ENGLISH LANGUAGE IGCSE STUDY NOTES EDEXCEL;

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TEXT 1: From A Game of Polo with A Headless Goat
Title:

The title stands out, it is quirky, unusual and attention grabbing due to the
unexpected and shocking imagery of a headless goat.
Polo and headless goat are juxtaposition because Polo seems
sophisticated, aristocratic and refined whilst headless goat is very barbaric
and savage.
This piques (excites) the readers interest and causes the reader to wonder
how this combination works.

Karachi is in Pakistan
Paragraph 1:

We drove off, immediate high energy start to build up tension fast. The
paragraph builds tension however the tension isnt delivered at the end of
the paragraph. This might suggest that the tension is yet to climax even
more. It could also reinforce the sense of unpredictability in an Asian
country as appose to a western country.
Wacky crazy and wild, this is the name of a cartoon show which allows
us to imagine the extent of anarchy and the complete lack of rules alike in
a cartoon which also relates to how the goat race might be like.
They loved the idea this shows immediate agreement without any
hesitation.
You climb inside... this is something which is dangerous and unaccepted
in a western country however it is considered as being very fun and
exciting. These are fast paced, relatively short sentences which creates a
very ecstatic atmosphere.

Paragraph 2:

Starting the convo with But suggests the natural flow of conversation.
Adventurous spirits are expressed by their desire to seek adventure in the
midst of the action as they want to at the front. Confidence at being able
to be in the front suggests that the lack of worries and concern.
Eternity exaggerates time which suggests that the wait is long because
of their impatience and excitement.
Lull in tension which allows for a more exciting climax. This is created by
longer sentences.
The excitement is replaced with ignorance and humour.
Humour is created.
This causes a clash of culture as the villager thinks that the author is
unusual whilst we also think that he is unusual.

Paragraph 3:

Are they coming? lack of any urgencies, suggests that they have a laid
back attitude. Lack if any time clause suggest the difference between life
here and life in an orderly and predictable place such as England. For
example in a race such as the F1 would have a definite start time and
everyone would be aware of what is happening.
Fairly short paragraphs with breaks throughout to show a build up on
excitement once again.

Paragraph 6:

Just suggests that tension is about to build up, sudden shift in tone and
monosyllabic word foregrounding the sentence.
A cloud of fumes and dust shows an exotic, dirty and unknown
atmosphere. This creates tension as the reader wants to know what is
behind the screen.
Stirring up of tension emphasised by the harsh consonants of the
onomatopoeia roaring. This suggests an animalistic crowd, desperate to
get in the midst of the action too which shows the obvious display of the
popularity of the race.
Yaqoob is an unusual name which suggests an exotic twist-reveals our
culture is as different as ours is.
Inch which shows the gradual builds up of tension.
Slightly comical image as although the donkeys are meant to seem as the
centre of attraction, they are portrayed as being nothing in relation to the
crowd.
Whips energetically, although not cruelly this creates the impression
that this is unique and unusual; we dont get the impression that the
donkeys are being tortured and mistreated.

Paragraph 5:

Travel writing style, more informative style with lack of personal detail.
Short paragraph with many mono-syllabic words shows the amount of
activity gong on-builds up tension and excitement.
Horns tooting, bells ringing and the special rattles Triad, onomatopoeia,
really cluttered sentences as there is so much detail in one long sentence,
echoes the cluttered sense.
Brackets give information right after it, which disturbs the flow of the text
and the structure and echoes the overwhelming amount of detail.
Adverbs such as perched show the inordinate amount of activity that is
surrounding the author. This fully expresses the liveliness and vibrancy of
the place.
Diversity of vehicles suggests that this is something that is popular and
people are very passionate towards. It shows a sense of unity among the
people within their differences.

Long sentences with overwhelming detail with chaotic and disorderly

content show a true sense of chaos during that time. The use of asyndeton
show the fast pace of the race.

Paragraph 6:

Swerve in creates an almost reckless and slightly dangerous yet thrilling

image.
Anarchic makes it seem very disordered as there are no rules.
The use of triad again to further elaborate on the mayhem and excitement
of the race.
The writer tries to relate the race to us by using F1 races and city centre
rush hour.

