This is the next of your GCSE Revision Exam Technique Tips.
Let's imagine a student has been asked to comment on a leaflet which is trying to persuade the reader to write to their MP to protest about experiments on animals.
They have read the text, using Q FOR PRAISE to help identify some of the writer's language techniques.
They notice the following sentence and underline it:
'These experiments are perverse, painful and pointless.'
They then write the following comment:
The writer uses alliteration.
They might feel pretty pleased with themselves. After all,they have done just what I suggested and identified a writer's technique.
Unfortunately, on it's own this isn't going to gain a grade C. There is a weakness in their technique.
Why? Because all it does is identify the technique. To move to the higher levels you need to comment on the writer's choice of language.
Now for the TOP Tip: I want you to hear the following two most important words in your head:
Now, what you need to do is think about how this alliteration is going to help the writer achieve their purpose.
Better but still not going to achieve a grade C.
Why Not? Because 'drawing your eyes' to something, making words 'stand out' is the point of alliteration. You need to explain why these particular words are singled out for attention.
What's special about these words. Why these words and not some other words?
Look at this:
The writer uses alliteration to emphasize the words 'perverse', 'painful' and 'pointless'. By highlighting the idea that experiments on animals are 'perverse' the writer is suggesting to the reader that there is actually something morally wrong with what the experimenters are doing. 'Painful' underlines the fact that these experiments cause suffering to the animal. Suggesting they are 'pointless' indicates that not only are people doing something morally wrong and causing suffering to an animal it is unnecessary because they don't serve any purpose. These are strong arguments and are designed to encourage the reader to act and do something about the situation: write to their MP.
Do you see how the technique and the purpose are linked?
Let's look over the Top Tips again:
Identify what the author is trying to achieve (goal/purpose).
Identify the key techniques used (Q FOR PRAISE will help).
Explain how the technique influences the readers so they will do what the writer wants.
Unfortunately, on it's own this isn't going to gain a grade C. There is a weakness in their technique.
Why? Because all it does is identify the technique. To move to the higher levels you need to comment on the writer's choice of language.
Now for the TOP Tip: I want you to hear the following two most important words in your head:
So What?
The writer uses alliteration: SO WHAT?
Now, what you need to do is think about how this alliteration is going to help the writer achieve their purpose.
The writer uses alliteration. (So What?)
So the reader's attention is drawn to these words.
So the reader's attention is drawn to these words.
Better but still not going to achieve a grade C.
Why Not? Because 'drawing your eyes' to something, making words 'stand out' is the point of alliteration. You need to explain why these particular words are singled out for attention.
What's special about these words. Why these words and not some other words?
Look at this:
The writer uses alliteration to emphasize the words 'perverse', 'painful' and 'pointless'. By highlighting the idea that experiments on animals are 'perverse' the writer is suggesting to the reader that there is actually something morally wrong with what the experimenters are doing. 'Painful' underlines the fact that these experiments cause suffering to the animal. Suggesting they are 'pointless' indicates that not only are people doing something morally wrong and causing suffering to an animal it is unnecessary because they don't serve any purpose. These are strong arguments and are designed to encourage the reader to act and do something about the situation: write to their MP.
Do you see how the technique and the purpose are linked?
Let's look over the Top Tips again:
Identify what the author is trying to achieve (goal/purpose).
Identify the key techniques used (Q FOR PRAISE will help).
Explain how the technique influences the readers so they will do what the writer wants.
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