How does the word, 'Punched' (line 1), contribute to your understanding of what happened to the sparrow? The word 'Punched' makes it clear that sudden force/violence was applied to cause the bird to fall from the sky. - NSC English HL - Question 5 - 2016 - Paper 2

The term 'Punched' indicates a sudden and violent action, suggesting that the sparrow was forcefully struck down from the sky. This choice of word evokes imagery of an abrupt impact, highlighting the sparrow's vulnerability and the unexpected nature of its fall. The force implied by 'Punched' emphasizes the tragic fate of the bird, portraying it as a victim of external aggression.