Imagery.

Denotations and connotations + Similarities between the two things being compared + Explanation (what are they trying to make us understand) = perfect answer.

“the class like a field a racehorses”. Denotation and connotation – They are fast and competitive animals which you associate with racing. They are focussed and determined.

Similarities – The children like racehorses because they are racing against each other and the teacher as they try to keep up.

Explanation – The author is showing the competitiveness of the classroom and the way in which some children fall behind and cannot keep up.

“The class were aw sittin up like circus lions at this point, wonderin whit the ringmaister wis gonnae dae next.” Denotation and connotation – “circus lions” suggests fierce, wild animals which have been tame. The “ringmaister” is in command and enjoys putting on a show.

Similarities – The children are sitting up and waiting for a command from the teacher - who is relishing being in control – just like the lions waiting to perform in the ring.

Explanation – It suggests the pupils are scared of the teacher as they don’t move and wait. They are unsure what he is going to ask them to do. It suggests the children them performing for him rather than learning.

“like wee scarab beetles scurryin aboot the page”.

Scarabs are ancient, scary-looking beetles which we associate with Egypt. Mary’s writing is compared with the beetles because her letters look like they have little legs and they are moving about on her page. It helps us to understand what Mary sees when she tries to read and it reminds us that Mary can learn because she knows lots of facts about Egypt.

“aw ye did wis write, write, write till yer airm felt like a big balloon.”