Feature-spotting without explaining effect — naming a technique but not analysing its impact on the reader
“there was also evidence of 'feature spotting' where candidates identify correctly (or incorrectly) particular language features but do not explain them.”— 1EN2 Paper 1, June 2023
How to fix: Naming a technique earns zero marks on its own. Every language point must follow a three-part sequence: (1) identify the feature with accurate terminology (e.g. the adverb 'immediately'); (2) quote it precisely; (3) explain how it creates a specific effect on the reader — what feeling, image, or understanding does it produce? Avoid generic endings like 'this interests the reader' or 'this makes the reader want to read on'. Instead, say what specific impression the word or technique creates — for example, 'The sudden adverb immediately compresses time, making the race feel dangerously unpredictable.' The effect must be specific to the text and the chosen word.