Question 3 Language Task: Model Answer (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE English Language): Revision Note

Question 3(d)

Choose three powerful words or phrases from the extract below to analyse how the writer uses language to describe the vet's visit.

Write about 200 to 250 words.

Up to 10 marks are available for the content of your answer.

[10]

At one town, Annie had been unexpectedly ambushed and interrogated by a vet – hired by an unscrupulous newspaper editor sniffing around for a juicy headline. Annie remained courteous, explaining she’d averaged under 24 km daily, carried feed and drew water from natural sources. Yes, she’d had to camp out occasionally, but Hero had invariably bedded down under cover every night. The vet, frowning, regarded the horse solemnly, picking up each hoof in turn and examining it minutely. The editor watched his performance.

“No problems,” the vet finally pronounced his verdict, and left.

Answer

The writer uses aggressive and predatory language to create an atmosphere of hostility and suspicion during the vet’s visit.

Firstly, the phrase "unexpectedly ambushed and interrogated" uses military and legal imagery to dramatise the encounter. "Ambushed" suggests a surprise military attack, implying Annie was trapped without warning and unable to escape. This is reinforced by "interrogated," which connotes forceful, formal police questioning. This creates an atmosphere of criminality, where Annie is treated like a suspect under investigation rather than a traveller, highlighting the invasive nature of the vet's approach.

Secondly, the editor is described as "sniffing around for a juicy headline." The writer uses animalistic imagery here; "sniffing" compares the editor to a dog or wild predator hunting for a scent. This implies he is driven by a primal instinct to track down a scandal. Describing the headline as "juicy" extends this metaphor, suggesting the story is a succulent piece of meat to be devoured for pleasure or profit. This highlights the editor’s greed and predatory nature, caring only about "consuming" Annie's story for sales.

Finally, the writer describes the vet's examination as a "performance." This theatrical term suggests that his actions were insincere and staged entirely for the audience (the editor). It implies he was acting a role — pretending to be thorough and serious to justify the money he was paid ("hired"), rather than acting out of genuine concern for the horse. This confirms the artificiality of the inspection, framing it as a set-up designed to manufacture a problem.

Commentary

• Three distinct, precise phrases are chosen that allow for deep analysis

• The response identifies the specific imagery associated with each choice, and explains it with precision and imagination

• The response goes beyond simple meaning and explores deeper meanings and connotations

• Literary terminology is used accurately and appropriately