FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE 2

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE 2

Multiple Choice

Read the passage below.

"'I've told you my secret, Toby, but now you have to promise to not tell anyone', Sanjay said. He was worried everyone would find out and that was the last thing he wanted. 'The only reason I've told you is that you're a really good friend and I know you'll do this for me.' Toby nodded, 'Don't worry, I won't say a word about it.'"

Which sentence includes an example of flattery?

• "'The only reason I've told you is that you're a really good friend and I know you'll do this for me.'"

• "'I've told you my secret, Toby, but now you have to promise to not tell anyone', Sanjay said."

• 'He was worried everyone would find out and that was the last thing he wanted.'

• "Toby nodded, 'Don't worry, I won't say a word about it.'"

Multiple Choice

Read the text below.

"Mum called to Sasha, 'Dad and I are leaving soon, you'll have to look after your brother when we're out.'

Sasha stomped down the stairs into the kitchen, 'I was going to see my friends tonight, there's no way I'm looking after him!'

Mum looked disappointed. 'Well Sasha, you're a very responsible girl and always act like an adult. I know you'll do the right thing.'"

Choose the best analysis of the text.

• In the text, the Mum tries to persuade Sasha to look after her brother while both parents are out. She compliments Sasha as 'very responsible' and likens her to an 'adult', hoping to pressure Sasha into agreeing to look after her brother.

• In the text, Mum uses flattery and compliments Sasha as 'responsible' and an 'adult'. She uses flattery to convince Sasha to go out with her friends.

• In this extract, Sasha's mother uses flattery to persuade her to look after her brother. She calls Sasha a 'responsible girl', complimenting her for the way she acts 'like an adult'. In doing so, she applies pressure to Sasha to 'do the right thing' and look after her brother.

• This extract shows an argument between Sasha and her mother because Sasha does not want to look after her brother. Sasha's mother uses flattery and compliments her as 'responsible' and 'an adult'.

Multiple Choice

Read the passage below.

'Congratulations, you have booked your holiday to Spain! Because you have such great taste in travel agents, we're offering you a voucher. All you have to do is recommend a friend and we'll send one to you right away! Why not book your next trip?'

Which sentence includes an example of flattery?

• 'All you have to do is recommend a friend and we'll send one to you right away!'

• 'Why not book your next trip?'

• 'Congratulations, you have booked your holiday to Spain!'

• 'Because you have such great taste in travel agents, we're offering you a voucher.'

Multiple Choice

As a society, we are simply obsessed with social media. It has got out of hand. A recent study showed that 3 out of 4 of males and over 4 out of 5 females who use the internet use social media platforms. Why is this necessary? Why do we not simply speak to each other?"

Which response best analyses this paragraph?

• In this paragraph, a statistic - claiming that the number of internet users who use social media platforms is as high as "3 out of 4 males and over 4 out of 5 females" - is used to shock the reader, and to emphasise how high the number of social media users is. In addition, the use of a statistic makes the writing seem objective and believable, as it can be proven to be true.

• In this paragraph, a statistic, claiming that the number of internet users who use social media platforms is as high as "3 out of 4 males and over 4 out of 5 females", is used. This is an example of a statistic as it is uses numbers to represent a fact which can be proven to be true. Using facts and statistics can help to make your argument persuasive.

• In this paragraph, the author has used a statistic to show that "3 out of 4 males and over 4 out of 5 females" who use the internet use social media. This has been done to show how many people are still not using social media, as it leaves 1/4 of males of 1/5 of females who still do not use the platforms, which may shock the reader.

• In this paragraph, the claim is that the number of internet users who use social media platforms is very high. This both shocks the reader and emphasises how many people use social media. In addition, the use of a statistic makes the writing seem objective and believable, as it can be proven to be true.

Multiple Choice

As a Christmas present, he had been given two tickets to watch a comedian in his city. He had never seen a comedy show in person before, but he wasn't disappointed - he was dying of laughter by the end. He even recommended the comedian to all of his friends.'

Where is hyperbole used in this paragraph?

• 'As a Christmas present, he had been given two tickets to watch a comedian in his city.'

• ' He had never seen a comedy show in person before, but he wasn't disappointed.'

• 'He was dying of laughter by the end.'

• 'He even recommended the comedian to all of his friends.'

Multiple Choice

'I remember being terrified, sat next to him driving a million miles an hour on the motorway and begging him to slow down.'

