language features
What language feature is used in: “The wind whispered through the trees”?
personification
What does the word tone mean in an unfamiliar text?
The writer's attitude or feeling towards the subject/audience
Name one common purpose an author may have.
To inform, persuade, entertain, describe, explain, educate, etc.
What does structure refer to when analysing a text?
How the text is organised and developed
What is visual language?
The use of visual elements such as images, colour, layout, size, font and symbolism to communicate meaning
Identify the language feature: “The classroom was a zoo.” What does it suggest?
Metaphor; suggests the classroom is chaotic/noisy/out of control
Is this tone positive, negative or neutral? “The community celebrated the opening of the new playground.”
Positive
If a text gives instructions for reducing household waste, what is its likely purpose?
To inform/educate, possibly encourage action
Why might an author begin a text with a question?
To engage the reader, make them think, introduce an issue, etc.
What effect might a large, bold heading have?
Attracts attention and establishes importance/emphasis
What is the effect of using repetition in a text? Give one possible reason an author might use it.
Emphasises an idea, creates rhythm, reinforces a message, etc.
What tone is created by words such as “disaster,” “devastating,” “destroyed” and “tragic”?
Negative/alarmed/distressed
What is the difference between informing and persuading?
Informing gives knowledge/information; persuading attempts to change the reader's opinion or behaviour
What is the effect of placing the most important information at the end of a text?
Creates emphasis, suspense or impact
Why might an advertisement use the colour red? Give two possible meanings.
Danger, urgency, anger, passion, warning, etc.
Identify the feature in: “Crash! Bang! The old gate slammed shut.” Explain its effect.
Onomatopoeia; creates a strong sense of sound/action
A writer begins by describing a beautiful beach but later uses words such as “rubbish,” “filthy” and “neglected.” How does the tone change?
From positive/admiring to negative/disapproving
A writer describes the dangers of texting while driving and ends by telling readers to put their phones away. What is the author's main purpose?
To persuade/warn readers not to text while driving
A text starts with a problem, describes its causes, and finishes by suggesting solutions. What is the overall structure?
Problem → causes/explanation → solutions
An environmental poster shows a tiny Earth surrounded by a huge amount of rubbish. What contrast is being created, and what might it suggest?
Contrast between the small/vulnerable Earth and overwhelming rubbish; suggests environmental damage is threatening the planet
A writer describes a polluted river as “a lifeless, poisonous vein cutting through the city.” Identify two language features and explain how they influence the reader.
Metaphor + emotive/descriptive language; presents the river negatively and encourages concern/disgust.
A writer says: “What a brilliant idea — let’s destroy another perfectly good forest!” What tone is created? Explain how the wording reveals the writer's attitude.
Sarcastic/critical; the exaggerated praise contrasts with the destructive action.
A charity advertisement uses statistics, emotional stories and a direct request for donations. Identify the likely purpose and explain how two of these choices support it.
To persuade people to donate; statistics establish seriousness/credibility, emotional stories create empathy, direct request encourages action.
A writer begins with a dramatic moment, then goes back in time to explain how it happened. What structural technique is being used, and why might the writer use it?
Flashback/non-linear structure; creates intrigue and makes the reader want to discover what led to the dramatic moment.
A poster uses a black background, a photograph of a melting ice cap, large white text saying “OUR FUTURE?”, and very little other information. Explain how two visual choices work together to influence the audience.
Black creates a serious/dark mood; melting ice visually represents climate change; large text creates emphasis; question encourages the audience to consider their future.