4.1 Moments in time
Language focus
In fiction, writers may deliberately choose the present tense to make the events they are describing seem immediate. This can convey a character's or narrator's excitement or concern, and draw the reader in.
Look at this sentence: 'The clouds are gathering above me.' The present tense verb 'are' means the reader 'experiences' the event at the same time as the narrator. It creates tension and emphasises the drama of the moment.
Writers may also use conditional clauses and modal verbs to suggest possible future events or outcomes, such as in the sentences: 'The clouds are gathering above me. If the storm breaks, it will mean disaster.' Here, the conditional clause (beginning 'If') alerts the reader to the possibility of something dangerous happening in the future. The modal verb 'will' suggests the outcome. The whole sentence has the effect of hinting at a terrible outcome, creating tension as the reader waits to find out what will happen.
Focus
The pages, called again and again, try to sweep it away.
But never mind, the next moon The shadow will come back.
impressive or creating fear due to large size marble terrace: a paved area next to a house
Practice
2 'The Shadow of Flowers' is about how natural events cannot be controlled by humans. Write a paragraph explaining how the poet's verb choices convey human feelings about nature. \( \qquad \)
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