Which response best analyses this statement?

• Hyperbole is used in this sentence to emphasise how 'terrified' the narrator was, because the driver was 'driving a million miles an hour'.

• This is an example of hyperbole, because it is not actually possible to drive at a million miles an hour, so the narrator is exaggerating what actually happened.

• Hyperbole is used in this statement as the driver could not have been driving at a million miles an hour, so it is a clear exaggeration. |n this case, it has been used to emphasise the point that the driver was not only a little too fast, but rather was driving so quickly that it felt to the passenger like 'a million miles an hour', which left her 'terrified'.

• Claiming that the car was driving at 'a million miles an hour' is an exaggeration of the truth. It has been used here to underline the fact that the passenger did not feel safe because the driver was driving far faster than would be considered reasonable.

Multiple Choice

Read the paragraph below.

'Thanks for supporting our plant nursery by purchasing this peace lily. We recommend that you give the plant ample amounts of sunlight and water, but not too much! Take your plant every week or so and place it in a shallow bucket of water, so that it is absorbed from the bottom. If the plant is in direct sunlight constantly, we suggest moving it regularly to ensure it doesn't dry out.'

Choose the sentence below which includes an imperative.

• 'Take your plant every week or so and place it in a shallow bucket of water, so that it is absorbed from the bottom.'

• 'We recommend that you give the plant ample amounts of sunlight and water, but not too much!'

• 'Thanks for supporting our plant nursery by purchasing this peace lily.'

• 'If the plant is in direct sunlight constantly, we suggest moving it regularly to ensure it doesn't dry out.'

Multiple Choice

Read the text below.

"The group of three had been arguing for some time about what to do. Rachel wanted to go to the beach, Ayana the park, and Nathan the arcade. The argument was becoming more furious - Ayana and Rachel's tempers had risen more and more. Meanwhile, Nathan had gone quiet, brooding off to the side.

Suddenly, he screamed, 'Shut up!' They both went silent. 'Let's come up with a fourth option, something we all want to do, which we can all agree with'."

Choose the best analysis of the text.

• Nathan uses an imperative in 'Shut up!' to make Ayana and Rachel listen to him. He does so because he wants to go to the beach.

• In the passage, Nathan tells Ayana and Rachel to 'Shut up!' His anger and the imperative persuade them to be quiet.

• In this dialogue, Nathan tells Ayana and Rachel to 'Shut up!' This is effective at persuading the characters to be quiet, so that he can suggest a different plan. The command shows Nathan to have some authority in the group.

• In this text, Nathan uses an imperative to catch Rachel and Ayana's attention. The aggressive tone of 'Shut up!' is indicative of Nathan's anger at the argument and commands them to listen to him. The imperative suggests that Nathan is trying to show authority, so that he can suggest a different plan to end the argument.

Multiple Choice

Read the text below.

Met Office extreme weather warning: 'Heavy wind and rain over the weekend. Do not leave your home unless absolutely necessary! Use caution when driving and be aware of falling branches and trees. Further updates will be broadcasted regularly.'

Choose the best analysis of the text.

• In this passage, an extreme weather alert uses imperatives to persuade readers to keep safe in the weather and follow its advice.

• In this text, the Met Office warns the reader about heavy wind and rain. It orders the reader not to leave the house and be safe when driving. The urgency of the message persuades readers to follow the advice.

• The Met Office uses imperatives in this text to persuade readers to go outside in the weather and use their cars.

• In this extreme weather alert, the Met Office uses imperatives to warn its readers about the wind and rain. By using imperatives such as 'Do not leave' and 'Use caution', the alert is direct and urgent, persuading readers to be safe and follow the advice issued.

Multiple Choice

"Over the cobbles he clattered and clashed in the dark inn-yard" (The Highwayman, Alfred Noyes).

Which response analyses this line best?

• Onomatopoeia has been used by Noyes by stating that someone "clattered" and "clashed". By appealing to more than one sense, Noyes creates more vivid imagery than simply describing a scene visually and is able to create an eerie atmosphere, suggesting that the character is struggling with something.

• Noyes uses the words "clattered" and "clashed" to describe the actions of a fictional character. By using sound imagery, Noyes is able to evoke the sense of sound rather than only sight, and so to create a more rounded image than if he were to simply describing a scene visually.

