Writer’s effect is one of the most searched IGCSE English topics because it appears in reading papers and tests your ability to analyse how writers use language and structure to create effects. You need to select relevant words/phrases, explain the effect (not just label techniques), and quote to support your points.

What Examiners Want

• Quotation – Short, relevant quote from the text.
• Identification – Name the technique or feature if you can (e.g. metaphor, short sentence, repetition).
• Effect – How does it make the reader feel or what does it make them imagine/understand? Be specific (e.g. “suggests the character is trapped” rather than “creates an effect”).
• Link to question – Focus on the aspect asked (e.g. “fear”, “atmosphere”, “character”).

Avoid listing quotes without analysis; aim for 2–3 developed points per paragraph rather than many shallow ones.

Structure for Writer’s Effect Answers

• Point – What the writer does (e.g. “The writer uses a metaphor …”).
• Quote – Short evidence.
• Effect – What it suggests / makes the reader feel or think.
• Repeat for further quotations; compare or contrast if the question asks about two texts or two effects.

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Structure for Writer’s Effect and Common Mistakes

Point – What the writer does. Quote – Short, relevant evidence. Effect – What it suggests or makes the reader feel; be specific (e.g. “suggests the character is trapped”). Common mistakes: Listing quotes without analysis; only naming the technique without saying the effect; vague effects; not linking to the question focus. Aim for 2–3 developed points per question. Use past paper questions and mark schemes to see the level of analysis required.

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