Answering questions about imagery
Some questions may need you to consider how the writer uses imaginative
language or imagery. You may be asked to identify particular imagery (or
images) and then explain how this affects the meaning, mood or ideas of
the reading text. Sometimes you will be asked to comment on the writer’s
uses of language which involve imagery and then go on to explain how this
affects the meaning.
When you are answering questions about the writer’s choice of language,
think about the possible metaphorical uses of language, and how the
writer uses this to suggest ideas. You need, therefore, to be clear about
the difference between metaphorical and literal meanings of words, e.g.:
 The fire was burning fiercely in the grate - LITERAL use of
“burning”
 The anger was burning fiercely in him – METAPHORICAL use of
“burning”
Questions about images/imaginative language will always need you to
explain the meanings of the key words. Therefore, you are being asked to
explain points in a similar way to explaining word-choice.
Think about the following when explaining imaginative language:

which word or phrase is the imaginative word/ image I need to focus
on – which word or phrase has a metaphorical meaning? (Note: this
might also be an example of simile, metaphor, symbolism,
personification and so on).

which word or words do I need to focus on in the image – it is always
best to select single words to explain.

always begin by explaining the literal meaning of the word – the origin
of the image. For example: He burned for revenge – what is the literal
meaning for burned?

always go on to explain how the key word then has a metaphorical
meaning or connotation which develops from it. For example: He
burned for revenge – what is the metaphorical meaning for burned?

remember: you will score NO marks for simply quoting imagery. Also
vague answers which do not analyse the image will score NO marks
Sample question
11.
Why do you think the writer has chosen the word “flooded” to
describe how his memories returned?
[Question taken from General Reading 2000, which describes diving to
photograph sharks.]
… on the bottom I lost balance but was supported by Stuart as I
found my feet.
Childhood memories of underwater programmes on TV
flooded in, mixing with books and magazines on sharks and the film
cartoon of Marine Boy. Once I had gained some confidence, Stuart
returned to the surface to collect underwater photographer Gavin
Anderson.
[extract from passage]
Answer:
“flooded” is apt choice for the context –
it means an overflow of water + the writer is underwater/ is remembering
programmes about being underwater (literal meaning for “flooded”)
AND
it suggests the writer was overwhelmed by memories which came back
suddenly OR in great quantities OR with great intensity/ force
(metaphorical meanings for “flooded”)
Answers must indicate understanding of the metaphorical connotations of
“flooded” for full marks, for example:
The writer uses “flooded” because he is describing being
underwater. He also implies that his mind was suddenly full
of memories, using the image of “flooded” to suggest it was
filled up (like a flood will do).
The writer uses “flooded” because he is thinking about
underwater programmes and water is linked to “flooded”.
“Flooded” can also refer to a forceful event, which is like
the strength of the memories coming back to him.