This document provides guidance on comparing the language features between two sources for a reading paper question. It lists various language devices that could be analyzed such as metaphors, emotive language, and statistics. It instructs the reader to not only identify these devices, but also explain their effects. Connectives are provided to help make comparisons between the sources, such as "whereas" and "although". The reader is told to highlight language techniques, plan their response, and write an analysis comparing the selected sources while discussing the purpose of the language choices.

1. The Reading Paper: Question 4: Language Comparison
4 - 5 comparisons are needed in total: these don’t just have to You will always be asked to compare source 3 with another. Remember, you
cover the similarities between the two texts, you can also may have already identified some language features in source 2 as part of
analyse the different language devices used by them the presentational devices question.
Language devices that you might look for 1) Go through and highlight the Evocative language- evokes, or
could include: alliteration, similes, calls forth our emotions, it often
metaphors, short sentences, lengthy language techniques appeals to our senses- hearing,
sentences, statistics, numbers, sight, touch, smell and taste.
speech/quotations, emotive language, Of course,
exclamations, choice of person, choice of identifying language Vivid language- this language is aimed to bring ideas alive by painting
tense, direct address, personal pronouns, is only half the job. pictures with words. Vivid language should be anything that is descriptive
lists of three, imperative verbs, modal You also need to and paints a picture for you: this means you should identify adjectives and
verbs, proper nouns. make sure that you adverbs as well as interesting verbs and nouns. Exploring extended noun
explore the effect of phrases will be key to success here (eg. “decrepit old ferry boat” as
these language opposed to just the noun “boat”; the noun is extended by one or more
Metaphor choices with adjectives to create a more vivid and developed image).
sufficient detail too,
Metaphor
Source 3 2) Plan! Source ?
Connectives to compare and
contrast:
Words to show analysis
Connectives to Saying things are
The use of the word “…” suggests
compare: different
This perhaps suggests…
Saying things are Although
This detail seems to suggest…
similar Whereas
Such vocabulary seems to
3) Write: analyse and compare. Both source 3, and While
indicate…
course…use Alternatively
The use of “(eg: metaphor)” emphasises…
Likewise On the other hand
Throught the use of “(eg: metaphor) the
Similarly
writer is suggesting that….
Equally