English Literature IGCSE
Sibilance
What Sibilance means in English Literature IGCSE, as defined for Cambridge International, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Sibilance
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
The repetition of 's' or 'sh' sounds, creating a hissing or whispering effect.
The repetition of 's' sounds to create a hissing or soothing effect.
The repetition of 's' or 'sh' sounds to create a hissing effect.
Topics that use Sibilance
- Songs of Ourselves Volume 1 (Selected) (Cambridge International IGCSE)
- Unseen Critical Commentary (Cambridge International IGCSE)
- Unseen Poetry (Edexcel iGCSE) (Pearson Edexcel IGCSE)
Related terms
Using Sibilance in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
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