I’d like you to choose two words or phrases from either of the paragraphs given in today’s exam paper (the gorilla sanctuary text). You will then write a short paragraph for each one, explaining in each case ‘how the writer has created effects by using this language’.
I have written an example of the kind of paragraph you would be expected to write when answering question 2 of the English Language exam. You’d then need to write a further seven – eight in total* – to answer the question fully. I’ve also added a picture of a triangle to show how I approached this one paragraph. IMPORTANT: you won’t have time in the exam to complete a triangle for every paragraph; I have simply used this approach in our lesson as a visual aid to help you to remember how to structure each paragraph.
And my paragraph written as it should appear on your exam paper:
‘Clang’: this noun denotes the sound made when metal strikes metal. It is a loud, discordant sound. In the text, the door to Magne’s cage clangs as it is opened, giving the impression that it must be a heavy metal door that’s being unlocked to make such a noise. The sound of the clanging cage door reminds the reader of a prison cell door being opened unceremoniously, freeing the captive held inside. We are left, then, to imagine what kind of animal Magne is and why it needs to be ‘imprisoned’ behind a thick metal door. It may suggest that the gorilla is dangerous, capable of violence, and therefore such security measures need to be taken for everyone’s safety.
English at Teignmouth 