• Onomatopoeia has been used by Noyes by stating that someone "clattered" and "clashed". There are examples of onomatopoeia, as onomatopoeia is a word which sounds like the sound it describes. Onomatopoeia is generally used to describe the sense of sound, and create a more vivid image for the reader.

• Onomatopoeia has been used by Noyes to appeal to more than one sense, as he uses sound imagery. This helps to create an uncomfortable atmosphere, as it is being suggested that the character is struggling to do something.

Multiple Choice

"During pitch black nights in the countryside, she had become accustomed to the pitter-patter of rain on her window and the chirping of crickets. So much so that it felt odd to fall sleep without it."

Which response analyses this passage best?

• In this passage, the sounds which a character hears in the night are described, for example the "pitter-patter" of rain and "chirping" of crickets. This sound imagery is used to create a vivid image of the scene to the reader, as because this is taking place in the nighttime, there is no other detailed visual description possible.

• In this passage, onomatopoeia is used to describe the sounds which a character hears in the night, for example the "pitter-patter" of rain and "chirping" of crickets. This sound imagery is used to create a vivid image of the scene to the reader, as because it is described as "pitch black", there is no other detailed visual description possible, making the sound description significant.

• In this passage, onomatopoeia is used to describe the sounds which a character hears in the night, for example the "pitter-patter" of rain and "chirping" of crickets. This sound imagery is used to suggest that the character is annoyed by how loud her surroundings are, and finds it difficult to sleep in this setting.

• In this passage, onomatopoeia is used to describe the sounds which a character hears in the night, for example the "pitter-patter" of rain and "chirping" of crickets. There are examples of onomatopoeia, as onomatopoeia is a word which sounds like the sound it describes. Onomatopoeia is generally used to describe the sense of sound, and create a more vivid image for the reader.

Multiple Choice

Which one of the following sentences does not include an example of onomatopoeia?

• Bees buzzed around the honeysuckle.

• The horses walked down the lane noisily.

• In the field, the sheepdog was barking at the sheep.

• In the morning, we were woken up early by the chirping birds.

Multiple Choice

Sometimes you just need a mini break from the city to refresh and get back to your best, but you never seem to get around to taking it. Luckily, our hiking days provide the perfect package: you'll be able to get out in the fresh air for the day without worrying about transport, food or working out the route - we've got that covered. "

Which response analyses this passage best?

• In this passage, which appears to be an advertisement, direct address is used to persuade the reader that the services offered by the company are perfectly suited to the reader. Addressing the reader, saying "you just need a mini break", also help to create an artificial relationship between the reader and writer, making the company seem more trustworthy and familiar, by suggesting that the writer knows personal facts about the reader and their needs.

• In this passage, the writer tries to persuade the reader that the company's services are designed for the reader as an individual by addressing them with the word "you". For example, the writer states "you just need a mini break" and "you never seem to get around to taking it". This also creates the impression of a pre-existing relationship between the reader and writer.

• In this passage, which appears to be an advertisement, direct address has been used. For example, "you'll be able to…", "you just need a mini break" and "you never seem to get around to taking it". Direct address is usually used for a persuasive effect and to make the reader feel as though they are being spoken to directly.

• In this passage, which appears to be an advertisement, direct address is used to persuade the reader that the services offered by the company are perfectly suited for the reader as an individual. The use of direct address also helps to create an artificial relationship between the reader and writer by suggesting that the writer knows personal facts about the reader.

Multiple Choice

"Even if you think of yourself as a friendly person, could you be doing more to include other pupils? We understand that not everyone can be friends, but there is simply no excuse for bullying in this school. If you see or hear anything, it is your responsibility to let us know so we can tackle the problem."

Which response best analyses this passage?

• In this speech, direct address is used, for example "if you see or hear anything", to engage listeners by making them feel that they are being individually spoken to. Beyond this, the use of direct address makes the reader feel that they are personally obliged to take action, rather than being only a significant part of a larger group.

• In this speech, direct address is used, for example "if you see or hear anything", to accuse a member of the audience of being a bully. The speaker is picking out an individual in the audience and telling them that they should do more to stop bullying.

• In this speech, direct address is used, for example "if you see or hear anything" and "you think of yourself as a friendly person". Direct address can help to create an artificial sense of closeness between the reader and writer and using direct address can engage and persuade a reader

• In this speech, direct address is used, for example "if you see or hear anything" and "even if you think of yourself as a friendly person". These are examples of direct address, as writing where the writer communicates something directly to the reader using their name, a nickname or the personal pronoun “you”.

