The Writer's Effects – IGCSE English 0990 (Paper 1)

 

Step-by-Step Technique

1. Read the Question Carefully

Make sure you know:

• Which lines you are focusing on.

• What the question wants (e.g., “impressions of the setting” or “how the writer makes the scene dramatic”).

✅ Tip: Underline key instruction words like “how the writer uses language” or “what impressions…”.

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2. Annotate the Extract

As you read the lines:

• Highlight vivid words or phrases.

• Look for imagery, sound effects, sentence structure, or tone.

📌 Example:

“The wind whipped viciously through the trees, howling like a pack of wolves.”

You might underline:

• “whipped viciously”

• “howling like a pack of wolves”

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3. Pick 3 Key Language Features

For an 10-mark question, aim to analyse 3 strong quotations for each paragraph.

Look for:

• Figurative language: simile, metaphor, personification

• Sound effects: alliteration, sibilance, onomatopoeia

• Strong verbs/adjectives

• Imagery: visual, auditory, tactile, etc.

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4. Use the PEE Method for Each Point

Point – What effect is created?
Evidence – Quote a specific word/phrase
Explanation – How does the word/phrase create that effect?

🧠 Example 1:
Point: The writer creates a sense of violence in the storm.
Evidence: “The wind whipped viciously through the trees.”
Explanation: The verb “whipped” suggests pain and aggression, as if the wind is physically attacking. The adverb “viciously” makes it sound cruel and uncontrollable, increasing the sense of danger.

🧠 Example 2:
Point: The writer uses animal imagery to create fear.
Evidence: “howling like a pack of wolves.”
Explanation: The simile compares the wind to wolves, which are often associated with danger and hunting in packs. This creates a fearful and wild atmosphere.

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5. Focus on Effect (Avoid Just Labeling)

Instead of saying:
❌ “This is a metaphor.”

Say:
✅ “This metaphor suggests…”
✅ “This creates an impression of…”
✅ “This makes the reader feel…”

Always link the technique back to the question – how it creates mood, tone, or character impression.

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6. Write in a Clear Structure

You can use separate paragraphs for each language feature.

📝 Example Structure:

One way the writer creates a sense of fear is through the verb “whipped”. This suggests a violent and aggressive movement, making the wind seem dangerous. The adjective “viciously” strengthens this impression by showing that the wind is attacking the trees cruelly.

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💡 Bonus: Common Effects and What They Suggest

Technique	Effect
Simile	Creates vivid comparison, often emotional or sensory
Metaphor	Deepens meaning, creates intensity or symbolism
Personification	Makes setting/objects feel alive or threatening
Onomatopoeia	Increases realism or drama through sound
Alliteration	Adds rhythm, drama, or focus
Strong verbs/adjectives	Create powerful impressions or emotions

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✅ Final Checklist

• Have I chosen 3 powerful language examples?

• Have I explained the effect of each one?

• Have I avoided simply labeling the device?

• Have I kept my analysis linked to the question?

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Below is both a sample exam-style question and a model answer paragraph using the Writer’s Effects technique we discussed.

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Exam-Style Question:

Read the following extract. Then answer the question below.

The boy stood frozen as the storm approached. Black clouds bled across the sky, swallowing the sun in seconds. The trees groaned under the weight of the wind, bending and cracking like bones. Thunder rolled overhead, growling louder each time, and lightning snapped across the sky in jagged white scars.

Question:
What impressions do you get of the storm, and how does the writer use language to create these impressions?

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✍️ Model Paragraph 1 (PEE technique)

One way the writer creates a sense of danger is through the metaphor “black clouds bled across the sky.” The verb “bled” suggests something violent and uncontrollable, as if the sky is wounded. This creates a dark and threatening atmosphere, making the storm feel ominous and powerful.

Another effective technique is personification in the phrase “the trees groaned under the weight of the wind.” The word “groaned” makes the trees seem alive and suffering, showing how strong and overwhelming the wind is. It also creates a sense of tension, as if nature is struggling to withstand the storm.

The writer also uses a simile: “bending and cracking like bones.” This simile is disturbing because it compares the sound of the trees to bones breaking, which is painful and violent. It makes the storm seem destructive and deadly, heightening the reader’s sense of fear.

Finally, the storm is described using animalistic imagery: “Thunder... growling louder” and “lightning snapped.” These verbs suggest wild animals, such as wolves or tigers, reinforcing the idea that the storm is untamed and aggressive. This helps build a mood of chaos and fear.

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🧠 Why this works:

• Clear structure: each paragraph = 1 language feature

• Evidence: direct quotes from the text

• Explanation: goes beyond naming techniques to explain the effect on the reader

• Links directly back to the mood of danger and fear in the question