Text Analysis & Comparison Cheat Sheet

A list of useful linguistic, narrative, and structural devices with their

effects and examples for quick reference.

1. Alliteration
Definition: Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
Effect: Creates rhythm, draws attention, adds emphasis.
Example: "The wild wind whipped wildly."

2. Metaphor
Definition: Direct comparison between two unlike things.
Effect: Adds imagery, deepens meaning.
Example: "Her voice was music to his ears."

3. Simile
Definition: Comparison using "like" or "as."
Effect: Makes descriptions vivid and relatable.
Example: "He was as brave as a lion."

4. Personification
Definition: Giving human qualities to non-human things.
Effect: Brings scenes to life, creates emotional connection.
Example: "The moon danced on the water."

5. Hyperbole
Definition: Exaggeration for emphasis.
Effect: Creates humor or strong impression.
Example: "I've told you a million times."

6. Repetition
Definition: Repeating words or phrases.
Effect: Emphasizes a point, creates rhythm.
Example: "Alone, alone, all all alone."
7. Oxymoron
Definition: Two contradictory terms together.
Effect: Highlights confusion or complex emotion.
Example: "Bittersweet memories."

8. Anaphora
Definition: Repetition at the start of clauses or sentences.
Effect: Emphasizes an idea, builds momentum.
Example: "We shall fight... we shall defend... we shall never surrender."

9. Juxtaposition
Definition: Placing contrasting elements side by side.
Effect: Highlight differences, creates contrast.
Example: "She was light; he was darkness."

10. Rhetorical Question

Definition: A question asked without expecting an answer.
Effect: Engages reader, provokes thought.
Example: "Why me?"

11. Imagery
Definition: Descriptive language appealing to senses.
Effect: Creates vivid scene or emotion.
Example: "The scent of rain filled the damp air."

12. Allusion
Definition: Reference to another text, event, or figure.
Effect: Adds layers of meaning.
Example: "He was a real Romeo."

13. First Person Narration

Definition: Story told using "I".
Effect: Personal, emotional, subjective.
Example: "I walked alone through the streets."

14. Third Person Narration

Definition: Story told using "he/she/they."
Effect: Wider perspective, more objective.
Example: "She wandered aimlessly."

15. Second Person Narration

Definition: Uses "you" to address the reader.
Effect: Involves reader, makes it immersive.
Example: "You walk into the room."
16. Unreliable Narrator
Definition: Narrator whose credibility is questionable.
Effect: Creates mystery or tension.
Example: A character who contradicts themselves.

17. Dialogue
Definition: Conversation between characters.
Effect: Reveals personality, builds realism.
Example: "I never said that!" he shouted.

18. Tone
Definition: The writer's attitude toward the subject.
Effect: Shapes how readers feel.
Example: Sarcastic, joyful, angry tone.

19. Short Sentences

Effect: Adds tension, drama, fast pace.
Example: "He ran. He fell. Silence."

20. Long Sentences

Effect: Adds depth, reflection, slows down pace.
Example: "She walked through the city, past glowing windows, into the
unknown."

21. Sentence Fragments

Effect: Informal, mimics thought, adds drama.
Example: "No escape. No way out."

22. Minor Sentence

Definition: A sentence without a verb or complete structure.
Effect: Adds realism, emotion, or informality.
Example: "No way."
23. Flashback
Definition: Scene set in an earlier time.
Effect: Reveals background, adds depth.
Example: "Years ago, in a quiet town..."

24. Foreshadowing
Definition: Hinting at future events.
Effect: Builds suspense.
Example: "Little did she know..."

25. Circular Structure

Definition: Ends the way it began.
Effect: Suggests repetition, closure, or entrapment.
Example: Starts and ends with same sentence.

26. Chronological Structure

Definition: Events in time order.
Effect: Clear, easy to follow.
Example: Beginning → Middle → End.

27. Shift in Perspective or Tone

Effect: Shows change in mood, opinion, or growth.
Example: From hopeful to hopeless.

28. Zoom-In / Zoom-Out

Effect: Focuses reader’s attention on detail or context.
Example: Close-up on a tear, then pan to a silent room.

29. Stream of Consciousness

Definition: Raw, continuous flow of thoughts.
Effect: Deep insight into character's mind.
Example: "I don't know, maybe... no, that's not right... why did I say that?"

30. Exclamation Mark (!)

Definition: Punctuation used for emphasis or strong emotion.
Effect: Conveys excitement, shock, urgency.
Example: "Watch out!"

31. Anecdote
Definition: Short personal story.
Effect: Makes text relatable, engages the reader.
Example: "When I was your age, I walked to school barefoot."
32. Facts
Definition: Verifiable information.
Effect: Adds credibility and supports argument.
Example: "Water boils at 100°C."

