Tag Archives: language

Language of Narration / Description

The Language of Narration

Descriptive Language / Aesthetic Language

Narration literally means to tell a story. Plot, setting & characterization = 3 key elements.

Descriptive language creates a clear picture in your mind of what is being described.

Aesthetic language is beautiful, artistic & carefully crafted with a poetic rhythm & flow.

Genre – novels, short stories, memoirs, personal essays, diary entries, travel writing and poetry all make use of narrative, descriptive and aesthetic language. Speech writers and journalists writing articles often use these techniques in their writing.

Target audience – anyone who reads for pleasure and out of curiosity to know more about life, the world and human beings (rather than simply to find out information or to argue a point of view). Your audience wants to be entertained, thrilled, shocked, angered, made to laugh out loud or to cry silently into their coffee, provoked into thinking about life as a ridiculous joke, or as a wonderful dance, or as a tragic tale “full of sound and fury, signifying nothing”.

Language register – depends on the writer and the style of writing. If it’s a novel, play, short story or diary entry you can use slang and curse words, especially in dialogue, but keep it to a minimum. If it’s a personal essay, poem, piece of travel writing, speech or newspaper article it’s best to avoid cursing and slang (unless quoting someone).

Techniques: Narration

PLOT =

Stories are expected to have a clear beginning, middle and end (not necessarily in that order!). Something must happen in your story, but take a short time span and don’t have LOTS of dramatic events happening in a short story. Tension & suspense can be created by leaving some questions unanswered in the reader’s mind and then gradually revealing the truth. A sense of unity & closure is important. Avoid a predictable ending.

SETTING =

Clearly describing your setting allows the reader to imagine being in that place, allows them to mentally look around & see what the characters see. It also helps to create a specific mood & atmosphere.

CHARACTERISATION =

Readers get to know a character’s personality through what they say, what they do, how they look and from other people’s opinions & attitudes towards this character. These details need to be revealed gradually and to be worked naturally into the act of telling the story. You can also reveal their thoughts and feelings, which gives the reader a greater insight into the character’s true self. Only have 1 or 2 main characters to avoid confusion. Your reader needs to relate to the character on some level (to feel sympathy, fascination or amusement); the reader need to feel curious to find out more about them; and finally the reader must believe in the character – must understand what motivates them and feel that their actions, statements and thought processes are convincing and true to life.

NOTE:

* Writers generally use the PAST TENSE when describing something – but recently quite a few successful novels have been written in the PRESENT TENSE (The Hunger Games, Skippy Dies) as it creates a dramatic immediacy for the reader. The important thing is to pick a tense and stick with it.

* Narrative writers use all the techniques of descriptive writing.

* Anecdotes (a short tale narrating an interesting or amusing biographical incident) use narrative techniques in the space of a few lines. Here’s an example:

Cary Grant is said to have been reluctant to reveal his age to the public, having played the youthful lover for more years than would have been appropriate. One day, while he was sorting out some business with his agent, a telegram arrived from a journalist who was desperate to learn how old the actor was. It read: HOW OLD CARY GRANT? Grant, who happened to open it himself, immediately cabled back: OLD CARY GRANT FINE. HOW YOU?”

Techniques: Description (vivid imagery)

Vivid imagery literally means that the words create a clear picture in your mind, using:

VERBS =

Action words, which show what is happening, what someone is doing e.g. “Suzie bounces over, screaming with excitement“. To paraphrase Orwell, ‘all verbs are active, but some verbs are more active than others’. Your verbs need to be specific. They need to work hard if they are going to successfully add energy and excitement to a sentence. For example, the sentence above wouldn’t be nearly as effective if it said “Suzie walks over and says she’s really excited“.

ADJECTIVES =

Words which describe the noun eg. “a heavylowgrey cloud loomed on the distant horizon”. In this sentence the cloud and the horizon are the nouns being described.

ADVERBS =

Words which describe the verb eg. “the cloud loomed menacingly, then burst suddenly. Freezing raindrops immediately soaked through my flimsy nightdress”

In this sentence ‘loomed’ ‘burst’ & ‘soaked’ are the verbs whose action is described.

SIMILES =

To compare two things using the word “like” or the word “as”. A really good simile draws an unexpected connection between two things and helps us to see the thing being described in a new light. For example, Muhammad Ali used a simile to describe the art of boxing: “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”. This is considered a brilliant comparison because it asks the reader to consider boxing as a sport that requires agility, speed, precision and a lightness of foot. Traditionally people viewed it as a violent aggressive lumbering sport, but this simile asks them to view it in a new light.

