Practice Exam 2 ❮ 239
1
2
3
4
1
“Fog” Passages—Student Sample A
A concept defined in the literal sense can be quite different from that same idea
defined in the figurative sense. When comparing the Goodwin and Dickens passages, it
becomes evident that different approaches in describing the famous London fogs result
in two images at radically opposite ends of the “fog spectrum.” Differences in stylistic
elements, particularly diction and tone, are critical in creating two distinct and opposing
descriptions.
The Goodwin passage could easily be categorized as nothing more than a news paper
or textbook article. Expository in nature, the piece highlights the facts pertaining to
the London fogs. He includes such facts as the tons of solid matter per square mile in a
section of London in 1937, and how much less sunshine was in London as compared to
the inner suburbs. The didactic tone of the passage lends itself to explanation of factual
details. Moreover, the diction is marked by technical jargon, such as “solid matter per
square mile.” This combination of tone and diction is instrumental in presenting a fact-
based description of London fog. Because the piece is founded on facts only, it seems that
the purpose would be to educate/inform the audience about this unique phenomenon. It
also seems the author wants to underline the harmful consequences of the fogs, such as
the indicated respiratory disease and excessive pollution.
On the other hand, Dickens implements a style, which personifies the fog. The
diction in the piece is critical in giving the fog animate qualities. Figurative language
like “creeping” and “lying out on the yards,” give London fogs a life-like quality. The
fog is also “hovering,” “drooping” and “wheezing.” These characteristics give the reader
the eerie feeling that the fog is human and is going to take over. Moreover, the diction
in this passage uses simple, everyday words, and not the technical vocabulary employed
in the Goodwin paragraph. The tone of the Dickens description is concerned with the
emotional impression that fog gives to the bystander. Because the tone and diction are
more figurative in nature, Dickens’ purpose appears to be to relate the London fogs
emotional qualities to the reader so that the reader feels as if surrounded by this fog.
Dickens style leads to a totally opposite impression of the fog, and it also achieves a
different purpose.
These two passages employ differing stylistic elements to meet different ends.
Goodwin is successful in presenting a factual analysis. Dickens, on the other hand, uses
rhetorical devices to create an almost living-breathing image of the fog, one that is all-
enveloping.
“Fog” Passages—Student Sample B
These two passages describe fog in England in two completely opposite ways. The
first passage, written by Tim Goodwin, gives an objective view of the fog, stating its
qualities in a list-like manner. The author of the second passage uses parallel structure
and figurative language to give a more impressionistic view of London fog.