EJG
How do I approach a question 3?
1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)
5.)
Read the question and underline the key words. Which elements of the text are you being
asked to focus on? (It should be language)
Think about TAP (text type, audience and purpose), maybe write this down next to your text.
Who is the text aimed at? What is its purpose? This will help you analyse.
Read the text and make notes about the tone or attitude as you go along – remember that
their tone / opinions might change throughout the text.
Keep an eye out for any language devices as you read and label these e.g. hyperboles, formal
language, short sentences.
Bring all of your ideas together and write a fluent response to question 3. REMEMBER: Be
fluent and support your assertions with quotations.
Language Devices
Narrative perspective e.g. first person
Hyperbole / Litote
Simile & metaphor
Personification
Alliteration / Assonance
Lexical field
Rhetorical question
Juxtaposition
Neologism
Direct speech / quotations
Statistics
Rule of three
Personal pronouns
Imperative verbs
Formal / informal
Technical language
Repetition
Sentence structures
Punctuation use
Irony
Sarcasm
Quoting / expert
opinions
Allusion
Anaphora
Anecdote
Anthropomorphism
Juxtaposition
Antithesis
Euphemism
Malapropism
Oxymoron
Pathetic Fallacy
Periphrasis
Portmanteau e.g. smog
Pun
Understatement
Tone of Voice
Sarcastic
Ironic
Sympathetic
Supportive
Narcissistic
Disgruntled
Irritated
Outraged
Annoyed
Disbelieving
Cautious
Sad
Bitter
Resentful
Sceptical
Hesitant
Mixed feelings
A = alliteration, anecdotes
F = facts, forceful phrases
O = opinions
R = repetition, rhetorical questions,
reader focus (personal pronouns)
E = exaggeration, emotive language,
examples
S = statistics, shock tactics, structure
T = triplets
AFOREST is very
useful when
writing about
argumentative
or persuasive
texts.
EJG
English Language Exam – A680 “Information & Ideas”
Question
14 Marks
21 Minutes
What is this question asking me to do? What are the key words?
This question focuses on the second text and asks you to analyse the language and tone
used by the writer in order to express their point of view / argument.
The key words / phrases are: “How does…” (writer’s name), “language” and
“tone”.
Tips when answering question 2:
 The texts used for the question are often ‘writing
to argue’ or ‘persuade’ – see the next side of the
sheet for tips when discussing this text type. The text also
tends to show a mixture of emotions towards the topic in
question – the writer may start off being unsure or may weigh
up his / her feelings.
 Make sure you stick to discussing the language
use in the article, DO NOT mention any presentational features e.g. pictures,
columns.
 ANALYSE – DO NOT simply identify devices, this will get you a ‘D’ grade!
 Explain the effect created by the language devices and how these impact upon the
reader and help express the writer’s point of view.
 Use quotations to support your ideas.
 Use technical terms as much as possible e.g. simile, juxtaposition, neologism, type
face, columns, hyperbole.
What do I need to do to achieve a Band 1 response?





“Use an excellent range of points”
“Shows understanding of the text’s purpose”
“Analytical”
“Supporting references” (quotations)
Complete understanding of the text.