Some Important Language Features Every Student Must Know

The Australian Curriculum English glossary defines language features as the features of language that support the meaning of a sentence. Some common language features are nouns, pronouns, groups of words, sentence structure, vocabulary, text structure, figurative language, etc. Our choice of language features affect the type and tone of the text and shapes its meaning. We may choose different language features based on the subject, topic, or purpose of the text.

For example, adjectives are used to describe or create imagery. Consider these two sentences:

1. It was a lovely summer morning when Jerad and I went for a picnic.
2. Jerad and I went for a picnic yesterday morning.

Both the sentences convey the same information about going to the picnic. However, the first sentence makes it more interesting and descriptive. You would automatically start imagining a bright summer picnic after reading it. This is how language supports the meaning of a sentence.

Language Features Categories

Now that we have understood what language features are, let us read more about each language feature in detail. GoAssignmentHelp language experts have divided the different types of language features into three broad categories: Structural Constraints, Literary Devices and Language Techniques.

Structural Constraints in a Language

Sentence structure is the first and the most important language feature that every student must consider while creating any form of academic writing. Every sentence, whether simple or compound, might lose its proper meaning without a clear structure. Clearly defined sentences add value to the language and make the text easier to understand. There are four important structural techniques:

Simple Sentence: A simple sentence includes one clause with a subject and a verb. It is usually to the point and covers one aspect of the subject. Students are often recommended to include simple sentences to make their assignments easy to understand.

Example: Michelle is a very good singer.

Compound Sentence: A compound sentence includes two or more independent clauses separated by a comma, a conjunctive adverb (however, thereby, etc) or coordinating conjunction (and, or, etc). Students should include compound sentences in their assignment writing to showcase their advanced language skills.

Example: My sister likes unicorns but I find them quite weird.

Complex Sentence: A complex sentence includes at least one independent clause and one dependent clause. The independent clause is connected to the dependent clause using conjunction or a relative pronoun. Students should avoid a lot of usage of complex sentences until very necessary as they increase the complexity of the text.

Example: Sarah likes Mathematics so much that she decided to pursue a PhD in applied Mathematics after completing her master’s program.

Compound-Complex Sentence: A compound-complex sentence includes ​​two or more independent clauses joined to one or more dependent clauses. GoAssignmentHelp essay writers always suggest using only one or two compound-complex sentences in essays as they add on to the complexity and make essays less presentable.

Example: David and Linda took Rosemary to the hospital because she fell off her bike and broke her arm.

Other important language features that ensure clear sentence construction:

1. Punctuation: Punctuation refers to the tools that are used to write sentences such as comma, semicolon, full stop, exclamation mark, etc. Using the correct punctuation marks is crucial for creating high-quality assignments.

 

1. Listing: Let us give you an example to make this writing technique more clear. “To write an assignment, firstly, you need to brainstorm ideas. Secondly, you must arrange the ideas in order of importance. Thirdly, you need to create a structure.” This is the listing technique, where you explain connected items one after another.

 

1. Linking or Transition: Transitions help in connecting ideas in a text. They give a structure to your writing and make it easier for the readers to understand your ideas, opinions or message. You may use a variety of linking words in your writing such as therefore, however, thereby, besides, consequently, etc.

Literary Devices

Literary devices are another important set of language features that elevate the level of writing. They are often used when you want to create an effect in your writing and make it clear how to read your piece. For example, you might want to bring out the comparison between two things using metaphor or you might want to use alliteration to make intriguing literary connections using similar sounds of words.

Here are some common literary devices used in the English language:

Metaphor: Metaphor is also known as an indirect comparison between two things in a text. These two things might be completely unrelated and yet compared to each other.

Example: “Ruby considered her mother God.” Here mother and God are being compared.

Simile: Simile is also known as a direct comparison between two things. We generally use the words “like” or “as” in making the comparison.

Example: “Tristin was as brave as a lion in front of the thieves.” Here Tristen is directly being compared to a lion.

Imagery: It is the use of figurative language to describe something to the readers in such a way that they can imagine the scenarios. The best writers use imagery to appeal to all the five senses of the readers.

Example: “I could not imagine my eyes. It was like seeing a lion pounce on its prey as Tristen jumped on one of the thieves.” Here you can easily imagine how Tristen would have faced the thieves.

Symbolism: Here’s another language feature that uses symbols to explain the meaning. A symbol could be anything that stands for or suggests something else like rainbow symbolises hope, the rose symbolises love, white colour symbolises peace, dollar sign symbolises money,

Example: “Her smile is like a rainbow.” Here the writer is depicting that her smile gives hope.

Personification: Personification is a literary device in which the writer treats a non-living thing or a non-human object with human qualities. Personification is a specific type of figurative speech that engages your imagination.

