What is the effect of sibilance

This depends on the content of the quote. First think about what the quote is actually saying. Is it something threatening? Is it describing something beautiful, or something quiet? The repeated s sound interacts with the meaning of the words to create a texture that heightens what the quote is saying. For example if the writer was describing a quiet, moonlit night, the sibilance would create a sense of secrecy and hushed stillness. If the writer was describing a scene where someone was hiding from a threat, it would create a feeling of creeping tension like a chill running up your spine. 

AC

Related English GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the different ways an author can reveal the personality of a character in a text? Give specific examples if possible.


How do you approach a question when you first receive it and then go about planning an essay?


What's the difference between a noun and a pronoun?


Read lines 31–42. By referring to both word choice and sentence structure, analyse how the writer creates a negative impression of adults. (4 marks) (Question taken from the 2016 Higher English past paper)