English Language Paper 2 Q3

How does the writer use language to describe  the climb.(12 marks)

 

Step 1 – Read article and gain an overall impression of how the write describes the focus of the question (the focus here is the climb).

Step 2 – Ensure you have an overarching answer e.g. The writer uses language to describe the climb as dangerous/ challenging/ perilous/ rewarding/ overwhelming.

Step 3 – Identify 3-5 devices used by the writer (this should be roughly 5 quotes but not with the exact same language device)

Filter what you need and what you don’t:

·        Repetition “ice chunks” (and word choice)

·        Alliteration /Word choice “pant and puff”

·        Hyperbole/Word Choice “pouring down”

·        Word choice “engulfed”

The writer uses language to describe the climb as overwhelming and perilous.

Firstly the writer uses repetition. Not only is the word “ice” repeated but specifically the writer refers to “ice chunks” repeatedly throughout the extract. By repeating the word ice the writer emphasises the intensely cold (dangerously cold) conditions, as ice is not a comfortable environment for humans to exist. By including the word choice chunk, the word choice of chunk has suggestions of being large, overwhelming and difficult to break down and overcome. Therefore the writer uses this repetition and word choice to show how overwhelming, difficult and dangerous the climb was.

Secondly the writer uses alliteration. We are told that he would “pant and puff”. The repetition of the p brings the reader’s attention to these two words which highlight the word choice of pant and puff. Both have suggestions of being in weak physical condition, of being lacking in oxygen or having expended a lot of energy and also they words associated with the actions of animals. This shows that the writer’s physical condition has effected greatly by the surroundings and conditions on the climb, showing it has overwhelmed his body and showing how dangerous it is physically.

Thirdly the hyperbole of “pouring down” when describing the ice on the climb highlights the intensity of the surroundings during the climb. The word choice of pouring suggests a constant action, that you are unable to stop and that if you come into contact with it consumes you – it drenches you. This shows that the ice/conditions on the climb are all absorbing and difficult to escape. It shows the overwhelming nature which the write has to experience and deal with on his climb.

Finally we are told that dead bodies (referencing them shows how perilous the climb is as this introduces the theme of death) are “engulfed”. The word choice of “engulfed” suggests total immersion, being overwhelmed and being absolutely absorbed against your wishes by whatever has engulfed you, in this case the ice on the climb. This shows that the climb not only is so dangerous it is deadly, but that things happen to you that you do not want but that you can’t escape. You are powerless.