How to Answer Question 3 (Edexcel GCSE English Language): Revision Notes
How to Answer Question 3
Section A - Question 3:
The Facts
Worth: 15 marks
AO Tested: AO2 (Analyse language and structure)
Suggested Time: 15 minutes
What will you need to do?
Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to engage the reader. You'll need to examine specific language techniques (e.g., metaphors, similes, emotive language) and structural features (e.g., paragraphing, sentence length, shifts in focus).
Top Tips:
- Use Point-Evidence-Explain (PEE) for each analysis.
- Aim to find 3-4 examples and explore both language and structure.
- Explain the effect of each technique on the reader, linking back to the writer's purpose.
Example Question for Practice
Read the following extract:
"The sky darkened, and the storm began its ferocious descent. Lightning sliced through the clouds, illuminating the landscape in sharp, ghostly flashes. Each clap of thunder rumbled like a wild animal, growing louder and closer. The rain pounded down in heavy sheets, and the wind howled, tearing at the trees as though seeking something to destroy."
Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to create a sense of tension in this extract.
(Total for Question 3 = 15 marks)
**Example answer**
Example Answer:
"The writer uses vivid imagery to create tension, describing the storm as 'ferocious' and the lightning as 'slicing through the clouds'. This violent language evokes a sense of danger and highlights the storm's power. Structurally, the short, punchy sentence 'The sky darkened' adds to the tension, making the reader pause as the scene shifts from calm to chaos. Furthermore, the repetition of phrases like 'heavy sheets' and 'howled' reinforces the relentless nature of the storm, increasing the sense of threat and urgency."
For more info on how to analyse language and structure, go to the "Question 3 skills" page