Language Techniques
20 free practice questions with explanations
PassNova has 20 free Functional Skills English L2 practice questions on Language Techniques, each with a clear explanation. Practise them in the browser with instant feedback — 100% free, no sign-up, on any device. Updated for 2026.
Language Techniques: example questions & answers
12 worked examples with answers and explanations below. Practise all 20 Language Techniques questions free in the browser, with instant feedback on every answer.
Which sentence uses alliteration?
- AThe sun shone brightly
- BShe sells seashells by the seashore✓
- CThe weather was terrible
- DI walked quickly home
Answer: Alliteration repeats initial consonant sounds. 'She sells seashells' repeats 's' sound.
What is an example of a simile?
- AThe moon is a silver coin
- BShe is as busy as a bee✓
- CTime is money
- DThe stormy sky roared
Answer: A simile compares using 'as...as' or 'like'. 'Busy as a bee' is a simile.
Which sentence contains a metaphor?
- AThe team runs like clockwork
- BShe is the heart of the team✓
- CThe plan was similar to theirs
- DHe worked as hard as iron
Answer: A metaphor directly compares without 'like' or 'as'. 'Heart of the team' is a metaphor.
What is an example of personification?
- AThe tree was very tall
- BThe wind whispered through the trees✓
- CThe building looked modern
- DThe car was red and fast
Answer: Personification gives human qualities to things. 'Wind whispered' treats wind as human.
Which sentence uses hyperbole?
- AThe meeting took about an hour
- BI've told you a million times not to be late✓
- CThe report had some errors
- DThe team worked all day
Answer: Hyperbole is extreme exaggeration. 'A million times' is hyperbolic.
What is the effect of using short, punchy sentences in writing?
- AIt makes the text harder to read
- BIt creates urgency and impact✓
- CIt makes the text longer
- DIt has no particular effect
Answer: Short sentences create emphasis and drive action or emotion.
Which sentence uses irony?
- AThe beautiful day was perfect for a picnic
- B'What great weather' she said during a hurricane✓
- CThe sun was very bright
- DThe event was well organized
Answer: Irony is when words express opposite of intended meaning. 'Great weather' during hurricane is ironic.
What does repetition do in persuasive writing?
- AWeakens the argument
- BHas no effect
- CStrengthens and emphasizes key points✓
- DConfuses the reader
Answer: Repetition reinforces important ideas and makes them memorable.
Which is an example of onomatopoeia?
- AThe cat was sleeping
- BThe door slammed shut✓
- CThe book was interesting
- DThe flower bloomed
Answer: 'Slammed' is a word that imitates the sound it represents. This is onomatopoeia.
What is the purpose of using an analogy in writing?
- ATo confuse the reader
- BTo help readers understand new ideas by comparing to familiar ones✓
- CTo make writing longer
- DTo avoid clear explanations
Answer: Analogies help readers grasp unfamiliar concepts through known comparisons.
Which technique is used in this sentence: 'Whether we win or lose, we've proven ourselves'?
- ASimile
- BAntithesis (contrasting ideas)✓
- CMetaphor
- DHyperbole
Answer: Antithesis places contrasting ideas together ('win or lose') for effect.
What is an oxymoron?
- AA very long description
- BA contradiction in terms placed together for effect✓
- CA repeated sound
- DA comparison using 'like'
Answer: An oxymoron combines contradictory words like 'bittersweet' or 'deafening silence'.