The child can perform the action which, now, is a simple one. The adverb, however, changes, modifies, the action. If the teacher in play puts the two adverbs together in the same sentence the child has the problem of interpreting two contrary movements. That is, he is to go to the window slowly and rapidly at the same time. Taking away the adverb cards the sentence left is Go to the window. This action the child can perform. But how shall he perform it, in what way? With the help of adverbs! Similarly in the following sentences:
Bend your head a little.
Bend your head much.
Written without the adverb they indicate one action. What slight changes in the position of the head can be brought about by these adverbs! It is the adverb which really shows fine differentiations in movement!
In other sentences also where the adverb is, so to speak, an adjective to an adjective and therefore really affects the object (noun), similar permutations may be made.
Make a broad mark on the blackboard.
Make a very broad mark on the blackboard.
Here by the use of an adverb two different objects (nouns) are distinguished which, though they have the same quality (breadth) differ in degree (broad, very broad). Take, for instance, two objects belonging to the same series:
Place on your table the prism which is most thick.
Place on your table the prism which is least thick.
If the adverbs are taken away the factor determining the degree of quality (thickness) disappears and we have sentences which are far less precise in their meaning:
Place on your table the prism which is thick.