Similes can be ironic or sarcastic, often creating a humorous effect: “as subtle as a sledgehammer” “as elegant as a dead cat” “his touch was like the cool caress of sandpaper”. The following description deliberately contradicts the idea that the person being described is praiseworthy (or genuinely nice, or kind, or dependable):

He’s nice. Like tissues when your nose is runny. He’s kind. Like your granny giving you 50c for sweets when what you really need is six quid for fags. He’s dependable. Like that old pair of tatty grey knickers you wear when everything else is in the wash”.

Less impressive similes are ones that have been used so often they have become clichés

Eg. ‘As blind as a bat’, ‘howl like a hyena’, ‘as black as coal’, ‘sweet like chocolate’.

METAPHORS =

Make a direct comparison, saying something IS something else. Eg. “all the world’s a stage” “you’re my own personal Jesus” “her face was a knotted tree trunk of misery”

Like similes, metaphors can be used for comic effect. The following extended metaphor is deliberately hyperbolic/sarcastic: “This is a crisis. A large crisis. In fact, if you’ve got a moment, it’s a twelve-story crisis with a magnificent entrance hall, carpeting throughout, 24-hour porterage and an enormous sign on the roof saying ‘This Is a Large Crisis.'”

Less impressive metaphors are ones that have been used so often they’ve become clichés: eg. “they broke the ice” “take the bull by the horns” “she was an angel in white”.

EVOKE 5 SENSES =

Really good descriptive writing doesn’t just describe SIGHTS, but also SOUNDS SMELLS and less often TASTE and TOUCH. This gives the reader a fuller experience in their imagination, because in real life we experience the world through all 5 senses.

eg “the church bells chimed loudly to remind us that life would continue on as normal, but the foul taste of smoke in my mouth and the rancid smell of burning flesh suggested otherwise. I winced as the nurse wound a bandage around my mangled leg, the openwound throbbing at her gentle touch”.

SYMBOLISM =

Where a word/object has a deeper meaning above and beyond its dictionary definition. A beautiful house filled with dirty dishes & grime could be a symbol of a characters’ depression. A storm could be a symbol of a troubled mind. A flower in spring could symbolise a new beginning. A candle in a dark room could symbolise hope. This allows reader & writer to see and appreciate a deeper meaning beyond the obvious.

PERSONIFICATION = Describing an object as though it is alive. Giving it human qualities. This is effective because it makes the writing buzz with life, Eg “The teddy bear sat slumped on the bed, looking sadly at its feet.” “this computer loves to torture me” “death stalked the town, seeking newer victims”.

Techniques: Aesthetic language

Aesthetic language involves using words artistically, in the same way that painting involves using paint to create something beautiful/artistic/memorable. Writers pay attention not necessarily to what they want to say, but focus more on how they say it.

Poetry is the most obvious example of aesthetic language, but all types of writing aim to appeal aesthetically to the reader. Remember, the message can be ugly but the writing beautiful eg “sing a last song for the lady who has gone, fertile source of guilt and pain

All of the devices used in descriptive writing (see above) and those listed below add to the aesthetic value of a text.

REPETITION = A word/phrase is deliberately repeated to emphasise its importance.

I dream of tomorrow, I dream of an end to sorrow, I dream of peace”

CONTRAST = Placing opposites side by side to point out the differences between them and the unique characteristics of each:

her poisoned blood stained the pure white snow”

HYPERBOLE = Deliberate exaggeration. Makes writing more dramatic or humorous.

I’ve had a thousand chances & I’ve flushed every one down the toilet”

RHETORICAL QUESTIONS = Writer asks a question but doesn’t expect a response (or the answer is obvious). Is this used to grab the readers attention?

EMPHATIC WORDS = words which imply absolute certainty. Used to make us trust the writer – they must have a reason for being so sure of themselves! Now, never, always, forever, all, every, none, nothing, any, must, certainly, absolutely, definitely, honest(ly), truth/true/truly, the one, the only, yes.

LISTS / TRIADS = reader feels overwhelmed with info & finds it hard to disagree/resist.

the fear and pain and poverty and hardship hit you like an oil tanker”

ALLITERATION = repetition of a letter at the beginning of a series of words eg “cruel cramped conditions” which attracts the eye and the ear.

ONOMATOPOEIA = words whose sound imitates their meaning: “buzz, screech, gulp”.

Hearing the sound of what’s described brings it to life for the reader.

Narrative / Descriptive / Aesthetic Language

Comprehensions:

What features of good descriptive writing are evident in this passage?

Would reading this extract encourage you to read the novel in full?

What kind of world has been created by the author in this extract?

