Literary Techniques Flashcards

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Short Sentences

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A sentence with few words, often for impact or tension. Example: “It was gone.” – creates drama or urgency.

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One-sentence Paragraph

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A single sentence used as a whole paragraph. Emphasises a key point or moment. Example: “Everything changed.”

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Foreshadowing

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Hints or clues about what will happen later. Example: “Little did she know, this would be the last time.”

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“Little did she know, this would be the last time.”

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Foreshadowing: Hints or clues about what will happen later.

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Flashback

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Interrupting the present timeline to revisit a past event. Often used to show character backstory or contrast.

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Interrupting the present timeline to revisit a past event.

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Flashback: Often used to show character backstory or contrast.

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Circular Structure

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Ending where the story began, for a satisfying or ironic effect. Example: “It started and ended at the old train station.”

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“It started and ended at the old train station.”

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Circular Structure: Ending where the story began.

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Listing

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A series of items in succession. Example: “She packed her coat, a flask, a map, and her courage.”

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“She packed her coat, a flask, a map, and her courage.”

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Listing: A series of items in succession.