Writing effective language analysis | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

What is being described here 'the words, ideas, feelings or concepts we associate with a word or symbol.'?

• connotations

• colloquialisms

• conclusions

• clarifications

Answer explanation

Analysing connotations can be a great way for us to further understand a writer's viewpoint.

Jun wrote the following: 'Reedy outlines her experiences with dwarfism, showing the negativity she receives. This is shown in the metaphor 'the world is my paparazzi'. What would be a good target?

• Don't just spot techniques (metaphor), explain their effect too.

• Embed your quote within your writing, so it is part of your own analysis.

• Identify other language devices to support your point.

• Begin your sentence with a discourse marker, to better signpost your argument.

Answer explanation

Technique spotting is not the same as analysis. You must also explore the effect of a language device in relation to the question.

Good analysis of connotations will link to other quotations in the text that either __________or __________ with its effect.

• compound/contrast

• confirm/conclude

• corroborate/contradict

• clarify/challenge

Answer explanation

Good analysis will look at connotations of words and then look at further evidence that either compounds or contrasts with it.

Reedy uses the following words to describe how some people react to her dwarfism: 'laugh', 'joke', 'ridicule', 'jeer'. Which of the below best outlines what semantic field this is?

• A semantic field of cruelty

• A semantic field of mockery

• A semantic field of ignorance

• A semantic field of fun

Answer explanation

When analysing the work of a writer we can look for connections between words and if they could form part of a wider semantic field.

Which of the below is the best definition of derisive?

• expressing contempt or ridicule

• expressing hatred and disgust

• expressing love and affection

• expressing ignorance and apathy

Answer explanation

Words like 'derisive' can be great evaluative adjectives that we use in our writing to show our judgement of a writer's perspective or standpoint.

Alex wrote an essay and argued the narrator used lots of sympathetic adjectives which had a cumulative effect in making us feel sorry for them. What does 'cumulative' mean in this example?

• The adjectives built on one another, increasing the sympathy for the narrator

• The adjectives did not succeed in making us feel sorry for the narrator

• The adjectives had no effect on how sympathetic we felt

• We did feel sorry for the narrator, but not after the sympathetic adjectives

Answer explanation

Cumulative means increasing in effect from subsequent additions (a writer’s use of language can be cumulative).