Writers Effect

Writer’s Effect
• The effect on the reader created by an author’s words

• This effect could be to stimulate our sense of sight, touch,

smell, taste, hearing,

• To recognise, understand and explain the meaning of a

range of vocabulary.

• To demonstrate an awareness that words have layers of

meaning rather than just a literal meaning.

•
• Question 2: The Writer’s effect question
 How to approach it:

• This question asks you to look at the effect of the writer’s word
choices.

• Helps the reader to understand about a person, place or event.

• The question wants you to find powerful or unusual words that

seem to have been chosen deliberately by the writer from two
named paragraphs.

• Do not choose ordinary words therefore!

• Always try to quote “...” an image and show that you understand
what it is eg a metaphor, simile, alliteration or personification.
 GUIDELINES
• 1. First, find and circle the paragraphs identified in the question.

• 2. Next to each paragraph, write what the question has asked you to focus on, eg the way
a character or event is described.

• 3. Now circle words or short phrases in each paragraph that stand out and have probably
been used for effect or because they are important. DO NOT HIGHLIGHT FULL
SENTENCES. These are your quotations (the first E of PEE)

• P-Point E-Evidence (quotation). E- Explanation

• 4. Work out how these words all link together eg all suggest a sense of power and danger.

• 5. Your answer can either be two extended paragraphs, one for each part of the question
OR a PEA table with 3 columns and 6 rows

• 6. Now choose four words/ phrases to write about from each paragraph(depend on the
instruction.
• To do well in this question:

• Start by explaining what the words have in common eg they

all create a threatening atmosphere or they all suggest the
strength, power and beauty of the big cats.

• If you can handle it, use the phrase “semantic field” – make
sure you spell it correctly. A semantic field of threat or
danger is created by the words/ the words create a
semantic field of power and danger, contrasted with beauty.

• Once you have made the overall links, it is easy then to

explore the associations of the words you have circled
because they will all link to this overall point you have made.
• Then use IRWL to structure your
response.

• Make multiple inferences (say more than

one thing about what the word makes
you think of; describe its connotations
or associations)

• Mention any deliberate use of imagery

eg metaphor, simile, personification.
Name the technique and analyse its
effect.

• Explain what the words have in

common, how they link

• Never quote whole sentences/ lines –

just the key words you have circled.
 Format
• Overall effect- The writer creates the impression of ... in paragraph

• Quote- The word “...” helps create thus effect.

• Literal meaning- it literally means...

• Implicit meaning- However, it also suggests...

• Connotations- The word has connotations of...

• Effects- The writer uses this word to create an image of...

•
Sample Answers