Question B:

2014

Inspired by Seamus Heaney’s essay about the importance of objects from the past, your class has decided to organise an exhibition celebrating the significance of objects from childhood in the lives of well-known people.

Write the letter you would send to a well-known person, inviting him or her to contribute an object from his or her childhood and a written explanation regarding its personal significance. In your letter, you should explain the inspiration for the project and include, as an example, a piece you have written about an object from your childhood that is of significance to you.

2012

Write a letter to Margaret Laurence in response to Text 1, commenting on what you find interesting in the extract and telling her about your home place and its impact on you.

2011

Write a talk, to be delivered to your School Book Club, on the enduring appeal of the mysterious in books, films, etc. You might refer to some of the following aspects of the mystery genre in your answer: setting, tension, suspense, dialogue, characterisation, atmosphere, music, special effects, etc.

2011

Imagine you are Sarah, the young girl in Text 3 above. Based on your reading of this extract, write two diary entries, one shortly before and one shortly after your journey to Dublin.

2009

Imagine you are making a cartoon film (featuring animals as characters) either to promote or oppose zoos. Write the script of a scene (in dialogue form) between two of the animal characters.

2008

Write two diary entries: one written by Alexander, recalling his encounter with Eva in Tompkins Square Park and the second by Zach, giving his thoughts on hearing that Eva has purchased the violin.

2006

Imagine that, in an attempt to control his feelings, the boy writes into his diary an account of the incident and his reactions to it. Write out his diary entry.

2006

Write three diary entries that Margaret Ann might have written over a series of Saturday evenings.Your writing should relate to her experience as described in the passage.

2003

Imagine that you have discovered a time capsule containing a number of items from the distant or more recent past. Write a letter to a local or national newspaper announcing your find & describing the items in the capsule.

2003

You have been asked to give a short talk on radio about an interesting journey you have made. Write out the text of the talk you would give.

2002

Write three or four diary entries that record the details of a disastrous holiday (real or imaginary) that you experienced.

2001

Imagine your local radio station is producing a programme entitled Comic Moments in which a person from the community introduces his/her favourite moment from the world of radio, television or live performance. Write the text of the presentation you would like to make.

2001

Choose one of the people pictured in Text 4 and write 4 short diary entries that your chosen person might write on one important day in his/her life.

Essay Titles:

Short Story – every year there’s been at least one, and often two out of seven titles.

If asked for a story based on one of the images, you must say which image.

Personal Essay – every year there’s at least one.

Magazine Articles – some articles call for a very personal approach e.g. “Write an article about the beginning and ending of a relationship”

Descriptive essay – this appeared for the first time in 2011.

2013

Write a short story in which a central character is either manipulated or is manipulative.

2013

Write a short story about a reunion.

2013

Write a descriptive essay based on a variety of glimpsed moments.

2013

Write a personal essay in which you explore the storytelling evident in music and song and its impact on you as a listener.

2013

Write a personal essay about the tension you find between the everyday treadmill and the gilded promises of life.

2012

Write a short story inspired by the phrase “an inferior rock band howling for fame”

2012

Write a short story in which a young character is eager to leave home.

2012

Write a personal essay on what you consider to be the marvels of today’s world.

2011

Write a descriptive essay about twenty-four hours in the life of a town or city.

2011

Write a story to be included in a collection of modern fairytales.

2011

Write a short story in which a mystery is solved.

2011

Write a personal essay about your clothes, what they mean to you and what they say about you.

2010 + 2004 (performance)

Write a personal essay about your experience (as performer and/or audience member) of the dramatic arts: plays, musicals, concerts, comedy, etc.

2010

Write a short story in which two unusual or eccentric characters meet for the first time.

2009

Write an opinion piece for a popular magazine entitled “Indecision – my own and other people’s”.

2009

Write a short story in which a photograph, or a set of photographs, plays a part in the plot. Your story may be prompted by one or more of the photographs in TEXT 3.

2008

Write a short story in which the central character is a rebellious teenager (male or female)

2008

Write a personal essay in which you describe a place that you consider beautiful.

2007

Write a personal essay on the idealism and passions of youth.

2007

Write a magazine article (serious or light-hearted) entitled: “The Modern Shopping Centre”.

2007

Write an article for a popular magazine on the importance of the imagination.

2006

Write an article for a popular magazine on the importance of romance in our lives.

2005

Write a personal essay on the part which other people’s expectations play in our lives.

2005

Write a short story suggested by one or more of the images in TEXT 2.

2004

Write a personal essay in which you explore some of your earliest memories of childhood.

2004

“ ‘See you later, Paul,’ said one of the girls. There was a titter of laughter.”

