Paper 1 Question 5: Language Techniques (AQA GCSE English Language)
Revision Note
Paper 1 Question 5: Language Techniques
Question 5 requires a response which uses the appropriate language style and features for the task. The upper level of the AO5 mark scheme indicates that marks should be given for content that is convincing and crafted, with extensive and ambitious vocabulary with sustained crafting of linguistic devices (see Paper 1 Question 5: Mark Scheme for more details).
You will find an explanation of some of the key linguistic devices and language techniques you could employ in either descriptive or creative writing.
Overview of language techniques
In a piece of descriptive writing, for instance, you will use sensory language to create an effective mood and clear image of the scene you are describing. Whereas, for a question which asks you to write a story, you will employ a range of language techniques, as well as sensory language, to craft character and create drama, tension or interest. Therefore, sensory language is effective when describing a scene, but to craft a character you will need to use other techniques as well, such as dialogue for characterisation or powerful verbs to describe action. The best answers manipulate these techniques so that they successfully achieve the mood you wish to create.
In your answer you must:
Use language techniques and linguistic devices appropriately for the task
Avoid the over-use of a particular technique for a sophisticated response which gets the highest marks
Question 5 tests your ability to adapt your writing for a particular purpose. You will have already analysed a section of fiction writing in Section A, and in Question 5 you are asked to apply this knowledge to your own writing and create a text which is constructed in an appropriate manner.
When planning your answer to Question 5 it is vital to spend time thinking about your choice of response. This means you should consider if you want to craft a story or describe the scene. It is best to choose the option which suits your style of writing or which you think will be easiest to form ideas around.
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember, Question 5 requires you to use appropriate language for the audience, purpose and form of the writing in the question. Therefore, the best answers will demonstrate a well-planned answer which has considered the most effective ways to use language and structure in your creative or descriptive writing. For example, when describing setting, sensory language is a successful way to describe the mood.
Linguistic devices
When considering your choice of language and the techniques you wish to employ, you must always remember that you are making deliberate choices for effect. It is important to consider the connotations of words and phrases, and how these may add depth to your writing. For example, do your word choices evoke certain emotions or feelings in the reader, or do they reveal aspects of a character’s personality, background or emotions? You should employ the principle of ‘show, not tell’ in order to bring your writing to life in the reader’s mind.
Below you will find a brief explanation of some of the key techniques you could employ in your descriptive or creative writing:
Device or technique | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
Repetition | Of a word, phrase, image or idea. This is much more effective if you think of repetition as a motif that you use throughout your piece of writing | Throughout life, I have learnt to never give up: never give up on my dreams; never give up on my hopes and never give up on myself. |
Alliteration | Remember, the words starting with the same consonant sound do not have to be consecutive. Consider the effect you are trying to achieve through the use of alliteration | The swirling mist silently settled on the sleeping town. |
Metaphor | A great way to create atmosphere at the start of your writing is by personifying the setting to your story or description | The weary old tree, its gnarled branches outstretched like weathered arms, whispered ancient wisdom to the breeze. |
Onomatopoeia | The representation of sound on paper should be more sophisticated than comic-book terms such as “boom”. It is also not helpful to put onomatopoeic words all in capital letters. Consider sound as a way of evoking the senses in order to create atmosphere | The crackling fire whispered its secrets along with the gentle pop and sizzle of the logs as they surrendered to the flames. |
Simile | A simple comparison using “like” or “as” should be used sparingly, as this creates more impact | Her smile was as radiant as the early morning sun on a summer’s day. |
Imagery | Engages the reader’s senses by using vivid and detailed language to create an image in the reader’s mind | The sun-kissed waves crashed against the golden shore, their frothy white caps glistening in the morning light. |
Juxtaposition | Places two contrasting ideas, images or concepts side by side to highlight their differences or create a striking effect | Thе еlеgant ballroom was adornеd with еxquisitе chandеliеrs and finе artwork, whilе thе servants' quartеrs bеlow hеld nothing but barе walls. |
Emotive language | Words or phrases that are intentionally used to evoke a strong emotional response in the reader | The devastating aftermath left a trail of destruction, sorrow and misery. |
Power verbs | Verbs are doing, action or being words. Power verbs are the deliberate, interesting choice of verb to help the reader picture what you are writing. They can be especially useful for characterisation | The man stooped, bumbling slowly towards the entrance. |
Pathetic fallacy | The ability to evoke a specific mood or feeling that reflects a character’s internal or emotional state | The lonely road beckoned him onwards with no end in sight. |
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