Multiple Choice

"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him."

Which answer analyses the rule of three best in this extract from a speech in Shakespeare's 'Julius Ceasar'?

• In this extract from Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar', "friends, Romans, countrymen" is an example of the rule of three, which is catchy and easy for listeners to remember. The character appeals to an entire crowd, and the use of "friends", for example, rather than simply "Romans and countrymen", is not only more memorable, but is also an attempt to build up a friendly relationship with the crowd, to get them on his side.

• "Friends, Romans, countrymen" is an example of the rule of three in this extract from Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar', because it is a list of three. This means that it is used to be memorable and catchy.

• In this extract from Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar', the character giving the speech calls the crowd "friends, Romans, countrymen". He uses the word "friends" and "countrymen" to cause an emotional response and make the crowd create a connection between the speaker and listener so that they pay attention to him.

• In this speech, the character uses a list of three to emphasise the fact that he has come "to bury Caesar, not to praise him". The rule of three is memorable and catchy, which is why it is used.

Multiple Choice

“The rule is: jam tomorrow, and jam yesterday, but never jam today.”

Which answer best analyses this quote from Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking Glass"?

• In this quote, Carroll repeats the word "jam" three times close together. This suggests that the author is trying to place an emphasis on the importance of the "jam" to the narrative, so that the reader remembers this quote. The jam could also be a metaphor for something else.

• In this quote, from Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking Glass", the rule of three has been used by repeating the word 'jam' in three phrases in a row. This is done because the rule of three can make writing catchy and easy to remember. It also makes the story more engaging and enjoyable to read.

• This quote, taken from Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking Glass", uses the rule of three by repeating the noun 'jam' in three phrases in a row. There could be several reasons for this. Firstly, using the rule of three makes the sentence sound amusing and creates an easy to remember quote. The repetition of "jam" three times in this quote may also be understood as an engaging way to create a metaphor, suggesting that we are always looking forward to tomorrow or reflecting on yesterday, but never enjoy - or have "jam" - today.

• The quote “The rule is: jam tomorrow, and jam yesterday, but never jam today" could be seen as a metaphor for not enjoying the moment in life, but instead focusing on yesterday and tomorrow. From this perspective, "jam" does not refer only to actual jam, but symbolises a greater meaning.

Multiple Choice

"Do you, like us, have a desire to get out there and see the world? From Thai Temples to Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, there is so, so much to see in this world. Why not explore these beautiful places, all while volunteering and making a change? We offer volunteering opportunities worldwide. See the world, make a change."

Which response best analyses this paragraph?

• This company repeats the message "see the world" to emphasise how important it is to "get out there" and travel to different places. By repeating the phrase, the company makes the message memorable - it sticks in the reader's mind.

• This passage repeats the message "see the world", in the phrases "see the world", "so much to see in this world" and "see the world" in this passage. This is an example of repetition, because the same word or phrase is repeated several times. The effect of repetition is often to create a sense of the setting, to reveal information about people or to create emphasis.

• Repetition is used in this passage to underline the importance which the company seems to place on travelling to different places, suggesting that it would be a beneficial experience for the reader.

• This passage uses the message "see the world" a few times to show how important the company thinks it is to "get out there" and travel to different places.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct definition of "anaphora".

• Anaphora is when a writer gives human characteristics to something non-human.

• Anaphora is when a writer chooses to use the same letter at the start of two or more nearby words.

• Anaphora is when the first part of the sentence in successive clauses is repeated.

• Anaphora is when a writer repeats the same word or phrase several times.

Multiple Choice

"Do you really have enough time after school finishes to pursue your other interests? I firmly believe that the school day should be made shorter - not because we are lazy, but because we focus better for shorter periods of time, would have more time to get in enough exercise and more personalised self study."

Which analysis of this extract a speech is best?

• This speech starts with a rhetorical question, "do you really have enough time after school finishes to pursue your other interests?", to suggest that the listener has more than enough free time. The speaker persuades the reader to agree that shorter school days would be detrimental to pupils.

• This extract, from a speech advocating shorter school days, uses the rhetorical question: "Do you really have enough time after school finishes to pursue your other interests?". This is an example of a rhetorical question because it is a question asked for effect because the answer is implied, so it does not require an answer.

