How to answer Paper 1 Question 2

This is the question that asks how the writer uses language. It looks scary. It isn't. You only need three moves, and you can do them in a sentence or two.

Check your own paper for the question number and the marks. This guide is our own plain-English advice for the language question, not an official mark scheme.

The three moves

1. Pick a word. Choose one word or short phrase that stands out. Verbs (action words) are often the best.
2. Say what it suggests. What exact idea or feeling does this word carry that a plainer word would not? Avoid vague lines like "it builds a picture in the reader's mind": they earn very few marks.
3. Say what that does to the reader. Does it make you nervous, calm, excited, sad?

An example

The sentence: "The rain was lashing down."

A first try: "Lashing is a good word because it describes the rain."

That is a start, but it doesn't say what the word does. Now add the three moves:

The verb "lashing" suggests the rain is whipping against people, as if it is attacking them. This makes the weather feel violent and a bit scary.

Same word. Much stronger answer, and it only took two more sentences.

If you get stuck

• Start with: "The writer uses the word ... to show ..."
• Ask: "What does this word suggest that a plainer word wouldn't?"
• Name it if you can: a verb, a simile, a metaphor. If you can't, don't worry. Explaining the effect is worth more than the label.

Try it now

Have a go at one quick card. It takes about 20 seconds.