Paragraph 7:

Even though theres so much going on and there seems to be lots of

danger, we dont feel the danger but we instead fee a thrill of excitement.
Young driver shows that this is a chance for him/her to demonstrate
their skill and to prove himself/herself. This creates an atmosphere full of
unpredictability as the reader doesnt know what to expect which
therefore creates lots of excitement and tension.
Driving is instinctive and suggests a sense of precision and accuracy.
Sharp, shorts, clear, clean consonants reflect this.
Nerves of steel a metaphor which suggests that you have to be bold and
daring. A triad is used again.
There were two races this suggests a chaotic scene as everyone is part
o the race.
There is lots of danger and excitement almost like a race image which
relates back too the wacky races.
Yaqoob loved it his shows simplistic joy. It shows the simplistic lifestyle
of people living there. The short sentence shows certainty. Here, Yaqoob is
portrayed as being humorous and seemingly easy going.
Colourful suggests that their culture is unique and exotic rather than
offensive or repulsive.

Paragraph 8:

The first sentence of the paragraph is really long which reflects the
readers anxiety to know what will happen. This makes the reader very
interested and wants to know more.
But just builds up tension. It also gives a sense of climax because
something has gone wrong. This is foreshadowed by the hospital gate so
the readers can predict an accident occurring.
The race was over Short sentence, definitive tone with monosyllabic
words that slow down action and create an anticlimactic atmosphere.

Paragraph 9:

Energy is instead carried out over to the next paragraph as there has been
so much built up that we are still anticipating something.
I assumed suggests that these assumptions are incorrect and therefore
making the rest of the story unpredictable. This creates tension as the
reader wants to know what is going to happen next.
Over a hundred punters which have all staked money shows a very
serious situation. We can now assume that something very bad is yet to
occur. This is further explained by the overwhelming number of people
against what has just happened.
Voices were raised, fists were out and tempers rising. Triad is used to
express and exaggerate the danger and violence going on. The use of
ing also shows that the situation is still worsening as it shows a
continuous tense.
The Jockey is being overwhelmed and people are ganging up on him
which shows an image of a mob forming. This creates tension as the
reader wants to know what will be done to the jockey.

Paragraph 10:

Nervous shows that even though they are very adventurous, they are
also very sensible as they know their limits.
Ordering me to stay inside the car Commanding, assertive tone and
modality of diction. It is a short sentence without any explanation which
shows the care they have towards Levines safety.
Swallowed up by the crowd It is a metaphor which suggests the crowd
as being overwhelming, monstrous and threatening. It could be
personification (kinda), (maybe), (no).
Im underage! It creates a sense of reckless adventurous spirits yet it
seems balanced as he can drive at a more sedate and slow pace too.

Paragraph 11:

This is a calmer more reflective paragraph. It shows the cultural

differences as although they found it funny. It also shows us the possible
dangers that might have happened.
There is a pseudo-triad to emphasize the possible dangers that we are
reminded off.

TEXT 2: From Chinese Cinderella

Relentlessly and again. It shows that education is valued as she

doesnt want school to end. This is reinforced by all the time words.
The end of school forever which shows a sense of despair also
foreboding to create tension. It also shows a depressed and wistful tone.
A sense of despair is emphasised by short factual sentences and tone of
certainty hopelessness and the communal game shows that life is just
happening around her with no involvement monopoly.

The radio warned of a possible typhoon. It uses pathetic fallacy.

