Writer’s effect

Overview
Paragraph “...” uses language to create an overall effect of “...”
The language in paragraph "..." contributes to the overall effect of "..."
Through the use of language, paragraph "..." establishes an effect of "..."

Format
"The writer uses the imagery "..." which means/denotes "...". The phrase suggests "..." and connotes "...". The
writer creates an effect of "...".

L I C E
Literal meaning Implicit meaning Connotations Emotional response

1. Literal Meaning

What it literally means: This is the straightforward or surface-level interpretation of the words or phrases.

Focus on definition and clarity: You should explain exactly what the phrase or word is describing, without
trying to dig too deeply into its hidden meanings yet.

2. Implicit Meaning

What’s implied or hinted at: Here, you're going beyond the literal meaning to explore what the writer is
indirectly suggesting.

Look for subtle messages, assumptions, or ideas that aren't directly stated but are inferred through the
context of the passage or the choice of words.

3. Connotations

What emotions or ideas are associated: Words often carry associations that go beyond their basic definition,
which is referred to as their connotation. Connotations can be positive, negative, or neutral based on the
context.

Think about how a word might make the reader feel or the ideas it might evoke.

Example:

The word "screaming" has connotations of fear, aggression, and urgency, all of which add to the intense
atmosphere of the storm.

"Screaming" might also evoke a sense of desperation, which builds the tension of the narrative.

4. Emotional Response
How the writer’s choice of language affects the reader: This is about understanding the emotional or
psychological impact on the reader.

Consider what feeling or mood the language creates for the reader and how it shapes their understanding of
the scene or characters.

Key Points to Remember

Focus on language: Pay attention to specific words or phrases, not just the overall meaning. Look for
interesting or unusual language choices.

Consider the writer's purpose: Think about why the writer uses certain words or imagery and what effect
they want to create.

Be detailed: Don’t just explain what a word means—explore its deeper implications, associations, and
emotional impact.

Balance your analysis: Make sure to cover all four parts (L, I, C, E) in your response, and don’t skip any of
them. They each add a layer to the understanding of the passage.

Link back to the effect: Always connect your analysis to how the language affects the overall meaning,
atmosphere, or emotional tone of the passage.

Literal Meaning

“In this case, the words mean...”

“The phrase denotes…”

Implicit Meaning

“This implies that...”

“It suggests a deeper meaning of...”

“It indicates that...”

“This evokes the idea of...”

“It hints at...”

“It conveys a sense of...”

Connotations

“This brings to mind...”

“It has connotations of...”

“The word evokes feelings of...”

“There is an association with...”

“This word brings about the idea of...”

“It conjures up thoughts of...”

Emotional Response

“This creates a sense of...”

“It evokes a feeling of...”

“This makes the reader feel...”

“It generates an atmosphere of...”

“The reader is likely to feel...”

“This might make the audience think/feel...”

“It conveys a mood of...”

Summary writing

Key Points for a Strong Summary Response

1. Understanding the Task

Explicit Meaning: This is about identifying facts that are clearly stated in the text. Start by skimming for
sentences that directly relate to the question, and underline them or take notes.

Example: If the text says, “The writer and his wife saved for years to buy a boat,” the explicit idea is that they
made financial sacrifices to go on their journey.

Implicit Meaning: This requires reading between the lines. Think about any feelings, motivations, or
assumptions the writer might not state directly. Look at the word choice or overall tone.

Example: If the passage describes the ocean as “merciless and isolating,” it’s implying that the sea is
dangerous and evokes fear. The writer might feel apprehensive about the journey.
 2. Selecting Information

Choose only essential points relevant to the question. Don't include minor details or examples that don't
contribute to the main idea.

Make sure each point serves a specific purpose. This will help keep the summary focused and concise.

3. Using Your Own Words

Rephrase ideas in a way that captures the original meaning without copying.

Vary your vocabulary to ensure originality and conciseness. Avoid repeating the same words as the text unless
they are technical terms.

4. Organising Ideas Effectively

Structure your summary logically. Begin with the most important points, and group similar ideas together.

Avoid bullet points or lists; the response should flow as a single, continuous piece of writing.

5. Keeping Concise

Aim to summarize in no more than 120 words, focusing on clarity and directness.

Use varied sentence structures to maintain flow and interest but avoid overly complex sentences.

6. Accuracy in Language

Check spelling, punctuation, and grammar to make sure they’re accurate, as these details count for marks.

Make varied use of punctuation -

Colons (:) – Use to introduce a list or explanation.

Example: “They faced many hardships: strong waves, isolation, and dwindling supplies.”

Semi-colons (;) – Connect closely related ideas in a single sentence.

Example: “The journey was exhausting; they were physically drained and mentally fatigued.”

Em-dashes (—) – Emphasize a surprising detail or add extra information.

Example: “They lacked supplies for weeks — a challenge they hadn’t anticipated.”

Make varied use of vocabulary -

For emphasis and intensity: profound, substantial, significant, tremendous, intense, remarkable, acute,
considerable, exceptional, vigorous.
For description and detail: intricate, elaborate, nuanced, detailed, comprehensive, sophisticated, diverse,
multifaceted, complex, robust.

For analysis and insight: convey, illustrate, demonstrate, exemplify, imply, suggest, underscore, reflect, reveal,
highlight.

For cause and effect: consequently, therefore, thus, as a result, lead to, result in, trigger, prompt, foster,
stimulate.

For comparisons and contrast: similarly, likewise, in contrast, conversely, nevertheless, nonetheless, distinct,
differentiate, unlike, on the other hand.

For adding depth or elaboration: furthermore, moreover, additionally, in addition, specifically, particularly,
notably, for instance, including, as exemplified by.

For concluding or summarizing: in summary, ultimately, to conclude, overall, essentially, in essence,

For describing change and development: transform, shift, evolve, develop, progress, alter, adjust, enhance,
refine, transition.

For tone and mood in analysis: ambivalent, optimistic, pessimistic, reflective, somber, detached, empathetic,
melancholy, resigned, enthusiastic.

For expressing judgments or evaluations: valid, logical, justifiable, persuasive, compelling, flawed,
ambiguous, questionable, inadequate, inconsistent.

For sequencing and order: firstly, initially, subsequently, consequently, thereafter, finally, meanwhile,
ultimately, afterward, previously.