Write a short story suggested by these words

2004 + several other years

Write a short story suggested by one or more of the images in TEXT 3.

2003

Imagine you are a member of Tim Severin’s crew on board the new Argo. Write a letter (or series of letters) to a personal friend or family member in which you describe some of your adventures.

2003

“…huge funds of energy but very little money.”

Using this as your title, write a personal essay.

2002

Write an article for a popular magazine or journal in which you explore the aspects of your own family that are special to you.

2002

“After the war” Write a short story inspired by this title.

2002

Write an article (serious or lighthearted) about the beginning and ending of a relationship in your life.

2001

Write a personal essay in which you explore your sense of what it means to be Irish.

Language of Argument

The difference between argument and persuasion is that arguments appeal to your brain, your sense of reason and logic. Persuasion manipulates your emotions, appeals to your heart, changes how you feel.

Argument = Persuasion =

 

Examples: Speech, debate, opinion piece in newspaper/magazine.

You may need to understand the following words when discussing how a writer has constructed their argument.

Statement / Proposition /Assumption /Opinion /Anecdote /Evidence /Subjective /Objective /Logical /Convincing /Reinforce /Merit /Bias /Agenda /Deductive & Inductive reasoning

Comprehensions – sample question

In your opinion, has the writer created a strong argument in this passage?”

 

Look for the following features / techniques:

Logical

Supported by facts/statistics or specific examples

Evidence of research

Draws on personal experience (but doesn’t rely on it exclusively)

Refutes counter arguments

Linking phrases used to build up a series of ideas

Emphatic words

Repetition of key phrases

Question B – sample questions

2013

Write an opinion piece, for inclusion in a series of newspaper articles entitled “Must-see Attractions for Tourists” in which you identify one place or public building in Ireland that, in your opinion, tourists should visit and explain your choice.

2013

You have been asked to give a talk to your class entitled “Television and radio in the lives of young people today”. Write the text of the talk you would deliver in which you consider the role of television and radio in the lives of young people today.

2010

Write a letter (dated June 2010), intended to be read by future generations, in which you express your hopes for planet Earth in the year 2050.

2010

Write the text for a short radio talk where you explain the importance of books in your life and in today’s world.

2009

Imagine your art teacher is compiling a photographic exhibition to reflect the lives of young people today. She has asked students to suggest images they would like included. Write a letter to your art teacher proposing five images that you believe should be included and give reasons for your decision in each case.

2008

Write a letter to Jon Savage responding to this extract from his book and giving your own views on today’s teenage culture.

2008

Students in your school have been invited to contribute articles to the school website on issues relevant to young people. This week’s issue is “We are what we wear”. Write an article for the website expressing your views on the topic.

2007

Imagine your local radio station is producing a series of programmes entitled “Changing Times” in which teenagers are asked to give their views on the changes they welcome in the world around them. You have been invited to contribute. Write out the text of the presentation you would make.

2007

Imagine you have a friend in another country which is considering the introduction of a ban on smoking in public places. Write a letter to your friend advising him/her either to support or not to support the proposed ban.

In giving your advice you may wish to draw on the recent experience of the smoking ban in Ireland.

2005

Write a letter to a photographic magazine in which you propose one of the four images for the award “Best War Photograph of the Year.

2002

Choose one of the visual images in this text and, in a letter to Carl Sandburg, write your response to its inclusion in the exhibition of photographs entitled The Family of Man.

2002

You have been asked to give a short talk on radio or television about a fundamental human right that you would like to see supported more strongly. Write out the text of the talk you would give.

2001

Write a short article about a project or activity in your local community which you admire or condemn.

Sample Essay Titles

2013

Write a speech in which you argue for or against the motion “We live in an un-heroic age”.

2013

Write a feature article for a popular magazine in which you discuss the competing attractions of both urban and rural lifestyles.

2012

Write a feature article for a newspaper or magazine on the role played by memory and the past in our lives.

2012

Write a lighthearted and entertaining article, intended for publication in a magazine aimed at young people, in response to the phrase “…all the time in the world”.

2011

Write an article for a serious newspaper or magazine on the twin issues of discrimination and tolerance.

2011

Write an article for a popular magazine in which you outline your views about the impact of technology on the lives of young people.

2010

Write a personal essay about your understanding of freedom and why you think it is important.

2010

You have been elected by your classmates to deliver a speech at your school’s graduation ceremony. Write the text of the speech you would give, encouraging your audience to be optimistic about the future.

2009

Write a newspaper article on some of today’s respected public figures, exploring the qualities that make them worthy of respect.

2009

Write an article (serious and/or light-hearted) for a school magazine about your experience of education over the last number of years.