• This extract, from a speech advocating shorter school days, opens with a rhetorical question to engage the listener, provoking them to think for themselves about the topic which the speaker is introducing. The fact that this question comes just before a list of positive consequences of shorter school days is done to further persuade the reader that the answer to this question is "no".

• This extract, from a speech advocating shorter school days, opens with a rhetorical question. Rhetorical questions are used to make your reader think about an idea. They can also be used to persuade people to agree with you and make them think or feel the way you do.

Multiple Choice

"Are you fed up with not having your voice heard? If you vote for me, I assure you, my main concern is listening to what pupils in the school want, and how as head girl I can work with staff to make these changes happen. Does that sound good to you?"

Which response best analyses this speech extract?

• In this speech, the speaker has used the rhetorical questions "does that sound good to you?" and . We can tell that this is a rhetorical question asked for effect because it does not require an answer, as the answer is implied.

• In this speech, the speaker has chosen to use rhetorical questions, such as "does that sound good to you?", to engage the listener, making them feel that they are being directly spoken to and that their approval of her plans is important. This complements her campaign, which is focused on catering to the needs of pupils.

• In this speech, the speaker has chosen to used, such as "are you fed up with not having your voice heard?", to support her key message, which is focused on catering to the needs of pupils. The questions also engage the listener, making them feel that their approval of her plans is important to her.

• In this speech, the speaker has chosen to use rhetorical questions, such as "does that sound good to you?" and "are you fed up with not having your voice heard?". This question does not require an answer. Rhetorical questions are usually used in persuasive writing, for instance by a charity or in advertising, or to make your reader think about an idea.

Multiple Choice

As the beating sun pierced through the car window, the vehicle became an oven. It was so hot that Ben could feel his skin burning where it touched the leather seat.

How does the author use sensory language to convey the character’s feelings? Choose the best answer.

• The writer uses sensory language to convey the sense of just how punishing the heat is: it is "beating" down, it "pierced" through the window, and it is "burning" Ben's skin. Clearly, the car has become painful to touch: and we get transported into Ben's life here.

• The sensory language highlights the character's discomfort. By opening with a minor clause, the author draws attention to the aggression of the "beating" sun. The metaphor of the "oven" reinforces the image of Ben's burning skin.

• The writer uses sensory language to convey the heat. By describing how the vehicle became an "oven" (a metaphor), the author reinforces the sense of the heat of the sun and the leather that is "burning" hot to touch.

• The writer uses sensory language to highlight the character's discomfort.

Multiple Choice

After a long, hard day, the prisoner was forlorn and hopeless. However, that evening, a small beam of light shone through his bars, lighting up his cell.

What does the 'beam of light' symbolise in this passage? Choose the best answer.

• The 'beam of light' symbolises death. The prisoner is 'forlorn' and 'hopeless' and now he is about to die.

• The 'beam of light' symbolises hope. At his darkest moment, this hope symbolically breaks through his cell, lighting it and offering a way out of his hopelessness.

• The 'beam of light' symbolises anger. The prisoner is angry at the situation that life has put him in.

• The 'beam of light' symbolises the desire to escape: it breaks through his cell bars, just like the prisoner wants to break out.

Multiple Choice

Read the passage below.

'They had grown up in different worlds. He had grown up in a little village with a kind, though slightly isolated, family and was still innocent and sweet; she had had a tough childhood, and was worldly and wise for her age.'

Which response below provides the best analysis?

• In this passage, contrasting has been used by including adjectives to describe the characters. For example, the male character is described as being 'sweet and innocent', whereas the female character is described as being 'wise and worldly'.

• In this passage, the similarities between the two characters are underlined through the use of contrasting descriptions. One character is described as being 'wise and worldly', whereas the other is 'sweet and innocent'.

• In this passage, the writer has cleverly used the sophisticated device contrasting for emphasis, as the adjectives used to describe the two characters are opposites or totally different. By using contrasting the writer has been able to show the reader that the characters are totally different to each other.

• The writer contrasts the boy's "kind family" with the girl's "tough" childhood which highlights the difference in their experiences. Additionally, the use of contrasting in the adjectives "innocent" and "worldly" emphasises the difference between the characters: whereas he is still "innocent", her harsher experiences have made her more "worldly."

Multiple Choice

"The other candidates are equally impressive and worth your vote, if you wish to live in a city which does nothing to support environmental protection and lowering crime rates."

Which response analyses this quote from a speech by a political candidate best?

