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Writer's Effect Tips


• You should aim for 5 relevant phrases in each part of the question. Give the phrase, in quotation marks, and explain its meaning. You can then explain its effect on the extract. You cannot get higher than 3 marks if you only identify quotations, or higher than 6 marks if you discuss only meanings.
• Make sure to not select a phrase which you do not understand as you will be unable to explain its meaning and effects.
• Do not use the same vocabulary while describing various phrases, their usage and effect.

• Nonsensical statements such as ‘The writer makes me feel as though I am there’ and ‘The passage is cleverly written’ will not be awarded marks and give the examiner the impression that you are failing to find things to say and are unable to understand and explain the effects.
• The usage of technical terms and literary devices is not mandatory, but if you choose to incorporate them into your answer ensure that it is being used correctly.
• Select brief phrases only, of one to four words. Do not lift whole chunks of text, or clump quotations together, or list them. Each one must be focused on specific use of language and explained separately.
• Introduce your choices of language with phrases such as ‘gives the impression of’, ‘suggests that’, ‘makes me think that.’ Do not say over and over again ‘This has the effect that...’
• Once you have arrived at an overview, do not contradict yourself, e.g. do not say that one quotation makes a character seem physically old and another one makes her seem physically young. This is not likely therefore you need to look at the passage again. However, there are no ‘right answers’ to this (or any other) part of the exam and you can score highly by engaging with the text and thinking about the way language is being used, whether or not your  comments are what the examiner is expecting.
• Things to look for are: use of the five senses; use of contrast; use of colour; use of noise; links between subject and environment; surprising, or unusual words; words which create sound effects; unusual or dramatic punctuation;  imagery (similes and metaphors)

Credits: 
https://sites.google.com/a/grange.cl/igcse-english/language-paper-tips

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