It was my turn and I threw the dice throbbed persistent
toothache. This shows physical pain which is haunting and constantly
nagging.
Mary, the fact Mary wasnt mentioned shows how unimportant the
game is and how isolated Adeline is.
Tension builds up due to the unexpected interruption. This is caused by the
game of monopoly being stopped by Mother Valentino.
Immediately all her thoughts related to going back home re negative
which foreshadow how she is treated by the father in his room.
Wondering who has died. This also shows her unclose relationship as she
only goes back home when someone dies.
She is also portrayed as being isolated from the family. This is expressed
by the implication of a distant relationship as the chauffeur is more aware
about the family situation than she is fathers chauffeur assured me
Tension is also built by the use of hurry up downstairs as there is a sense
of thrill and unpredictably. This tension created, makes the reader very
curious to what is going to happen next and therefore increasing their
interest.Foreboding, as in a nightmare and who had died this time.
Cold, unemotional relationship- short sentences, uncaring / offended tone
foreshadows relationship with the father. This shows the lack of respect
given to the girl even by the person with the relative low status in
comparison to her. How should I know?-Defensively shrugging his
shoulders.
The idea that is a short drive home further elaborates on the fact that
even though it was a short drive, her family still didnt bother to pick her
up. This shows the lack of sentimental value that her family gives her.
She is very fearful and apprehensive, she immediately relates home to a
place that she goes to because of her wrong-doing and punishment. She
doesnt associate it as being the place of love and family. I wondered
what I had done wrong
Where are we suggests the distant relationship between her and her
family. Its so distant that she is not aware of her family moving homes,
not informed of any of these things.
She seems very nervous as she enters the car. I had forgotten. This
could also shows that she is very ashamed and scared to show the lack of
information that her family members give to her.
The house is obviously not a very warm and fond area. This is elaborated
on by the writers use of adjectives such as quiet and cool to describe
the atmosphere. This is further elaborated on by the family members lack
of greeting or even noticing that she has even arrived. out playing
bridge, sunbathing or in his room
The fathers room is portrayed as being sacred and has never been
entered. This shows awe and a certain kind of distance. It also extends on
the idea that they are obviously not very close and they dont get well
together enough for her to be treated with such basic luxuries such as

entering his room. Summoned, Holy of Hollies and I had never been
invited.
There is a use of short sentences and lots of energetic punctuation to
attempt to create tension. Why?
Her having to knock on the door instead of just entering shows respect
and also the degree of separation between them. It also shows typical
family roles.
Tensions is then eased as time goes. The sensitivity to these things
suggests their relationship is not usually good as she is often afraid.
Relaxed, in his slippers and happy mood.
Even though some of the tension is eased, the level of mistrust is still very
high as she doesnt trust her own father on his part to trick me? and
Dare I let my guard down?
The use of rhetorical questions is to show the build up to tension once
again.
The use of double imperatives Sit down! Sit down! shows the
stereotypical family roles where the children are very obedient towards
parents and are no way disrespectful.
Her participation in this competition shows her passion towards school and
the importance of it. International Pay-writing competition held in London,
England.
She has a duty in making her parents, family and country proud of her
achievements, shows the importance of honour and face. This is done by
using direct pronouns we are proud of YOU
Winning this competition is her equivalent of a fairy god mother; it is her
opportunity to go to school and to be away from home. Her joy and
excitement at winning this also creates pathos as it implies how much she
dreads being home and how desperately she wants to get away from her
family. Is it possible? Am I dreaming? Me, the winner?
Excitement, overwhelmed, surprised and overjoyed. Rhetorical questions
are used to express her disbelief at the possibility of winning the
competition. Short sentences and punctuation. Transition from previous
tension- summoned by father- is released and transform into excitement.
Also isolation: she had not known she won and she had not informed her
family about her participation in this event.
Unaware of anything that is happening with his own daughter and if not
for his friend, he would have not have even known of this. Shows distance
in the relationship and also his lack of concern and care for his daughter.
Friend does not even know of this daughter than he has, it shows the he
does not talk about her and does not tell colleagues about his daughter.
Sense of pride and face in front of colleagues, shows there is competition
between the two men and he immediately compared to other instead of
being glad for this daughter because of achievement. He is only proud
because of the face that she has given him through winning this
competition and not really proud of her.
Importance of earning face for her parents. He is only proud of her
because she has given his something to boast to his colleagues about. In

