Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson Presenting opinion © www.teachit.co.uk 2011 14928 Page 1 of 1 Bill Bryson is an American writer who has lived in Britain for many years. How might this affect the point of view that he presents? In his writing, he uses a range of techniques to convey his opinions of places. Compare his description of Llandudno in chapter 20 to his description of Durham in chapter 24. How do his feelings about each place differ? Can you explain each of the following techniques? Give examples where you can. stereotype adjective adverb cultural reference pattern of three superlative personification hyperbole simile Which of these techniques are used in chapters 20 and 24? How might they convey opinion? Have a look at the following examples from these chapters and match them to their explanations: Example Explanation 1. Chapter 24: ‘Why, it’s wonderful – a perfect little city … a fine Norman cathedral … so splendid.’ A. The adverb and superlative show that Bryson is exaggerating. 2. Chapter 20: ‘Fingers of icy wind slipped through the single, ill-fitting window.’ B. Bryson uses symbols of old age to convey how sedate and boring he expects Llandudno to be, whereas he uses a pattern of three negatives and a comparison to American culture to suggest Durham cathedral doesn’t fit the stereotype of a tourist attraction. 3. Chapter 24: ‘I unhesitatingly gave Durham my vote for best cathedral on planet Earth.’ C. The adjectives convey Bryson’s opinions. Bryson’s choice of italics further highlights how impressed he is with his first view of Durham and he goes on to invite the reader to share this experience. 4. Chapter 20: ‘… the town was packed with weekending pensioners … crowds of nodding white heads spooning soup’ Chapter 24: ‘no clutter, no nagging notices, no irksome bulletin boards or stupid Eisenhower flags’ D. Bryson uses personification to convey the cold draught in his guesthouse bedroom. Writing task How does Bryson use these techniques to create an overall effect of humour in his writing? Use short examples from the text to support your answer.

Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson Presenting … from a Small Island by Bill Bryson Presenting opinion ... Bill Bryson is an American writer who has lived in Britain for many

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Page 1: Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson Presenting … from a Small Island by Bill Bryson Presenting opinion ... Bill Bryson is an American writer who has lived in Britain for many

Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson Presenting opinion

Bill Bryson is an American writer who has lived in Britain for many years. How might this affect the point of view that he presents? In his writing, he uses a range of techniques to convey his opinions of places. Compare his description of Llandudno in chapter 20 to his description of Durham in chapter 24. How do his feelings about each place differ?

Can you explain each of the following techniques? Give examples where you can.

stereotype adjective adverb

cultural reference pattern of three superlative

personification hyperbole simile Which of these techniques are used in chapters 20 and 24? How might they convey opinion?

Have a look at the following examples from these chapters and match them to their explanations:

Example Explanation

1. Chapter 24: ‘Why, it’s wonderful – a perfect little city … a fine Norman cathedral … so splendid.’

A. The adverb and superlative show that Bryson is exaggerating.

2. Chapter 20: ‘Fingers of icy wind slipped through the single, ill-fitting window.’

B. Bryson uses symbols of old age to convey how sedate and boring he expects Llandudno to be, whereas he uses a pattern of three negatives and a comparison to American culture to suggest Durham cathedral doesn’t fit the stereotype of a tourist attraction.

3. Chapter 24: ‘I unhesitatingly gave Durham my vote for best cathedral on planet Earth.’

C. The adjectives convey Bryson’s opinions. Bryson’s choice of italics further highlights how impressed he is with his first view of Durham and he goes on to invite the reader to share this experience.

4. Chapter 20: ‘… the town was packed with weekending pensioners … crowds of nodding white heads spooning soup’

Chapter 24: ‘no clutter, no nagging notices, no irksome bulletin boards or stupid Eisenhower flags’

D. Bryson uses personification to convey the

cold draught in his guesthouse bedroom.

Writing task

How does Bryson use these techniques to create an overall effect of humour in his writing? Use short examples from the text to support your answer.