33. Numerical and Statistical Data

Definition: Use of numbers, percentages, or statistics.
Effect: Makes argument seem logical and reliable.
Example: "87% of people agreed."
Common Words & Advanced Alternatives

1. Good
o Exemplary
o Commendable
o Praiseworthy
o Admirable
o Virtuous
2. Bad
o Detrimental
o Deplorable
o Nefarious
o Substandard
o Inferior
3. Happy
o Elated
o Ecstatic
o Euphoric
o Jubilant
o Gleeful
4. Sad
o Melancholy
o Despondent
o Disheartened
o Forlorn
o Grief-stricken
5. Important
o Crucial
o Paramount
o Pivotal
o Significant
o Indispensable
6. Big
o Gargantuan
o Colossal
o Monumental
o Enormous
o Vast
7. Small
o Minuscule
 o Petite
o Compact
o Microscopic
o Insignificant
8. Nice
o Amiable
o Congenial
o Benevolent
o Considerate
o Cordial
9. Smart
o Astute
o Sagacious
o Perceptive
o Ingenious
o Erudite
10. Fast
o Swift
o Rapid
o Expeditious
o Brisk
o Fleet-footed
11. Slow
o Leisurely
o Sluggish
o Languid
o Deliberate
o Unhurried
12. Strong
o Robust
o Sturdy
o Vigorous
o Resilient
o Tenacious
13. Weak
o Fragile
o Feeble
o Frail
o Vulnerable
o Delicate
14. Easy
 o Effortless
o Straightforward
o Simple
o Uncomplicated
o Breezy
15. Difficult
o Arduous
o Challenging
o Onerous
o Grueling
o Formidable
16. Interesting
o Captivating
o Fascinating
o Engrossing
o Riveting
o Compelling
17. Boring
o Mundane
o Tedious
o Dull
o Uninspiring
o Insipid
18. Beautiful
o Radiant
o Resplendent
o Exquisite
o Alluring
o Picturesque
19. Ugly
o Unattractive
o Unseemly
o Repugnant
o Unsightly
o Displeasing
20. Funny
o Amusing
o Hilarious
o Entertaining
o Comical
o Witty
21. Important
o Vital
o Imperative
o Requisite
o Significant
o Fundamental
22. Angry
o Irate
o Enraged
o Infuriated
o Incensed
o Livid
23. Friendly
o Affable
o Sociable
o Genial
o Outgoing
o Warmhearted
24. Friend
o Companion
o Confidant
o Ally
o Associate
o Acquaintance
25. Show
o Exhibit
o Demonstrate
o Present
o Display
o Convey
 Good
o Her performance was exemplary, and she earned praise
from all her colleagues.
 Bad
o The results were detrimental to the team's morale, affecting
their performance for weeks.
 Happy
o I was euphoric when I found out I had passed the exam with
flying colors.
 Sad
o She felt melancholy after hearing the news about her
childhood friend’s departure.
 Important
o It is paramount that we address the issue immediately
before it escalates further.
 Big
o The new skyscraper was a monumental feat of engineering
that changed the city’s skyline.
 Small
o The project was relatively insignificant compared to the
larger goals we had set for the year.
 Nice
o He was always congenial and welcoming, making everyone
feel at ease.
 Smart
o She was astute enough to realize that the situation required
a more strategic approach.
 Fast
o The rabbit dashed across the field with remarkable
swiftness, escaping the fox in seconds.
 Slow
o His progress in the marathon was sluggish, but he was
determined to finish.
 Strong
o The bridge was built to be robust, withstanding even the
heaviest of storms.
 Weak
o The structure was fragile after years of neglect, making it
vulnerable to collapse.
 Easy
o The test was effortless for her, as she had studied diligently
for weeks.
 Difficult
o The hike up the mountain was arduous, but the view from
the top made it worthwhile.
 Interesting
o The documentary was captivating, revealing fascinating
insights into ancient civilizations.
 Boring
o The meeting was so mundane that I struggled to keep my
eyes open.
 Beautiful
o The sunset over the ocean was truly exquisite, casting
golden hues across the horizon.
 Ugly
o The abandoned building was unsightly, with its broken
windows and crumbling walls.
 Funny
o His witty remarks kept the audience entertained throughout
the evening.
 Important
o It is vital that we address the environmental concerns before
the situation becomes irreversible.
 Angry
o She was livid when she found out that her hard work had
been undermined by others.
 Friendly
o The new neighbors were incredibly affable, inviting us over
for tea within days of moving in.
 Friend
o Over the years, she had become not just a friend, but a true
confidant who understood her completely.
 Show
o The museum will exhibit the works of local artists to raise
awareness about the region’s rich culture.