addition, it also show how important this is as it is this event that has
made him proud and radiant for once
The thought of an opportunity to go study has left her feeling really
excited. The use of hyperboles emphasise this and her excitement is
conveyed through the tone of her voice.
Suggest that even a mere question that he asks her is a test, approvingly
is an interesting choice of verbs as he is not happy but pleased that she
answered the question as he wanted her to,
Asking a question is bold, shows distant relationships, and lack of
communication. However, it also shows her degree of reverence and
respect towards him, does not want to be rude and disrespectful at all.
Gender roles- brothers going to England to study at university.
Once again, family roles, never disrespectful to parents, always answer
when expected to, duty to answer.
Use of punctuation and relatively short sentences to show her excitement
about winning the competition and the possible opportunity of studying
abroad.
His criticism is brutal and is factually, bluntly delivered. He does not care
about her desires and interest. It also shows the stereotypical idea and
reaction towards a career that is creative- writer.
Even after his harsh and blunt criticism she did not want to be
disrespectful and instead, waited obediently in silence for her father to say
something.
Stereotypical gender roles and gender jobs and what women at that time
are expected to do. Not given any choice about their future, life is dictated
by parents wishes. Adeline is being ordered to study what she wants to
do; her interest and passions are not even considered and deliberated by
her dad.
Not really a question as he has already made it really made it clear that
she will do as he wants her, he scoffed at her interest and desires. His
certainty that she will do as he wishes is shown through the repetition of
modal verbs.
The importance of studies to Adeline is shown through her acceptance to
do anything even that her dad wishes. Also shows her duty in respecting
and fulfilling her parents wishes even if they do not match up to her own
personal wishes and desires.
Shows her duty to do as he wants her to and what he has planned for. In
addition, her willingness to do anything also shows the family roles and
the importance of obedience towards her parents.
Use of poem quotation to emphasis her feelings and excitement
Importance of study to her and gratitude at being given the opportunity to
study abroad. Typical family roles, has to be grateful for everything and
thankful for everything.

TEXT 3: Climate change: The facts

Title:

Brief and concise the facts. Sounds informal and accessible because it
needs to appeal to a non-expert audience of laymen as this is part of an
informal science course published in a newspaper. The concision also
suggests a blunt, no nonsense approach which is going to tell us the truth
and exactly what we need to do.
It is all around us and it wont be going away. This suggests its importance
impossible to ignore.

Paragraph 1:

It wasnt seen as much of a threat as it is today. This shows that the issue
is getting worse. fringe subject
Suggests that it is a very serious topic as many politics are also talking
about it. It is an ongoing discussion political hot potato reality and here
to stay
Emphasises how it wont just fade out of the news like other topics.
reality and here to stay

Paragraph 2:

Short sub headings used to break up the extract. It explains what the next
paragraph will be about allowing the reader to find information easily or
organise this new information in an easy question-answer format making
the rest of the article more user friendly. It starts with the most basic
question what is global warming- and builds up into more complex ideas.
The use of the adjective extra would suggest too much carbon dioxide.
The use of brackets to further explain the terms that not scientific oriented
people might not know makes the article user friendly as it is not too
scientific.
There is a sense of balance here as the writer makes it clear that it is
natural for carbon dioxide to be around us in the atmosphere and it is
therefore not bad. It is a natural process
The writer also explains the misconceptions about what global warming
actually is. It is the greenhouse effect

Paragraph 3, 4:

It makes sure that the reader understands the difference between the
greenhouse effect and global warming, by dividing it into two separate
paragraphs.
Since 1958 scientists shows how this is an ongoing issue. It is also a
serious issue; emphasised by the idea of scientists still trying to figure
some statistics out.
Relentless rise. This shows persistent rise, but relentless makes the
issue of global warming seem more out of control. This is more serious.

Paragraph 5:

Bubbles of gas from ice cores and the chemical composition of fossil
shells. It is very easily visualised image to make this accessible for a nonscientific reader. Clearly explanatory details broken down into short
sentences and short paragraphs using simple down to earth language and
easily accessible images- like bubbles- to illustrate points in a way that will
be easily understandable for the readers.
Rate of change lends the article to a sense of scientific credibility as it
more complex than speed, although still relatively easy to understand for
most readers. Exceptional emphasises how its unique; weve never
experienced something like this before, suggesting that this really is a
threat.
By 2000 they were 17% higher than in 1959 These statistics are easily
understood; also show the importance and the danger of the topic.

Paragraph 6:

Basic statistics are easily understood and also show the importance and
the danger of the topic. 12 warmest years since 1850
Rapid makes it sound that the CO2 is coming in vast amounts very
quickly, like a flooding river again an image that would be easily
comprehensible for most readers. Rapid rise in carbon dioxide levels

Paragraph 7:

The human addiction to fossil fuels shows how maybe this is our doing.
Addiction also creates the impression that this behaviour is harmful and
life-threatening but also hard to give up like an addiction. Fossil fuel
addiction
Too much of a coincidence suggests that it isnt something we can
ignore; the issue of global warming is really serious. It is also a simple
down to earth argument against the sceptics who claim that we cant be
sure that we causing global warming because the temperature might just
be going up because of something else. Too much of a coincidence is a
commonly used phrase in reasoning and although not strictly scientific is
likely to convince the reader.

