Language Features

Question 1

Features of narrative writing

Answer 1

stating them (e.g., “her heart hammered” instead of “she was scared”).
Sensory & Figurative Language: Employing metaphors, similes, and strong adjectives/verbs to appeal to the senses (imagery).
Sentence Structure (Syntax): Using varied sentence lengths; short sentences for impact/drama, longer ones for description/flow.
Dialogue: Realistic conversation that reveals character and moves plot.
Tension & Suspense: Leaving questions unanswered or dropping intriguing details to keep the reader engaged.

Question 2

Features of persuasive writing

Answer 2

Emotive Language: Using words with strong emotional connotations (e.g., “crisis” instead of “issue”, “slaughter” instead of “kill”) to evoke a specific feeling in the audience.
Rhetorical Questions: Posing questions that do not require an answer but prompt the reader to think or agree with the writer’s viewpoint (e.g., “Are we going to stand by and let this happen?”).
Personal/Inclusive Pronouns: Using “we,” “our,” and “us” to create a sense of unity, solidarity, and shared responsibility with the reader (e.g., “people like you and me”).
Vivid Imagery: Employing adjectives, similes, and metaphors to “paint a word picture” and make the argument visually and emotionally impactful.
Repetition: Repeating key words, phrases, or ideas for emphasis and to ensure the message sticks in the reader’s mind.
Anecdotes: Including short, personal stories to humanise a general point and make it more relatable and engaging for the audience.
Hyperbole: Using exaggeration for emphasis or as a shock tactic (e.g., “This ridiculous idea will bring about world peace”).
Appeals to Authority/Herd Mentality: Referencing “expert” opinions or suggesting that “everyone” is doing it to pressure the audience into agreement.
Urgency: Creating a sense of urgency, using phrases like “now” or “immediately,” to prompt the audience into action.
Short, Snappy Sentences: Using short sentences to create an energetic tone and add emphasis.

Question 3

Features of argumentative writing

Answer 3

Logical Structure & Thesis: A clear, direct statement of the writer’s viewpoint (thesis) is presented early, supported by a rational progression of points, say the National College of Ireland, leavingcertenglish.net and homeschool.ie.
Evidence-Based Support: Uses researched facts, statistics, specific examples, and sometimes anecdotes to build credibility, notes this YouTube video and this studyclix.blob.core.windows.net resource.
Logical Connectives: Words like therefore, consequently, however, in addition, help guide the reader through the logical flow, according to the National College of Ireland and this homeschool.ie lesson.
Rhetorical Questions: Engages the reader by posing questions that imply an obvious answer, making them feel part of the conversation, as noted by Scoilnet and this YouTube video.
Addressing Counter-Arguments: Anticipates opposing views and refutes them to strengthen the writer’s position, demonstrating a thorough understanding, notes this homeschool.ie lesson.
Tone & Voice: Generally rational, calm, and authoritative, avoiding highly emotional or personal attacks (which leans towards persuasion), say Scoilnet and this leavingcertenglish.net page.
Inclusive Language: Use of “we,” “us,” and “you” involves the audience and builds unity, according to this studyclix.blob.core.windows.net resource

Question 4

Features of aesthetic writing

Answer 4

Using words artistically and poetically
• Not functional language; creative
• Imagery and descriptive words
• Alliteration, Onomatopoeia, Assonance
• Use of Colour and Sensual detail - sights, smells, sounds

Question 5

Features of informative writing

Answer 5

• Formal, simple, clear - Directly to the point
• Emphasis on facts, statistics and accuracy
• Relevant information only - No Waffle
• Avoids opinion and bias - Detached from emotion
• Tone is formal and impersonal