2008

Write a speech in which you argue for or against the necessity to protect national culture and identity.

2007

Write the text of a talk, serious or humorous, to be given to your peers, entitled: “How I intend to change the world!”

2005

Write a personal essay in which you discuss your views on a recent event or series of events in the world.

2005

Write an article for a newspaper or magazine, outlining your vision of a better future.

2004

Write an article for publication in a serious newspaper or journal in which you draw attention to the plight of a person or group of people whom society has rejected.

2004

Write a speech (serious or light-hearted) in which you address your classmates or peer group on the importance of work in our lives.

2003

Write a newspaper article in which you outline your views in a serious or light-hearted manner on the part played by story telling or gossip in everyday life.

2002

Write a serious article for or against the importance of laws in our society.

2001

Write a personal essay in which you explore your sense of what it means to be Irish.

2001

Write a letter to Martin Mansergh in which you outline your response to his view of young Irish people.

Language of Information

Language is formal, simple & clear. Gets directly to the point.

Layout is important – one main idea per paragraph.

Information is organised with logical, easy to follow structure.

Headings and sub-headings are often used.

Bullet points / numbering are often used.

Emphasis on facts / statistics.

Statements must be backed up by examples.

Relevant information only is included (no waffle).

Avoid opinions / obvious bias.

Examples: Reports, leaflets, guidelines, travel guides, encyclopedia, practical advice.

Question B

2014

Imagine that the story of the disappearance of Dell Parsons, outlined in Text 1 above, has captured the public’s imagination. You are a reporter with a national radio station. Write the text of a news report, on the Dell Parson’s story, to be delivered on the station’s main evening news bulletin. In your report you should communicate the facts of the case as known (based on Text 1) and further speculate as to Dell’s whereabouts and possible developments in the story.

NOTE: This is an interesting hybrid of a task. The news report you write will be informative & factual, but interestingly, they’re asking you to then “speculate” so once you do this (at the very end) you’re leaving the realm of information behind.

2013

Your class had decided to produce a book about “un-heroic” or ordinary people as a fund-raiser for a local charity. Write the text for the introduction of this book, in which you explain the purpose of the book and why your class thinks it is important to celebrate ordinary people.

2012

Write a proposal, to be submitted to the relevant authority (e.g. local council or national body) suggesting one event or person you believe should be commemorated. Explain why you feel this person or event should be commemorated and suggest what form this commemoration should take.

2010

Imagine yourself fifty years from now. You have achieved great success and public recognition in your chosen career. Write the text of an interview (questions and answers) about the experiences and influences in your youth that contributed to your later success.

2007

Imagine you are running for the position of Student Council President in your school. Compose an informative election leaflet encouraging students to vote for you. It should outline your own leadership qualities and the changes you would like to introduce into your school.

2006

Advertising & young people: you report to the Advertising Standards Authority.

There is much discussion as to whether or not young people are being exploited by advertisers. Write a short report to the Advertising Standards Authority outlining your views on the matter.

2005

Imagine that as a reporter for a local newspaper you plan to interview a celebrity of your choice. Write a proposal/memo for the editor of your newspaper in which you explain why you want to interview this celebrity and giving an outline of the areas you hope to explore in the course of the interview.

2004

You have been asked to give a short talk to a group of students who are about to start first year in your school. Write out the text of the talk you would give.

2004

Imagine that Mr Pappleworth is asked, on the basis of Paul’s first day at work, to write a report giving his impressions of Paul Morel as an employee. Write the text of his report.

2003

Imagine that you have discovered a time capsule containing a number of items from the distant or more recent past. Write a letter to a local or national newspaper announcing your find & describing the items in the capsule.

2003

You have been asked to give a short talk on radio about an interesting journey you have made. Write out the text of the talk you would give.

2001

Imagine your job is to welcome a group of foreign students to Ireland. Write out the text of a short talk (150-200 words) in which you advise them how best to get along with the Irish people they will meet.

Sample Essay Titles

2012

Write out the text of an address you could deliver to an international gathering of young people outlining what you believe helps to define Ireland’s distinctive national identity.

2010

Write a practical Guide for Young People containing helpful advice and useful information for life after school.

2008

Write a magazine article (serious and/or light-hearted) in which you give advice to adults on how to help teenagers cope with the “storm and stress” of adolescence.

2006

Write an article for a magazine for young adult readers in which you give them advice about how to cope with the pressures of modern living.

2004

Write an article for a magazine for young adult readers in which you give advice to people on the best way to find a healthy balance between work and play in their lives.

2003

Write an article for a magazine for young adult readers in which you give advice to people intending to travel abroad for work or on holiday.