Writer's effect

Writer’s

Effect

IGCSE​

z

 To identify

what is a
writer's effect

To understand

the strategies
writers use to
create effects.

 To explain

writer's effects

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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, hearing or even
smell. It could be to convey a
scene, idea or emotion.

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zFigurative language examples

In the large, crowded shopping mall, Susanna
felt like a mouse.

 Simile

 The writer is suggesting by the simile

comparing Susanna to a “mouse” that Susanna
feels insignificant or overwhelmed by the huge
mall. The writer could also be implying that
Susanna is physically small and delicate –
possibly that she may be hurt or trampled by
the many shoppers in the stores just like a
mouse may be hurt or hunted by people.

zFigurative language examples

The branches scratched angrily at the
windows desperately trying to come
inside to escape the pouring rain.

 Personification

 The writer is using personification, “scratched

angrily”, to emphasize how aggressive and
violent the storm is by suggesting that the tree
is frightened and “desperate” and "thinks" it will
be safer inside the house.

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Writer’s Effect- What does the
question look like?

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Remember the iceberg?

zWriter’s Effect Writing Frame

You may wish to use the following writing frame
to structure each paragraph:

The writer creates the impression of … in paragraph …

The word ‘…’ helps to create this effect. It literally means
…

However, it also suggests …

The word has connotations of …

The writer uses this word to create an image of …

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Explaining an idea:

 This implies... this suggests... which

gives the impression that... this
shows... this clearly shows...
possibly... perhaps... this indicates
that... obviously... this conveys to
the reader that...

zFor example, imagine that a writer is

describing a character. The following
line describes a character entering a
room:

Paul burst through the door, a
rhinoceros of a man.

When we read this our mind is

immediately full of a variety of ideas
produced by the word rhinoceros:

Rhinoceros

Grey

Aggressive

Solitary

Solid/
thick-skinned

Tense

Rough-textured

Large

Fearless

Should be feared

zAnswer:

The writer creates a number of impressions

about Paul by using the word "rhinoceros" to
describe him. First, I get a visual image of a
large, solidly built man. I imagine his skin to be
weathered and thickened by sun and wind. He
may have grey hair or a greying complexion. I
also get the idea that Paul is quite formidable. He
may be aggressive and fearless. He could be
quite a tense person, always alone and alert.
From all of this I feel that I should be wary of him.

zExercise 1.

Re-read the following lines from the main
passage. Pick out three words or phrases
that the writer uses to show that the man
was distressed about the damage done
to his car.How do they reveal his
feelings?

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"I can not believe it!" James bellowed, his
face red with rage. Sweat beaded his
forehead as he stared in disbelief at the
scratch marks which ran along the full
length of his beautiful Rolls Royce. "My
beautiful, beautiful baby … ruined," his
voice trailed off in despair.

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Do your best!

and

Good luck!