Literary Devices in 11-Plus English

Understanding Literary Devices

In the context of the 11-plus English exam, literary devices play a crucial role in enhancing comprehension and analysis of texts. Recognising these devices helps students interpret the deeper meanings and emotional impacts of the passages they encounter.

Common Literary Devices

Students should be familiar with the following literary devices:

• Similes: Comparisons using 'like' or 'as' to create vivid imagery. For example, 'as brave as a lion.'
• Metaphors: Direct comparisons that imply one thing is another, such as 'time is a thief.'
• Personification: Giving human traits to non-human entities, like 'the wind whispered through the trees.'
• Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, as in 'she sells sea shells.'
• Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate sounds, such as 'buzz,' 'bang,' or 'sizzle.'
• Hyperbole: Exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally, like 'I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.'
• Imagery: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating mental images for the reader.

Identifying Literary Devices

During the 11-plus exam, students may be asked to identify these devices within comprehension passages. For example, a question might ask, 'What literary device is used in the phrase, “the stars danced in the night sky”?' The correct answer would be personification.

Effects on the Reader

Understanding the effect of literary devices is essential. For instance, similes and metaphors can create strong imagery that evokes emotions, while alliteration can enhance the musical quality of a text. Recognising these effects allows students to appreciate the author's craft and the overall impact of the writing.

Worked Example

Text: 'The thunder roared like a lion.'

Question: Identify the literary device used in this sentence.

Answer: This is a simile because it compares the sound of thunder to the roar of a lion using 'like.'

By mastering literary devices, students will enhance their reading comprehension skills, enabling them to perform better in the 11-plus exams.