Explaining how writers use language

    AQA
    GCSE

    Candidates must demonstrate the ability to deconstruct texts at word, phrase, and sentence levels, identifying specific linguistic devices and structural choices. Responses require precise terminology to articulate the writer's methods and, crucially, the specific effects created on the reader within the given context. High-level attainment depends on moving beyond feature spotting to perceptive analysis of connotations, semantic fields, and the cumulative impact of imagery. This analysis directly correlates with the ability to deploy similar techniques in original writing.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Credit analysis that deconstructs specific lexical choices (e.g., verbs, adjectives) to reveal underlying connotations rather than just stating definitions.
    • Award marks for explaining the function of language features (e.g., metaphor, personification) within the specific context, avoiding generic definitions.
    • Reward responses that analyse sentence forms (syntax) and their contribution to the overall effect (e.g., how a fragmented sentence mirrors chaotic action).
    • Ensure candidates link the writer's choices directly to the question focus (e.g., 'to describe the atmosphere'), demonstrating a clear understanding of writer's intent.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit analysis that deconstructs specific lexical choices (e.g., verbs, adjectives) to reveal underlying connotations rather than just stating definitions.
    • Award marks for explaining the function of language features (e.g., metaphor, personification) within the specific context, avoiding generic definitions.
    • Reward responses that analyse sentence forms (syntax) and their contribution to the overall effect (e.g., how a fragmented sentence mirrors chaotic action).
    • Ensure candidates link the writer's choices directly to the question focus (e.g., 'to describe the atmosphere'), demonstrating a clear understanding of writer's intent.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Allocate exactly 10 minutes for this 8-mark question; aim for 3 high-quality 'What-How-Why' paragraphs.
    • 💡Use the 'Zoom' technique: Quote a phrase, then isolate a single word (verb/adjective) to explore its specific connotations.
    • 💡Categorise language use into three levels: Word level (lexis), Phrase/Technique level (imagery), and Sentence level (syntax).
    • 💡Ensure every point links back to the specific focus of the question (e.g., 'to describe the storm'), avoiding general comments on the text.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Feature-spotting (e.g., 'this is a simile') without analysing the specific effect of that comparison in the context of the extract.
    • Using generic phrases like 'makes the reader want to read on' or 'creates a picture in the head' without specifying the image or feeling.
    • Quoting whole sentences or paragraphs rather than zooming in on the specific word or phrase that carries the weight of the meaning.
    • Confusing the Language Question (Paper 1 Q2) with the Structure Question (Paper 1 Q3) by focusing on narrative shifts rather than words and phrases.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    How does the writer use language to...
    How does the writer use structure to...
    To what extent do you agree...
    Compare how writers convey...
    Write a story...
    List four things...

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