Exam code:8700
To get top marks for Question 5, examiners need to see “sustained crafting of linguistic devices”. Below, you will find an explanation of some of the key linguistic devices and language techniques you could employ in either descriptive or narrative writing.
Why are language techniques effective?
It is vital to include literary devices in both narrative and descriptive writing:
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Narrative writing |
Descriptive writing |
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In your answer you must:
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Use language techniques and linguistic devices appropriately for the task:
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They should be used to build mood, tone, or character development
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Avoid the over-use of a particular technique:
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Sophisticated responses that get the highest marks use a broad range of technique
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Examiner Tips and Tricks
Imagery and sensory language (using the five senses) are 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.
Examples of linguistic devices
Below you will find a brief explanation of some of the key techniques you could employ in your descriptive or narrative writing:
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Device or technique |
Explanation |
Example |
|---|---|---|
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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. |
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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. |
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Metaphor |
Metaphors can be as simple as figures of speech, but are especially effective where they are extended and developed |
She was the chief lioness among us, fierce, determined and strong. It was she who brought us all together. |
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Personification |
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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Imagery |
Engages the reader’s senses by using vivid and detailed language |
The sun-kissed waves crashed against the golden shore, their frothy white caps glistening in the morning light. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
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.
Learn more and test yourself
For more great tips and tricks, check out our fully annotated narrative writing model answer and descriptive writing model answer.
You can also test yourself on Paper 1 Question 5 by building your writing skills with our Paper 1 Question 5 multiple-choice questions and by writing your own descriptive or narrative writing and getting it marked by Smart Mark, our AI model created by English Language experts.
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