You are viewing a free preview of this lesson.
Subscribe to unlock all 10 lessons in this course and every other course on LearningBro.
One of the most important skills in the CEM 11+ exam is being able to spot the techniques a writer uses and explain why they are effective. In this lesson, you will learn about the most common writers' techniques and how to talk about them confidently in the exam.
Writers do not just tell you things — they show you. They use techniques to:
In the CEM exam, questions about writers' techniques often ask you to find an example and then explain its effect — what it does and why it works.
A comparison using "like" or "as".
Example: "The snow lay on the rooftops like a thick white blanket."
Effect: This helps the reader picture the snow as soft, thick, and covering everything — just like a blanket on a bed.
A comparison that says something IS something else (without "like" or "as").
Example: "Her eyes were diamonds, sparkling in the light."
Effect: This is stronger than a simile — it tells us the eyes are dazzling, precious, and full of light.
Giving human qualities to something that is not human.
Example: "The old gate groaned as it swung open."
Effect: This makes the gate seem alive, adding a sense of age and weariness. It might also create an eerie or mysterious atmosphere.
When words close together start with the same sound.
Example: "The silent snow settled softly."
Effect: The repeated "s" sound creates a soft, gentle feeling that mirrors the quiet falling of snow.
A word that sounds like what it describes.
Example: "The bacon sizzled in the pan."
Effect: You can almost hear the sound, which makes the writing more vivid and engaging.
Using the same word, phrase, or structure more than once for emphasis.
Example: "She looked left. She looked right. She looked left again."
Effect: The repetition creates a sense of nervousness and caution — the character is being very careful, perhaps because she is afraid.
A writer might suddenly use a very short sentence after longer ones.
Example: "The forest was dense, the branches tangling overhead like twisted fingers, the air thick with the scent of damp earth. Then she heard it."
Effect: The short sentence "Then she heard it" creates suspense and tension. It forces the reader to pause and wonder: What did she hear?
Words chosen to make the reader feel a particular emotion.
Example: "The helpless puppy whimpered, shivering in the cold rain."
Effect: Words like "helpless", "whimpered", and "shivering" make the reader feel sympathy and sadness.
Deliberate exaggeration for effect.
Example: "I have told you a million times!"
Effect: The exaggeration emphasises frustration and impatience.
In the CEM exam, you may be asked to identify a technique, or you may be given a quote and asked to explain what effect it has. Either way, follow this three-step method:
Subscribe to continue reading
Get full access to this lesson and all 10 lessons in this course.