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Using vocabulary to create effects

Using a wide range of vocabulary demonstrates a strong command of language. More importantly, your vocabulary choices should make your writing more lively, engaging and interesting to read.

Using particular techniques to create a specific effect

You can use figurative devices such as similes and metaphors in your writing. These can add colour and depth to your narrative, allowing your readers to relate to the scenes you describe.

Take care to match your figurative language to the mood of your piece. For example, if you are writing about a topic that is particularly sad or sinister, 'the clouds gathered conspiringly overhead, the rumbles of thunder like whispers between them’ would probably be more fitting than ‘the clouds above me were as fluffy as marshmallows’.

Using the senses in your writing

Using senses in your writing is a useful way of zooming in on details. Some people focus on the visual aspects of a scene. By including sounds, smells, feelings and (where appropriate) tastes you can really bring your writing to life.

Compare these two descriptions of a forest:

The trees were tall and an owl sat on a low branch above me. The green leaves were dark, even by the light of the moon.

An owl screeched from the low branch above me. I couldn’t make out the tops of the trees, no matter how far I craned back my neck. The green leaves seemed to whir in the cool breeze. The moon failed to pierce the darkness.

Notice how appealing to the senses makes the second version more vivid.

Show, don’t tell

In real life we learn about people from their clothes and belongings as well as from the things they tell us. We understand someone’s mood from their facial expressions, movements and tone of voice – we don’t need someone to tell us they are in a bad mood…we can usually figure it out from the way they are shouting!

It is the same when you read. Instead of telling your readers everything about a character, try to show them instead.

For example:

Telling - The woman walked into the room looking intimidating and angry.

Showing - The woman stormed into the room, her black coat flying behind her. Her scowl was fierce as she scanned the room. Her piercing eyes settled on Sarah.