Verbs & adjectives
What is a verb?
A: An action word (e.g., run, jump, stagger).
What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?
Simile uses “like/as”; metaphor is a direct comparison.
What is onomatopoeia?
A word that imitates a sound (e.g., buzz, bang).
Q: What is a short sentence and why is it effective?
Quick, sharp, grabs attention.
What does colloquial language do for a reader?
Makes writing sound relaxed and relatable.
Q: What does the verb “towered” suggest in the sentence “Jonah towered over me”?
It shows power, dominance, and creates fear.
Explain this simile: “His words were like razor blades.”
His words were sharp and cruel, causing pain.
How does repetition affect a text?
It emphasises an idea, making it memorable.
Why might a writer use an imperative?
To command or instruct, forcing the reader to think or act.
What effect do personal pronouns (e.g., “I”) create?
They make writing personal, showing the writer’s feelings.
Q: What does the adjective “hollow” suggest about Katie in the sentence “Katie looked hollow inside”?
She looks hopeless, empty, with no energy or motivation.
Explain this metaphor: “Sukh exploded with laughter.”
His laughter was sudden, loud, and uncontrollable.
What does this onomatopoeia suggest: “He belched and snorted throughout the meal.”
He was rude and inconsiderate.
Analyse this short sentence: “Jialin spat blood.”
It’s shocking, dramatic, and makes us focus on the moment.
What does inclusive language do in this: “If we work hard, we can all nail the exam.”
It makes the audience feel included and motivated.
Q: Create a sentence using a verb + adjective to show fear.
A: Example: “He trembled in the dark room.”
Write your own metaphor to show someone is angry.
Example: “Her eyes were burning flames.”
Write a sentence using listing to show how busy a city feels.
Example: “The city roared with cars, buses, bikes, footsteps, and voices.”
How does a rhetorical question make readers think?
It doesn’t need an answer but makes the reader reflect on the obvious.
Write a sentence using colloquial language.
“Bro, that was epic.”
Q: How can the choice of verbs and adjectives in a text shape the reader’s emotions about a character? Give one example.
A: They control how we see the character (e.g., “staggered” makes us think weak, “marched” makes us think strong).
Why do writers often use similes or metaphors instead of simple descriptions?
They make images vivid, help readers feel emotions, and connect ideas to wider human experiences.
How can sound devices like onomatopoeia or repetition make the reader feel part of the scene?
They create sensory effects—repetition adds rhythm, onomatopoeia makes sounds vivid, pulling the reader into the moment.
How can sentence length affect the pace of a text and the reader’s response?
Short sentences build tension and drama; longer ones slow the pace and build detail.
Why might a writer choose inclusive pronouns (“we”, “us”) in persuasive writing?
To build unity, persuade the audience they are part of the writer’s cause, and create a sense of shared responsibility.