A Step-by-Step guide in Answering Author's Style and Language Questions

for GCSE

Answering GCSE literature questions on set works related to the author's style and language
involves careful analysis of the author's writing techniques and how they impact the text.

1. Read the Question Carefully:

Start by thoroughly reading the question. Understand the specific focus on the author's style
and language, and what aspect of it you are required to analyse.

2. Understand the Set Work:

Ensure you have a strong understanding of the set work, including its plot, characters, and
major themes. Familiarize yourself with the text by reading it at least once and making
annotations or notes as you read.

3. Identify Relevant Passages:

Identify specific passages or quotations from the text that exemplify the author's style and
language. Look for passages with distinctive language choices, literary devices, or unique
writing techniques.

4. Author's Writing Style:

Begin your response by discussing the author's overall writing style. Is it formal, informal,
poetic, descriptive, or something else? Explain how this style influences the reader's
experience.

5. Language Choices:

Analyse the author's choice of language, including vocabulary, diction, and word
connotations. Discuss how these choices contribute to the tone and mood of the text.

6. Literary Devices:

Identify and discuss the literary devices used by the author. Look for examples of metaphors,
similes, imagery, alliteration, symbolism, and any other literary techniques. Explain their
purpose and impact.

7. Narrative Perspective:

Consider the narrative perspective (first-person, third-person, omniscient, etc.). Discuss how
this choice affects the reader's engagement with the characters and the story.

8. Tone and Mood:

Analyse the tone and mood created by the author's style and language. How does the author
make you feel while reading the text? Is it suspenseful, tragic, humorous, or something else?
Provide specific examples.

9. Dialogue and Character Speech:

If relevant, analyse the way characters speak in the text. Are there dialects, accents, or
distinctive speech patterns? Discuss how these contribute to characterization and setting.

10. Impact on Themes and Themes:

Explain how the author's style and language choices contribute to the development of major
themes in the text. How do these elements reinforce or highlight the themes of the work?

11. Historical and Cultural Context:

Consider how the author's style and language are influenced by the historical and cultural
context in which the text was written. Discuss any societal norms, language trends, or cultural
references.

12. Quotations and Evidence:

Support your analysis with specific quotations or evidence from the text. Reference the
passage numbers or page numbers in your response.

13. Connect Back to the Question:

Continually reference the specific aspects of the author's style and language mentioned in
the question. Ensure your analysis is directly related to the question's focus.

14. Conclusion:

Summarize your main points regarding the author's style and language. Reiterate how these
elements contribute to the text's overall impact and meaning.

15. Proofread and Edit:

After writing your essay, proofread it carefully to correct any grammar or spelling errors.
Ensure that your ideas are presented clearly and that your essay flows logically.

Remember to practice this approach with past papers and sample questions related to the
author's style and language to improve your skills and confidence when answering these
types of questions in your GCSE literature exam.