English prep –

Here’s a clean, printable version of your Ultra Beginner 2d Question Answering Guide for
IGCSE First Language English (0500/0990). You can copy, save, or print it easily!

IGCSE First Language English (0500/0990) Paper 2 — Ultra Beginner Guide for 2d Questions

What is a 2d question?

It asks you to explain how the writer uses language to show feelings, images, or ideas.

What does “effect” mean?

Effect = What the word makes you see, feel, or imagine.

Step-by-Step Guide (Use every time!)

Step 1: Find 3 interesting words or phrases

Look for words that are strong, unusual, or describe something clearly.

Step 2: Ask yourself these questions for each word/phrase:

 What does this word make me see or hear?

 What feeling does it give me?

 Why do you think the writer used it?

Step 3: Write your answer using this template (P-E-E):

For each word or phrase:

1. Point – What is the writer showing?

2. Evidence – Write the word/phrase from the text.

3. Effect – Say what the word makes you imagine or feel and why.

Mini Template to copy for every point:

The writer shows that .
For example, “”.
This makes the reader imagine/feel ___ because ___.

Example:

Text:
“The waves crashed like wild beasts against the shore.”

Question: How does the writer show the power of the waves?

Answer:
The writer shows that the waves are powerful and wild.
For example, “crashed like wild beasts”.
This makes the reader imagine the waves are loud and dangerous, like animals attacking.
It feels scary and strong.

Word-Effect Cheat Sheet (For Beginners)

Word Type Effect (What it makes you feel or imagine)

Loud words (roar, bang) Powerful, scary, exciting

Soft words (sigh, whisper) Quiet, calm, sad

Animal words Wild, fast, dangerous

Dark words (black, shadow) Scary, sad, mysterious

Light words (golden, shining) Happy, peaceful, magical

Cold/hot words (icy, burning) Painful, nervous, emotional

Tips:

 Always pick 3 different words/phrases for full marks

 Use simple sentences — clear and easy is better

 Imagine you are painting a picture or telling how it makes you feel

 Remember: Effect = what you see or feel

If you want, I can help you practice with example questions next!
Just ask! 😊

📋 Detailed Word-Effect Cheat Sheet for IGCSE 2d Questions

1. Loud / Strong Words

(Words that make things sound powerful, noisy, or intense)

Example Words Possible Effects (Feelings or Images)

roar, crash, bang, explode, Makes the reader imagine something very loud and powerful.
shout, thunder It can feel exciting, scary, or dangerous.

smash, slam, strike Suggests sudden, strong action — can feel violent or angry.

2. Soft / Quiet Words

(Words that make things seem gentle, calm, or sad)

Example Words Possible Effects

whisper, sigh, murmur, hush, Creates a calm, quiet, or secret mood. Can feel peaceful
gentle or sad.

drip, flutter Makes the scene feel delicate or fragile.

3. Animal Words / Comparisons

(Words comparing things to animals or using animal traits)

Example Words/Comparisons Possible Effects

like a lion, prowling, snarling, fluttering, Creates images of wildness, danger, or quick
buzzing, slither movement. Can feel scary or exciting.

like a butterfly, gentle as a lamb Makes the scene feel soft, innocent, or calm.

4. Light / Bright Words

(Words about light, brightness, or colour)

Example Words Possible Effects

golden, shining, glowing, sparkling, Makes the scene feel warm, happy, magical, or
bright hopeful.

Creates lively, magical, or sometimes confusing

flickering, dazzling
effects.

5. Dark / Shadowy Words

(Words about darkness, shadows, or gloom)

Example Words Possible Effects

black, shadow, dark, gloomy, night, Makes the scene feel scary, sad, mysterious, or
murky dangerous.

creeping, lurking Creates a sense of threat or fear.

6. Cold / Hot Words

(Words about temperature or feelings)

Example Words Possible Effects

icy, freezing, cold, chill Makes the scene feel harsh, lonely, or uncomfortable.

burning, hot, fiery, blazing Feels painful, angry, intense, or full of strong emotion.

7. Movement Words

(Words describing how something moves)

Example Words Possible Effects

rushed, darted, galloped, raced Makes the scene feel fast, exciting, or chaotic.

shuffled, dragged, limped Makes the scene feel slow, tired, or sad.

floated, drifted Feels calm, dreamy, or gentle.

8. Emotional / Feeling Words

(Words that describe or make you feel emotions)

Example Words Possible Effects

terrified, anxious, nervous Makes the reader feel scared or worried for the character.

joyful, happy, delighted Creates a happy or positive mood.

lonely, sad, broken Makes the reader feel sympathy or sadness.

9. Size / Scale Words

(Words describing size or how big/small something is)

Example Words Possible Effects

towering, huge, massive Makes the thing feel powerful, impressive, or frightening.

tiny, small, delicate Makes the thing feel fragile, weak, or cute.

10. Sensory Words

(Words that describe senses: sound, sight, touch, smell, taste)

Example Words Possible Effects

scratchy, smooth, rough Creates a physical feeling you can imagine or almost feel.

sweet smell, rotten, fresh Makes the scene more vivid and real by involving smell.

bitter, sour, spicy Adds taste to the scene, making it feel more intense or real.

