Alliteration and Onomatopoiea

Alliteration involves repetition of an initial sound in two or more words close together in a sentence. For instance, ‘Sam’s seven sheep sleep soundly.’
Onomatopoeia refers to the use of words that mimic the sound they denote, such as hiss, crack, pop, sizzle. These words provide a more vivid image and bring phrases to life in the reader’s mind.
Alliteration is rarely accidental and is a conscious choice by the writer to draw attention to certain parts of their written work. It could be used to emphasise character traits, themes, or set a pace or mood.
An important aspect to remember about alliteration is that it is not only about the letters but also the sounds. For instance, ‘flour’ and ‘fire’ start with the same letter but not the same sound, so they would not be alliterative.
Onomatopoeic words can be used to create a more realistic or immersive atmosphere in the text. Sounds made by objects, animals, or actions can be represented using onomatopoeic words.
Onomatopoeia might also be used for dramatic effect. By directly describing the sounds within the scene, the author can create a more captivating and engaging piece, drawing the reader into the action.
Alliteration and onomatopoeia are often used in poetry, but can also be found in prose. Recognizing these techniques can thus aid in identifying the purpose, mood, and meaning of a text.
For the Reading: Language and Structure part of your English Language assessment, you may be asked to identify and interpret these features in a given passage. It could involve exploring how the writer has used these techniques and what impact they have on the reader.
Answering these questions effectively involves understanding the definition and purpose of these techniques, being able to spot them in a text, and articulating your interpretation clearly. So, it’s essential to practise these skills during your revision.
Practice identifying alliteration and onomatopoeia in various texts - poems, stories, advertisements. This will build your confidence and sharpness in picking up these literary devices quickly and accurately.