Paragraphs 8:

Statistics again show the importance of the topic, also seen by the
mentioning of the official sounding IPCC- the name of which implies it has
a large amount of agreement from across different counties.

Paragraph 9:

It seems as if the oceans can remove our waste easily. Mop up

eventually they will reach capacity and be unable to absorb more The
use of mop up is personification.

However, the mop will become too full, again an easily accessible image,
that means this easy solution to the problem of rising C02 levels will not
work forever.
Full load emphasise how so far this hasnt happened; something we
havent experienced. Pushing shows how the rise in temperature has
been forced on by the excess C02 from humans.

Paragraph 10:

No The simple sentence is definite and suggests that there are more
problems than just C02- again reinforcing the seriousness and complexity
of this issue.
(Farting cows) (rotting vegetation) this is informal; funny and
accessible to all readers. It is attention grabbing. The comparison to
something funny but then the serious issue helps the readers to
understand what is going on and makes the article more engaging.
10 years here is made to seem very short, but this is undermined by the
fact that it is a very powerful greenhouse gas trapping 20 times as much
heat as C02.
The structure here is used to undermine potential sources of relief and
thus emphasise how serious the problem is. The oceans mop up the Co2,
but not forever. Is it just C02, no there are many other gases. Its been 10
years, but 20 times worse.

Paragraph 11:

Delicate2 suggests easily surpassed or broken emphasising the potential

danger and the fragility of the Earth something it is important for readers
to realise as the Earth is often thought of as being too big to be fragile.
Trigger sounds very sudden which makes the idea of dramatic change
seem even worse as it will affect everyone and not just the reader.

Paragraph 12:

Sudden release emphasises the potential danger.

Runaway greenhouse effect suggests that climate change is
unstoppable and uncontrollable.

Paragraph 13:

Funny and accessible to all readers. Doesnt necessarily mean that well
be sitting in our deckchairs all year round.
Extreme suggests something dangerous which contrasts with the
pleasant deck chair image, again the structure is one of potential relief
which is undermined by the statement that the weather wont be better
just more extreme... this structure seeks to make it clear to the reader
that there is no real potential up-side to this problem.

Paragraph 14:

Already committed makes it sound like we are running out of time- reemphasising the threatening nature of global warming.

Diagram:

Sub headings showing what the image is for; easy and simple layout.
Primary colours and the 4 simple steps that cause global warming make
this diagram easy to understand and not daunting.
Simple everyday drawing of satellite
Colours show the different changes on the graph. Very simple; low,
medium, high.
Big image, simple whole numbers. Clear bright to make the diagram
accessible for the reader.

TEXT 4: Your guide to beach safety

Everything has been completed on handout.

TEXT 5: From the explorers daughter

Two hours after The waiting suggests that this event is significant which
is fore grounded. We also get straight into action which creates tension.
very close shows the excitement of the hunt
Short sentences separated by caesuras to increase tension. Definite tone
of this is used to increase excitement. this time very close
More waiting for the narwhal to indicate significance and build tension. an
hour
Gentle, calm beauty of the narwhal doesnt seem threatening but instead
we see the narrators appreciation of their behaviour. plumes of spray
from the
Magical and other worldly beauty created with a sense of amazement.
catching the light in a spectral play of colour
Peaceful and intelligent depiction of the narwhal with the soft ly sounds.
This creates sympathy as they seem tranquil. slowly
Present continuous tense used to indicate the excitement of the Inughuit
people. scrambling
Fantastical and magical as though life in the Arctic is a fairytale. glittering
kingdom
Excitement indicated by physical responses of the narrator. took a sharp
intake of breath
Men appear small and insignificant which makes them appear brave in a
heroic struggle against the narwhal and environment. hunters were
dotted all around the fjord
Evening light was turning butter-gold creates the image that most
people can relate to or can imagine. This scene is given a beautiful and
magical feel.

