A Game Of Polo With A Headless Goat

Question 1

How does the writer show her thoughts and feelings about the race?

Answer 1

1. Rhythm, vocabulary, direct speech - action and enthusiasm
2. Change of pace Hyperbole - waiting for eternity
3. Repetition to build excitement
4. Description of race starting is like a commentary
5. Triadic structures and list and onomatopoeia
6. Metaphors
7. Different punctuation to add drama
8. Short sentence
9. Strong vocabulary and personification to show danger
10. Chronological account - order amongst chaos

Question 2

Rhythm, vocabulary and direct speech

Answer 2

Rhythm in opening paragraph sets tone of excitement

Vibrant language and direct speech ”best”,”loved”,”join”&”oh yes that’s no problem”

Question 3

Change of pace hyperbole

Answer 3

“Eternity” emphasises the long wait after the initial excitement

Question 4

Repetition to build excitement

Answer 4

Coming, coming, coming - sense of anticipation building

Question 5

Description at high speed

Answer 5

“Neck and neck” sounds like a race commentary for effect of speed and drama

Question 6

Triadic structures and onomatopoeia

Answer 6

“Horns tooting, bells ringing and the special rattles used just for this purpose”
“Donkey swerved, lost his footing and he cart tumbled over”
“ voices raised, fists were out and tempers rising”
Add speed, highlight chaos and fiery emotions

Question 7

Metaphors

Answer 7

Wacky races
Formula 1 without rules
City centre rush hour gone anarchic

Make the chaos and excitement more familiar to western readers

Question 8

Different punctuation

Answer 8

Commas, hyphens, semi colons, brackets, full stops, ellipsis

Highlights the variety and frantic scene. No time to think clearly.

Question 9

Short sentence

Answer 9

The race was over

After all the action makes a simple point as a contrast

Question 10

Strong vocabulary and personification

Answer 10

Nervous, volatile
Swallowed up

Highlights threatening nature and potential danger and helplessness in the crowd

Question 11

Chronological presentation

Answer 11

Order of description of race is at odds with the total chaos of the scene