Samples of writers effect

Read the descriptions of paragraph 1 & 2

Select three powerful words or phrases from each paragraph. Your choices should
include imagery.

Explain how each word or phrase is used effectively in the context.

Write about 200 to 300 words.

Paragraph 1
Soon he was surrounded by ancient forest, footsteps muffled by centuries of discarded
leaves. Myths of terrifying forest guardians suddenly seemed much more plausible as
the endless acres of trees stood watch, stern sentinels of the trail. The silence was
spellbinding as Bo crept onwards, down an almost subterranean tunnel of primeval
greenery. Forwards, always forwards, an intruder in a magical garden.

Paragraph 2:
Was it minutes or hours later? A sharp crack, loud as a gunshot, snapped him to
attention. Ears straining, Bo quivered, listening for ravenous forest monsters ready to
devour him in one gulp; or maybe a rogue bear or wild boar, hungry for hiker meat? Bo
lifted the tent flap and peered into the gaping throat of the darkness, ready to be
swallowed.

(Sample answer)-Para 1
The author describes the forest in a way which displays its ancient, yet mystical,
aura. The phrase "centuries of discarded leaves" is used to denote the the way in which
the leaves have accumulated over a period of time, in the absence of human
intervention. An alliteration is used in the phrase "stern sentinels" to signify that the
trees act as soldiers, on the lookout for trespassers. This effect is further enhanced with
the use of personification in the same phrase. "Silence was spellbinding" is another
phrase used by the writer to showcase the tranquility and stillness of Bo's surroundings.
To explain that the forest has existed long before humanity, "primeval greenery" is used
to indicate the forests age and continuity. Hence, the author clearly explains the forest
in which Bo is hiking.

Para 2-
Later on in the passage, the author describes Bo's reaction to the sudden noise in an
exaggerated and overdramatic manner. For instance, in the phrase "loud as a gunshot",
a simile is used to showcase Bo's fear and the startling intensity of the noise.
"Ravenous forest monsters" is used to denote the imaginary creatures which Bo fears.
To further enhance Bo's fear and dramatic acts, "devour him in one gulp" is used to
indicate that the creatures can wolf him down easily. This is done with the help of visual
imagery. The author uses a humorous tone in the phrase "ready to be swallowed" to
indicate that Bo is accepting his fate of being consumed. Thus, the author vividly
displays Bo's behaviour following the noise.
https://youtu.be/nEO1kXIU1_c (IGCSE link for writers effect)
Sample 2-
The mist creeps up to the gate and closer to us all the time, the cold whispers of
the wind blow against my bare skin. Threatening trees highlighted in the path of
light, temporarily created by the glistening moon which ensures we are forced to
look in only one direction, even if we wish to go another way.

• 1.The writer creates the image of a scary place, like a forest. This is an isolated area
as there are not many lights – “the moonlight” this seems to be the only light available.
• 2. The writer is trying to make sure the reader is afraid. “the mist creeps” something
creeping toward you can be scary. The writer is trying to create a sense of fear in the
reader, I know this from the quote “the mist creeps up” personifying the mist ensures the
reader is aware of the presence created by the mist.
• 3. The writer uses words like “bare skin” making the reader think the person is not
properly dressed and then is vulnerable. Also the word “forced” suggests the person
has no control over what is going on.

Read this feature article ‘I was swallowed by a hippo’

Choose words and phrases and explain how the writer creates effects through these
descriptions.

I reached over to grab his outstretched hand but as our fingers were about to touch, I
was engulfed in darkness. There was no transition at all, no sense of approaching
danger. It was as if I had suddenly gone blind and deaf.
I was aware that my legs were surrounded by water, but my top half was almost dry. I
seemed to be trapped in something slimy. There was a terrible, sulphurous smell, like
rotten eggs, and a tremendous pressure against my chest. My arms were trapped but I
managed to free one hand and felt around – my palm passed through the wiry bristles
of the hippo’s snout. It was only then that I realised I was underwater, trapped up to my
waist in his mouth.
I wriggled as hard as I could, and in the few seconds for which he opened his jaws, I
managed to escape. I swam towards Evans, but the hippo struck again, dragging me
back under the surface. I’d never heard of a hippo attacking repeatedly like this, but he
clearly wanted me dead.

Practice question
Text C: Lost mining city
For centuries stories had been passed down about an ancient city in a very
remote part of Brazil, the inhabitants of which mined vast quantities of gold,
silver and precious stones from the surrounding mountains. An adventurer called
Raposo took a team on a long expedition across rough terrain to find the ancient
city. This is an account of the final stage of their journey.
The party was travelling again, tired of this seemingly endless wandering, and
disheartened by their failure so far to locate the lost mines or evidence of ancient
civilisation. Raposo worked hard to keep their spirits high, but many of his companions
had long decided that no such places existed. They had come through swamps and
bush country, stumbling and complaining, and now a range of jagged mountains
showed up ahead, beyond a grassy plain broken by thin belts of green forest.
These were no ordinary mountains. As the party came nearer, the sides lit up in flame,
for it had been raining and the setting sun was reflected from wet rocks rich in colour
and light. To the onlooking explorers they seemed to be studded with gems. Streams
leaped from rock to rock and, over the crest of the ridge, a rainbow beckoned.
‘An omen!’ cried Raposo. ‘See! Our destination is just on the other side. We will be rich!’
However, night had fallen, forcing them to camp before they could reach the foot of the
immense mountain range.
‘An omen!’ cried Raposo. ‘See! Our destination is just on the other side. We will be rich!’
However, night had fallen, forcing them to camp before they could reach the foot of the
immense mountain range.
Next morning, when the sun came up from behind them, the crags appeared black and
menacing. To the eyes of many their height was vast, and when the party reached them
it was to find sheer, unscalable precipices. All day they struggled over boulders and
crevices, seeking a way up those glossy sides.
Eventually, judging that weariness was overwhelming his party, Raposo called a halt.
‘We’d better return to our old trail and try to go northwards and around these
mountains.’
‘Camp!’ was the wail. ‘Let’s camp. We’ve had enough for one day. Tomorrow we can
return to the trail.’
‘Very well,’ answered the leader, and then to two adventurers, ‘You, Jose and Manoel,
off you go to find wood for the fire!’ Jose glanced at Manoel in disbelief at their
misfortune before nodding briefly, and reluctantly followed Manoel into the darkness
Questions:
Re-read paragraphs 2 and 4.
• Paragraph 2 begins ‘These were no ordinary mountains ’ and is about the sight of the
mountains to the weary adventurers.
• Paragraph 4 begins ‘Next morning ’ and is about how the adventurers try to ascend
the mountain by daylight.
Explain how the writer uses language to convey meaning and to create effect in these
paragraphs. Choose three examples of words or phrases from each paragraph to
support your answer. Your choices should include the use of imagery. Write about 200 to
300 words.