KS3 English Exam Questions by Topic

A writer describes a storm as 'the sky splitting open with a furious roar'. Explain the effect of this description on the reader.

1. Identify the technique: personification, since the sky is given the human-like action of 'splitting'.
2. Note the connotations of 'splitting' and 'furious', which suggest violence and uncontrollable anger.
3. Link this to the reader's response: it creates a sense of danger and drama, making the storm feel alive and threatening.
4. Consider the sound effect of 'roar', which adds a frightening, animal-like quality to the description.
5. Final answer: The personification of the sky 'splitting open with a furious roar' presents the storm as violent and almost alive, creating a frightening, dramatic atmosphere for the reader.