READER’S EFFECT
READING COMPREHENSION
READ THE PASSAGE
CAREFULLY
Begin by reading the passage attentively. Understand the main ideas,
tone (formal, informal, neutral positive, negative, sarcastic, humorous,
Angry, sincere, confident), and mood (joyful, gloomy, tense, hopeful,
reflective, whimsical, serious, mysterious, eerie, calm) of the text.
IDENTIFY KEY
TECHNIQUES:
Look for specific techniques the writer uses. This could include
language choices (style, genre, and register), imagery (visual,
auditory, taste, smell, and touch), sentence structure, and literary
devices such as similes or metaphors.
CONSIDER THE EFFECT:
For each identified technique, think about the effect it
has on the reader. Does it create a certain emotion,
emphasize a point, or contribute to the overall
atmosphere of the passage?
PROVIDE EXAMPLES:
Quote specific examples from the text to support your
analysis. This is crucial in demonstrating that you have
closely engaged with the passage.
EXPLAIN THE EFFECT:
Clearly explain how each identified technique contributes to the
reader's experience. For instance, if the writer uses vivid imagery,
explain how it helps the reader visualize and feel a particular
scene.
USE RELEVANT
TERMINOLOGY
Use literary terminology appropriately. For example, if
the writer uses a metaphor, identify it as such and
explain how it enhances the reader's understanding.
Check for Grammar and Spelling:
Proofread your response for grammatical errors and spelling
mistakes. A well-presented answer enhances the overall
impression.
SAMPLE
Re-read paragraphs. Explain how the writer uses language to convey meaning and to create
effect in these paragraphs. Choose three examples of words or phrases from each
paragraph to support your answer. Your choices should include the use of imagery. Write
about 200 to 300 words.
Base emitted a hushed grandeur, as if a vault door had been closed – all noise guarded fiercely
behind it. A gunshot-like crack echoed through the air – an iceberg rotating – then a roar like a
distant waterfall as another chunk of the ice shelf collapsed into the bay. Rough squawks of skuas
were magnified through the telescope of empty dry air. There were no smells of soil, trees, nor
grass. Only the scent of Antarctica – like two stones rubbed together. Flint.
Around us the world was hardening. In the bay it started as ice flowers, tiny crystal formations.
The creeping carpet of flowers knitted together, until soaked by seawater it transformed into grey
gruel, thickening into porridge. As temperatures plummeted, porridge-ice welded itself together,
and sounded like steel grinding. In gathering darkness sea ice formed. The continent was closing
in on itself, locking itself in. Winter was beginning
HOW WILL YOU ANSWER THIS
QUESTION?
Answer:
Paragraph 1
The writer employs language to convey a sense of isolation and the austere beauty of
Antarctica.
Hushed grandeur: This phrase combines contrasting elements (hushed and grandeur) to
convey a quiet, majestic atmosphere. The use of "grandeur" suggests a sense of awe and
majesty, while "hushed" adds an element of silence.
Gunshot-like crack: The simile "gunshot-like" creates a vivid auditory image, emphasizing
the sudden and sharp sound. This contributes to the sense of tension and dynamism in the
environment.
Scent of Antarctica – like two stones rubbed together: This simile not only describes the
unique scent of Antarctica but also adds a tactile element. The comparison to "two stones
rubbed together" suggests friction and harshness, contributing to the harshness of the
Antarctic environment.
Paragraph 2:
In this paragraph, the writer uses language to describe the freezing process
and the harsh conditions of winter in Antarctica.
Ice flowers: This metaphorical expression vividly describes the initial stage
of freezing, creating an image of delicate and intricate formations, which
contrasts with the harshness of the environment.
Grey gruel: The use of "gruel" conveys a sense of thickness and unappetizing
texture, emphasizing the unpleasant transformation of the ice. The color
"grey" adds to the bleakness of the imagery.
Porridge-ice welded itself together: The choice of "welded" suggests a
strong, binding process, emphasizing the solidification of the ice. The
comparison to porridge also maintains the theme of unappetizing, thick
textures.
The writer effectively uses these phrases to depict the harsh and transformative
nature of the Antarctic climate, allowing readers to visualize and feel the changing
environment.
These examples of language choices contribute to the creation of vivid imagery,
conveying a sense of the unique environment in Antarctica and the challenges posed
by its harsh conditions. The writer's careful selection of words and metaphors
enhances the reader's understanding of the setting and the profound changes
occurring in the landscape.
