How Does the Author Use Language to Show the Character's Feelings?

Step-by-step approach for Year 6

Underline the key words in the question.
Re-read the relevant part of the extract, focusing on language, not just events.
Pick 2–3 short quotations that help you answer the question.
For each quotation, use PEA: make a point, give evidence, then explain the effect of the language.
Use precise vocabulary like "suggests", "implies", "creates", "emphasises".

Helpful sentence starters

"The author shows this by describing…"
"The word/phrase "_____" suggests/implies that…"
"This makes the reader imagine/feel…"
"This creates a sense of… because…"
"Overall, this language helps to show…"

What to look for

Emotion words ("nervous", "relieved", "furious").
Similes and metaphors comparing the character to something else.
Body language and physical reactions ("hands shaking", "heart pounding").
Thought and speech verbs ("whispered", "snapped", "wondered").

Step-by-step worked example

Example question

How does the author use language to show that Lily is nervous?

Short extract

Lily gripped the edge of the table. Her hands were shaking and a cold knot tightened in her stomach as she tried to smile.

Step 1 – Use the question words. Write a clear point that uses the words "show" and "nervous", for example: "The author shows that Lily is very nervous."
Step 2 – Choose a short quotation. Pick one or two key phrases, such as "hands were shaking" or "cold knot tightened in her stomach".
Step 3 – Zoom in on the language. Explain what the words suggest. For instance, a "cold knot" in her stomach suggests she feels sick with worry.
Step 4 – Explain the effect on the reader. Say how the reader imagines or feels about Lily, for example that we can clearly picture how anxious she is.

Putting it all together

The author shows that Lily is very nervous by describing how her "hands were shaking" and the "cold knot" in her stomach. The verb "shaking" suggests she cannot control her fear, while the image of a "knot" tightening makes the reader imagine a painful feeling of worry. This helps us to understand just how anxious she is in this moment.

Model paragraph

The author uses language to show that Jake is extremely anxious. She describes his "stomach twisting into tight knots", which suggests he feels physically sick with worry. The metaphor of "knots" makes the reader imagine his fear getting tighter and tighter, showing that his emotions are almost painful.

Exam tip

Try to write in full sentences rather than bullet points in the exam. However, using this structure to practise at home will help you remember how to build clear, analytical paragraphs.