Language is a quite amazing - and unique - human invention. Words don't just make meaning, they also create feeling. This is why some uses of language also can be said to 'shape' meaning in various ways.

 When you speak, you can easily notice if your language is creating the right meaning and effect on your listener for the purpose you wish to achieve - and you can correct it if it isn't. But this is far less easy in a written text where the author is no longer present.

 That's why you should choose your language with such care in your own writing. Learn to look at an author's choices of language to see what effects these create and for what purpose.

Words have just two qualities that allow them to create and shape meaning. They have content - that is, they contain meaning and they form shapes and sounds. Form and content are aspects you should be able to discuss in essays as writers use both of these aspects to help them produce interesting texts.

Also, the formal aspects of language - sight and sound - are especially important in poetry.

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