Glittering off man and whale. This shows the balance of life between
people and narwhal indicating their interdependence.
Surreal and slow with the sibilance of the soft o making the image
appears peaceful. It is an idealized image. billows
Hunters were close enough to touch the narwhal this perpetuates the
excitement and tension in the atmosphere.
Mysterious and immeasurable nature of the Arctic indicates the moral
dilemma as there are no rules or answers here. Distances are always
deceptive in the Arctic.
Blurring of reality once again makes the Arctic seem tranquil and other
worldly. I was wondering if the narwhal existed at all or were instead
mischievous tricks of the shifting light.
Long paragraph of waiting to increase tension. ...
Long sentences are used to inform us.
Appreciation indicates the necessity of the narwhal in everyday life.
essential contributor to the survival
Now we sat which returns back to personal excitement and the hunt.
List of all the uses of the narwhal indicate that it is a necessity for life. This
indicates the focus on basic survival.
Vital for their life: physically to build homes and metaphorically as it
supports their society. central beam for their small ancient dwellings
Difficult environment for the narwhal even broken form such usage
Danger of the situation that the men are currently in indicates that
accidents are easy and the fragility of life.
Physical indication of shock, emphasising how important catching a
narwhal for the survival of a family. small gasp or jump
Events separated out by sentences which help to build the tension and
excitement in the hunt again.
Many men against the few narwhal inspire sympathy for the narwhal but
also create tension as we wait for the climax when the narwhal is caught.
Switches to a short, informative style again to give us information and also
give a break in the excited tension while the delay makes us eager to find
out whether or not the hunter was successful.
Personification of the narwhal makes them seem more realistic and so
inspires sympathy. intelligent creatures
Contrast in size makes the men small and insignificant once more
emphasising their vulnerability and fragility in comparison to huge whale
huge
One opportunity for the hunter to catch indicates the importance of this
event gently picked up his harpoon
I urged the man on in my head. Moral dilemma within the narrator is one
that we also share.
; pauses to create tension
Triple indicates the narrators desire for the survival of the narwhal that
leaves us with conflicting emotions dive, to leave, to survive
Now the moral dilemma is fore grounded which is a change in the focus of
the article. It is no longer recounting an event but reflecting on the
questions raised by that event.

Uncertain tone of voice indicates that she is trying to convince herself as

well as us. stayed with me
Defending the Inughuit people. However, although the writer
acknowledges the validity of their reasons for hunting the narwhal, she
doesnt state that she accepts them... leaving the dilemma resolved at the
end of the piece.
Left with an uncertain ending which allows the reader and narrator to
continue to reflect on their emotions towards narwhal hunting. hunting is
still an absolute necessity in Thule
TEXT 6: Climate Change webpage - Greenpeace UK
Purpose - to inform, warn and persuade
Layout and colours:
The layout of the webpage is structured in a way so that it is easy to read and
draws attention to the reader
- clear "Greenpeace" logo at the top to show who they are
- use of picture to illustrate the text and makes it more interesting to read
- information split into paragraphs so that it's easier to read
- hyperlinks to other pages around the edge in bright colours which draws
attention and make it easy to access
"The world is warming up"
- starts with a very blunt, authoritative sentence to show how serious the
problem is and to get straight to the point
"15,000 people are dying..."
- use of statistics is very effective and strengthens argument as it leaves no
ambiguity
"catastrophic climate"
- use of powerful and emotive language emphasises the seriousness of the
problem
- use of alliteration draws attention to the phrase and adds emphasis
"there is still a chance to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of
climate change."
- strong sense of urgency to encourage reader to take action as quickly as
possible
- the word "most" is an absolute emphasising how bad the situation could
become
- repetition of the word "catastrophic" to make it stick in the reader's mind
"We're the last generation that can stop this global catastrophe"
- use of "we're" involves the reader directly and makes reader feel a part of it
-repetition of catastrophic again
-short paragraph adds impact
"What you can do"
- use of second person includes the reader - speaks directly to them
- makes reader feel like they have some responsibility
"TAKE ACTION"

- Striking, clashing orange and green colours to draw attention to the important
phrases
- imperative (command)
- written in capitals to convey urgency and importance