Example: “The car drove as if it was running in a marathon.” Here the car is being compared to a human being who can run a marathon.

Hyperbole: Hyperbole is a literary device that is used to exaggerate something to make a point. Note: the exaggeration is extreme in hyperbole!

Example: “John is taking a lot of time.” “John is taking forever.” Both the sentences depict the same meaning however, the second sentence exaggerates that John is late.

Onomatopoeia: Phew! Here’s our last literary device for today. Yes, we used Onomatopoeia here. It includes using words to depict the sound. Onomatopoeia is often used in comics and kids stories, but can also be used in descriptive essays, narratives and other academic assignments.

Example: “There was a strong thud when the box fell down.”

Language Techniques

Writing is important for every academic subject. By learning different language techniques or language writing styles, students can overcome their challenges in academic writing easily. The writing technique that you use makes your writing more effective and fulfils the purpose. You can express yourself as a writer in a better way.

There 5 common types of language techniques or writing styles:

Narrative Writing

Students often receive narrative writing assignments in high school and college where they have to write a story, create a hook and engage the reader. From personal essays to short stories and fiction, students often get different narrative writing assignments which include:

• Weaving different elements together and sewing a story together
• Using different characters to convey the story
• Explaining different events in different settings
• Using dialogues, descriptions and actions to convey your point of view

Analytical Writing

Students in high school and college must be able to analyse an argument or subject and present their own point of view. They must be able to look at a statement and decide whether it has merit, why and why not. Analytical writing technique imparts this ability to students.

Analytical writing includes identifying and dissecting a subject or topic, explaining its merits, demerits, causes, effects, etc. Analytical writing is often used in creating a thesis where the whole text is to support the main claim or argument. Many students find analytical writing tough because it requires effort in understanding a topic.

Expository Writing

Expository writing involves an explanation or description of the main idea or the topic. Students often get essay writing assignments where they have to explain the topic in their own words in such a way that even a person who has no idea about the topic can understand it. Expository writing generally includes the following:

• Facts and data to strengthen your points
• Clear logic and explanation

Expository writing never aims to change the reader’s mind or shape their perspective. It just informs the reader. The writer’s opinion does not matter in expository writing. For example, if you are writing an expository essay about global warming, you will write what global warming is, how it’s caused, what are its effects and some latest statistics related to global warming. You may not include what you think about the topic.

Persuasive Writing

Our next language feature is persuasive writing which aims to convince the reader about the subject. This means you must have some logic behind the writing. For example, if you choose to write an essay about “the effects of global warming”, you must write in a way that people start believing that yes, global warming is affecting the world at an alarming rate.

Two main aspects of persuasive writing include: logic and emotional appeal. Your words must make some sense. For example, while writing about global warming, you suddenly start talking about world politics, it would not make any sense. But, if you include a few lines about deforestation, it will make the topic much more clear.

Now, you cannot convince someone without targeting their emotions. For example, if you want people to change their perspective about climate, you must appeal to them about how the rising temperatures are affecting the animals, how glaciers are melting and sea levels are rising.

If you are choosing a persuasive essay writing topic, you must pick up something that you have knowledge about or you are passionate about.

Argumentative Writing

Our last language feature today is argumentative writing which is quite common in high schools and colleges. Many students consider persuasive and argumentative the same but both are quite different.

An argumentative essay includes facts and data to support your argument and pursue the reader. The writer has to take a stance in advance and present the argument accordingly. This is unlike persuasive writing where the writer may present one or more opinions and more than one side of the argument. There are five kinds of argumentative claims:

• The fact whether a statement is true or false
• Definition of the subject or topic and what you understood
• Why you are arguing about it, why is it important
• What is the cause of the problem and a potential solution
• Why should the reader care about the issue

You may use any kind of claim in your argumentative assignment. You may do it in the classical way where you present the main argument, state your opinion, and then convince the reader. You may use the Rogerian style where you present the problem, explain the other side of the argument, state your stance, and explain why you are right about the problem.

GoAssignmentHelp assignments include adequate language features

One thing that ensures you receive a better grade in your assignment is the language or your writing style. Using language features such as appropriate sentence structures, literary devices and an adequate writing style can improve the quality of your assignment. At GoAssignmentHelp, you can find complete assistance on using language features in writing. Our subject matter experts and academic writers have a thorough knowledge of academic writing styles such as persuasive writing, expository writing, analytical writing, narrative writing, etc. They are also well aware of literary devices and their correct usage. Consult us for your next assignment and ensure a higher grade.

GoAssignmentHelp assignment writing services are available 24/7 for all students. Send us a message today to know more about our services and assignment writing guidance.