• This speech uses irony by initially suggesting that the other candidates are "equally impressive and worth your vote", before suggesting that they would do nothing to bring about positive change. This is an example of irony because the speaker does not actually want the listener to vote for another candidate, and verbal irony is where words suggest the opposite of what you really mean.

• This speech includes flattery, as the speaker labels the other candidates as "equally impressive and worth your vote", in order to convince listeners that the speaker is kind and supportive to others, rather than trying to attack other candidates. This suggests they would be the most likeable candidate and so persuades people to vote for them.

• This speech uses irony by initially suggesting that the other candidates are "equally impressive and worth your vote", before suggesting that they would do nothing to bring about positive change. This has been done to shock the listener, as the opening clause does not lead them to expect this criticism, and to persuade the listeners that the speaker would support these initiatives, even if other candidates wouldn't.

• In this speech, it is initially suggested that the other candidates are "equally impressive and worth your vote", before claiming that these other candidates would do nothing to bring about positive change. This has been done to shock the listener, as the opening clause does not lead them to expect the second one, and to persuade the listeners that the speaker would support these positive initiatives, even if other candidates wouldn't.

Multiple Choice

"I was still angry with myself for months afterwards. I missed playing desperately, but, in a moment of panic, I had seemingly made the absolutely brilliant decision to leave my guitar on a train - and there was no way to ever get it back."

Which response analyses the use of irony in this text best?

• In this passage, the narrator uses irony by labelling the decision to give away his guitar an "absolutely brilliant decision", because this is the opposite of what he actually means. Irony is when the narrator says one thing, but means another.

• In this passage, the narrator uses irony by suggesting that "I really wished that I had kept the guitar", despite the fact that this is actually not true, because giving it away was a "brilliant decision".

• In this passage, the narrator uses irony by labelling the decision to lose his guitar an "absolutely brilliant decision", despite this actually being a serious mistake. In this context, the use of irony shows the narrator's frustration with himself, as he is using it to criticise himself and a mistake he has made and to emphasise the severity of the mistake he has made.

• In this passage, the narrator claims that his decision to give away his guitar was "absolutely brilliant"; however, this is not actually true, because it is clear that he regrets the decision and views it as a mistake. In doing so, the author creates a humorous effect by presenting something which is clearly not true.

Multiple Choice

"It is always negative news in the media: natural disasters, pollution problems, wars going on abroad and political scandals. It is important that we learn about these events, of course, but it is essential to remind ourselves that there is positivity in the world too."

Which is the best analysis of this passage?

• Listing has been used in this passage by giving a list of the negative news topics which are found in the media, for example "wars going on abroad and political scandals". This has been done to emphasise the quantity of cynical news, and so to support the argument that we must also remind ourselves of the "positivity".

• The rule of three has been used in this passage by giving a list of the negative news topics which are found in the media in the quote "pollution problems, wars going on abroad and political scandals". This has been done to emphasise the quantity of cynical news, and so to support the argument that we must also remind ourselves of the "positivity".

• Listing has been used in this passage by giving a list of the negative news topics which are found in the media in the quote "natural disasters, pollution problems, wars going on abroad and political scandals".

• This is an example of a list, because it is a series of consecutive items or names. Listing has been used in this passage by giving a list of the negative news topics which are found in the media, for example "wars going on abroad and political scandals". This has been done to show that the author believes that these negative events should not be publicised or talked about.

Multiple Choice

Read the text below.

'My parents say that when I was five or six, I would sing on my way to school. They say it sounded more like screaming! However, I have now been singing for close to 30 years in various productions around the country and I'm proud to establish my own school for the musical arts. It just shows that anyone can do it!'

Choose the best analysis of the text.

• The author tries to persuade the reader that everyone has the ability to sing to a high standard. By telling the reader about their childhood, 'screaming' instead of singing, and contrasting it to their successful career, it demonstrates that everyone can become a singer if they want to.

• The author begins the text with an a humorous anecdote about themselves when they were young. By showing that they weren't very good at singing when they were younger and contrasting it to their successful singing career, it makes the final message - that anyone can sing - more persuasive.

• The author uses a funny anecdote to tell the reader that if you scream when you're a child you're more likely to become a professional singer.

• The anecdote is used at the beginning to give a clear introduction. In the text, the author gives an anecdote from their childhood about how they couldn't sing to convince the reader that anyone can sing well.