How to phrase: (2-3 points)
1. Literal meaning
2. Meaning in the context
3. Figurative language.
4. Its effect (e.g. overwhelming, imposing)
5. Compare it.
6. Just write as much bullshit as you can.
The overall effect in paragraph ( ) is...The writer began by using the word/phrase to describe…
The writer then goes on using the phrase/word to describe… Lastly, the writer uses the
phrase/word to describe…
- Really depends on your overall impression
- Not the number of words chosen, but the quality of the response.
Overall impressions: (adj)
- increasing tensions
- the romanticised nighttime scene.
- the humorous reality of…
- pure vast emptiness of the chilly land, both awe-inspiring and intimidating.
- inevitable, unstoppable force of winter approaching.
Perfect: cannot be improved upon
Tattered: torn to shreds, ragged and overused, worn out.
Nature
Expanse: extending over a large area, oppressive, formidable presence, intimidating
Pale sun: new light emerging, faint and weak as it first appears, insipid and spiritless
Soft sunlight: nourishing, comforting with warm and gentle sunbeams
Black, stormy clouds: menacing
Grey, heavy clouds: impending storm, dull, moody, oppressive
Torrential rain: enormous amounts of water, like rivers of water descending, overpowering
Shook the Mountains: shuddering of earth, suggest immense force, the power of nature
Gentle warm breezes: soft, light air, soothing, comforting
followed awkwardly (my cold wet clothes) hindering movement: soggy and soaking,
walking is difficult and uncomfortable, inert (lacking the strength to move), humans are not
suited to the natural world
Crystal formation: delicate, fragile, beautiful
no smells of soil, trees, nor grass: completely empty landscape, there’s nowhere to hide,
nothing growing, barren (no vegetation), reminiscent of the moon or another planet
Colours
Light like diamonds: brilliance of reflected light, precious, like beautiful decorations.
Light danced: movement of the reflected light, graceful and artistic
Brilliant, vivid: intense colours, bright, full of life, precious
Emotions
Surge of memories: sudden powerful recollection, overwhelming emotions, nostalgia, like a
current flowing through the mind.
Pieced together: beginning to make sense of it, rationalising, as if rebuilding something that
has been broken.
Wonderful: marvellous; rapture (feeling of intense joy) and happiness, special experience
Knitted/Unite together: bond together
Animal/Monster
Vast flocks (scary): huge groups, impressive, outnumber and overwhelming, imposing
Huddled flocks (romantic): huge groups, birds tightly packed, clustered together; comforting
Growled on and on: continuous, low noise, the noise of some huge beast
Hunched and still: bent over, quiet, to pass time
Lurked: hiding, watching, feeling observed, waiting for an opportunity, annoying presence
(birds were) not alarmed: lack of concern, unafraid, aware but not worried
Movement
Caressing: soothing, loving movement, like a mother loving her child
(hands and feet) flail around (in the air): swing around, wave energetically, uncontrolled,
desperate, amusing exaggeration
Leaping about: energetic excited movement, manic and hectic
Swept Away: moved off in a swift and smooth way, dramatic exit
Released: set free, as if being held back previously
Jerked: sharp, quick
Glimpse: a quick short look
Sound
Gunshot: unexpected loud sound, shock of the sudden noise, the violence of the noise.
Distant drumming/echo of thunder: sounds heard from a long way off, the anticipation of
arrival, reminiscent of war.
