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Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to interest and engage the reader - Edexcel - GCSE English Language - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 3
Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to interest and engage the reader. Support your views with detailed reference to the text.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to interest and engage the reader - Edexcel - GCSE English Language - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
How the writer uses language
Answer
The writer employs various linguistic techniques to evoke emotions and engage the reader.
The use of verbs to describe emotions—such as
- ‘stewing’,
- ‘worried’,
- ‘feels’,
- ‘expresses’, and
- ‘admire’—creates an emotional depth that resonates with the audience. This choice of language helps the reader to empathize with the characters, making their experiences personal and relatable.
Furthermore, the writer uses personal pronouns like
- ‘I’,
- ‘he’,
- ‘you’ to invoke a sense of intimacy, making the events feel more personal. For example, the metaphor of ‘stewing around’ illustrates the complexity of feelings surrounding pregnancy, indicating confusion and mixed emotions about the character's condition.
Strong imagery is used throughout the text, particularly in depicting White's emotions: phrases like
- ‘strange queer tight little twitchy feeling’ and
- ‘a prickly sensation in the head’ serve to vividly illustrate the tension and anxiety the character feels.
Step 2
How the writer uses structure
Answer
The structural elements of the text also play a significant role in engaging the reader.
The use of paragraphing and transitions is crucial; the writer often begins with a statement that encapsulates the emotions character feels, followed by detailed descriptions that expand on these feelings. The technique of starting with a summary statement helps orient the reader and reinforces the emotional landscape.
In particular, the letter's closing reveals a significant shift, contrasting the emotional build-up to a more resolution-based tone, showcasing the character’s growth. Furthermore, the placement of dialogue acts as a tool for direct engagement, allowing the reader to witness intimate moments between characters in real-time.
The writer also employs varied sentence lengths to control the pacing. Short sentences might convey urgency or shock, while longer, more complex sentences allow for reflection.