Question 1: What is litotes, based on the extract provided?

Answer: Litotes is a form of understatement that uses negation to emphasise a point, often by saying something is 'not the worst' to downplay the situation.

Question 2: Identify an example of understatement in the extract.

Answer: The phrase 'not the worst weather' is an example of understatement.

Question 3: Why might residents prefer to use litotes when describing the weather?

Answer: They use litotes to subtly minimise discomfort and create a more positive or neutral tone.

Question 4: Explain how litotes can affect the reader’s perception of a scene or situation.

Answer: Litotes can make a scene seem less severe or dramatic, creating a sense of understatement that can evoke humour, irony, or a calm, measured tone. It subtly influences the reader to perceive the situation as less intense or problematic than it might be.

Question 1: Identify the litotes in this extract.

Answer: The phrases 'not unacquainted with despair' and 'not insignificant' are examples of litotes.

Question 2: Describe the effect of these litotes on the tone of the passage.

Answer: They create a subtle, reserved tone that downplays the intensity of feelings, suggesting resilience rather than suffering.

Question 3: What other language techniques can you identify in this extract?

Answer: Possible techniques include understatement and contrast.

Question 1: Checklist for your paragraph:

Answer: Your paragraph should include: a clear setting, at least two examples of litotes or understatement, and a tone that shows subtlety or humour.

Question 1: Technique: Litotes

Answer: b) Downplays severity, creating irony or humour

Question 2: Effect: Understatement minimises the perceived severity of a situation.

Answer: a) True