thing is personification.
  3. The effect is to make the flame seem lively and graceful.

Answer: personification

Exam-day checklist

  • Name the technique (simile uses 'like/as'; metaphor says it IS).
  • Quote the words that show it.
  • Explain the effect on the reader.
  • Link the effect to the mood or theme.

Common mistakes

  • Naming the technique without explaining its effect.
  • Confusing simile and metaphor.
  • Describing what happens instead of how it is written.

Try it yourself

1. 'Her voice was like gravel underfoot.' What technique is this?

Show answer

a simile

It compares using the word 'like'.

2. 'The playful puppy pounced on the paper.' What technique is this?

Show answer

alliteration

The initial p sound repeats.

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