In lines 15-26, how does the writer use language and structure to build tension?
Support your views with reference to the text. - Edexcel - GCSE English Language - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 3
In lines 15-26, how does the writer use language and structure to build tension?
Support your views with reference to the text.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In lines 15-26, how does the writer use language and structure to build tension?
Support your views with reference to the text. - Edexcel - GCSE English Language - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
The tone of the narrator is increasingly panicky, uncertain and questioning
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Answer
The language used in these lines showcases a growing sense of urgency. Phrases like 'it would take no more than a minute for them to work out' emphasize the imminent threat, contributing to a building tension as the narrator's anxiety escalates.
Step 2
Use of powerful language
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Answer
Powerful words such as 'astonished' and 'he dared not' heighten the emotional stakes. These words not only convey shock but also the internal struggle of the narrator, increasing reader investment in the tension of the moment.
Step 3
Use of repeated words and phrases
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Answer
The repetition of phrases such as 'they were already' serves to anchor the reader in the scene, creating a sense of claustrophobia. This technique reinforces the narrator's realization of proximity to danger, intensifying the overall tension.
Step 4
Simple and colloquial language
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Answer
The use of colloquial expressions such as 'No, no good' evokes the narrator’s desperation and urgency. This simplicity contrasts sharply with the dire situation, enhancing the tension as it highlights the stark reality of the circumstances.
Step 5
Structure through short sentences
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Answer
The choice of shorter sentences and abrupt paragraph transitions mirrors the narrator's racing thoughts and heightens the dramatic impact. This structural choice creates a sense of immediacy, pulling the reader further into the escalating tension.
Step 6
Movement from past to present tense
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Answer
The shift from past to present tense increases the sense of immediacy and engagement. It allows the reader to experience the tension in real-time, making the events feel more urgent and compelling.