🔑 How to Use This Cheat Sheet in Your Answers:

 Pick 3 words or phrases from the passage.

 Find the type of word (loud, soft, animal, etc).

 Use the effect ideas here to explain what it makes you imagine or feel.

 Write it simply, like:

“The word ‘roared’ is loud and powerful. It makes the reader imagine a scary, noisy
sound.”

In 2d questions, an overview of a paragraph means writing a short sentence that says

what the whole paragraph is doing — before you start analyzing specific words or phrases.

It’s like answering:

🧠 "What is the main idea or feeling in this paragraph?"

🟦 How to Write an Overview (for 2d Questions)

🔹 STEP 1: Read the paragraph carefully

Don’t just look at individual words. Think:

 What is the writer trying to show in this paragraph?

 Is it scary? Calm? Exciting? Sad?

 Is the writer describing a place? A person? A feeling?

🔹 STEP 2: Choose a main idea or mood

Pick one strong idea or emotion the whole paragraph focuses on.

👉 Here are some words to help you describe the overall effect:

Mood / Feeling Description Words You Can Use

Scary frightening, intense, threatening, tense

Peaceful calm, quiet, relaxed, gentle

Exciting energetic, fast-paced, dramatic

Sad emotional, upsetting, heavy

Beautiful vivid, rich, detailed, magical

🔹 STEP 3: Write a short overview sentence

Keep it simple. Just one sentence to say what the whole paragraph does.

🎯 Formula:

In this paragraph, the writer creates a sense of [mood/idea] by describing [what].

✅ Example 1:

Paragraph is about a storm with words like "roared", "flashed", and "crashed".
Overview:
In this paragraph, the writer creates a sense of danger and chaos by describing the violent
storm.

✅ Example 2:

Paragraph is about a girl walking alone in a dark hallway with “silent”, “shadows”, and
“cold air”.
Overview:

The writer creates a tense and eerie atmosphere as the character moves through the
hallway.

🔹 Then… Start your PEE analysis

After your overview, you write your three PEE points (Point, Evidence, Effect) — based on
specific words.

✅ Example Full Structure for a 2d Answer:

In this paragraph, the writer creates a sense of fear and panic during the chase.
For example, the phrase “he ran like the devil was behind him” suggests extreme fear and
urgency.
This makes the reader imagine the character is running for his life, which builds suspense.
The word “stumbled” shows that he is panicking and not thinking clearly, adding to the
danger.
Finally, “his breath came in ragged gasps” creates a feeling of exhaustion and desperation,
making the reader feel anxious for him.

Absolutely — let's mark your answer like an examiner, and I'll show you exactly how to
improve on your own next time, step by step. 💡✍️

📄 Your Original Answer:

The writer uses " humming in reverential attendance " to show the soft buzzing of bees
creating a calming effect, this also shows that the bees were close by, hence were in "
attendance". The ' humming ' suggests a calm, soft sound, while 'reverential' adds a sense
of devotion and awe. This gives the reader a effect of peace , making the moment feel
relaxing and cozy.

🧠 Examiner Feedback (like IGCSE 0500/0990 Paper 1 – Q2d):

Marks: 3–4 / 5
You show a good understanding of the language and are explaining both words, which is
essential. You also mention effect. However, your explanation could be more fluent,
precise, and insightful, especially in word choice and sentence flow. With a few
improvements in tone and phrasing, this would be a solid 5.

✨ Now... how do you improve on your own?

Here’s your step-by-step method to upgrade like a pro:

🧩 STEP 1: Break the phrase apart

Ask:

 What does each word mean?

 What image does it create?

✅ You did this! Example:

"Humming" = calm soft sound

"Reverential" = awe, devotion

🎯 STEP 2: Ask yourself three GOLDEN questions

These are key:

🔍 Question Why it helps

1. What is the tone of the Helps you match the mood (e.g. peaceful, ominous,
word? joyful?)

Helps you describe visuals/sounds the reader

2. What image does it create?
"sees/hears"

3. How does the reader feel? Gets you the effect, which is essential

✅ Let’s apply:

 Humming → tone = soft/gentle → image = low buzzing → effect = calm, soothing

 Reverential → tone = respectful/devoted → image = bees acting like worshippers →

effect = sacred, intimate

Now you can build a beautiful analysis!

✍️STEP 3: Use this mini writing frame

Here’s a solid paragraph structure for 2d answers:

The writer uses the phrase "[quote]" to show [observation about the scene]. The word
"[word]" suggests [imagery or tone], while "[word]" adds [contrast OR deeper meaning].
This makes the reader feel [effect], helping to create a [overall tone] atmosphere.

✨ Try filling it in with any quote next time — it’s super flexible and works every time.

💬 Your upgraded version again for reference:

The writer uses the phrase "humming in reverential attendance" to show the soft,
peaceful presence of the bees, creating a calming and almost sacred atmosphere.
The word "humming" suggests a low, soothing sound, while "reverential" adds a
sense of quiet devotion, as if the bees are respecting or honoring something
important. This gives the reader a feeling of tranquility and gentle awe, making the
moment feel relaxing, intimate, and almost spiritual.

Do you want to try another phrase now to practice with this method?
I can give one or let you pick 😊