AO2v Explaining the Writer s Use of Language

1. AO2v � Explaining the Writer�s Use of Language GCSE English � Paper 1A

2. Assessment Objective AO2v - Understand and evaluate how writers use linguistic devices to achieve their effects Identify features of language Understand how they are used by writers Explain the specific effect upon the reader

3. Rhetorical Devices You need to learn some examples of linguistic devices In the exam, you must be able to recall these You need to be able to identify these and give precise explanations of how a writer has used them

4. Rhetorical question Definition The writer will not expect you to answer this question � they suggest the answer for you Effects Draws the reader into the text Introduces ideas / topics Makes the reader think Example Should the UK leave the European Union?

5. Alliteration Definition Within a sentence, a series of words will begin with the same sound Effects Draws attention to the key words Can be used to reinforce ideas / concepts May be used for humorous effect Example Politics is probably pointless

6. Lists of 3 Definition Three nouns, adjectives or verbs will be used in a list within a sentence Effects The �magic 3� fixes itself in the reader�s mind Highlights important ideas Example School uniform is uncomfortable, unattractive and unfashionable

7. Repetition Definition The technique of repeating the same word and phrase Effects Highlights key messages Reinforces important points Links different parts of the text Example Boring, boring, boring.

8. Personal involvement / anecdote Definition The writer incorporates aspects of their personal experience into the text � look for �I� Effects Appeals to the reader � makes the writer seem more human or involved Illustrates an idea or opinion Can be used for humour / pathos Example I was shocked to find that many children don�t know the National Anthem!

9. Audience involvement / direct address Definition The writer involves the reader by relating the subject to their lives Look for �you� / �we� / �us� / �our� Effects Makes the reader care about the subject Establishes a relationship between the reader and writer The writing is less intimidating Example We all know how bad school dinners are!

10. Facts and statistics Definition Information and data, that can be proved to be true Effects There are a range of specific effects, including to shock, surprise, support the writer�s view etc Example 60% of the world�s population lives in poverty

11. Expert opinion / quotations Definition The knowledge of an expert is referred to by the writer Effects Can show an alternative point of view The reader trusts what the writer is saying Quotations are very persuasive Example Dr Martin believes that more needs to be done to improve the health of young people

12. Metaphor and simile Definition Types of imagery Metaphor � one object is said to be the same as another Simile � objects are compared to each other � look for �like� or �as� Effects Makes the writing more interesting and imaginative for the reader Example As dead as a dodo

13. Over-exaggeration Definition The writer uses superlatives and adjectives to make a situation seem much worse / better than it really is Effects Shows the writer�s strong feelings Can be used in humorous or ironic ways Example Many schools have become like learning factories

14. Emotive language Definition Language that is used to create a particular emotional response in the reader Effects Can create strong feelings such as anger, guilt, joy, concern, empathy, hope etc Involves the reader in the text Example This disastrous situation will only get worse unless we do something about it

15. Irony / sarcasm Definition Ideas are presented in a way that seems opposite to what is really meant Effects Creates humour Can over-exaggerate a situation Engages the reader on a personal level Example �What a lovely day� when it is pouring with rain

16. Parenthesis Definition Brackets, dashes or commas are used to separate phrases from the main sentence Effects Shows the writer�s personal views Can be used to create irony or humour Example Most teenagers in the survey said they didn�t like homework (what a surprise!)

17. Pun Definition A joking use of a word sounding the same as another Effects Engages the reader�s attention through the use of humour Can be used to highlight an important idea Often an interesting way of starting a text e.g. a headline Example Deciding where to bury him was a grave decision

18. Combining techniques Remember that writers will often combine several rhetorical devices within a section of text E.g. Over 90% of us believe that Americans are dull-witted, dreary and docile (no surprise there then!) Try to comment on the overall impact of this on the reader

19. Reading Framework Read the questions Read the text Work out the PAFT and message Highlight examples � check the question Plan your response � use a PEE table

20. Model Question How does the writer use language to persuade the reader? [8 marks]

22. Plan your answer � 1 Highlight the text, identifying the most important examples of language you can find 8 marks = 16 minutes 8 marks = at least 3 really good examples Annotate your examples with explanations of the precise effect

23. Plan your answer � 2

24. Explaining effects You must give explanations that are matched to the text you have read Do not make generic statements like �it is effective� Every explanation must use the word �because�

25. Banned answers YOU MUST NEVER USE THE FOLLOWING PHRASES!!! The language is good The language eye-catching The language is effective The language is interesting The language makes the reader think The language means� � UNLESS YOU EXPLAIN WHY

26. Using PEEL Point � Identify a technique Evidence � Give a short quotation Explain � The effect of this technique on the reader Link � Refer back to the question (repeat some of the words)

27. Using PEEL � an example How does the writer use language to persuade the reader? The writer has used a series of rhetorical questions. For example, he writes �How many of us recycle regularly?� These questions make us think about our own responsibility to the environment and how much rubbish we create. He does this because he wants us to feel guilty. This is persuasive because he feels that we all need to do more and it makes us think about our own actions.

28. How this is assessed Band 1 Little detail / unfocused Band 2 General, descriptive answer / spots obvious devices Band 3 Explains use of language / range of examples Band 4 Detailed evaluation / structured answer