Monday October 7 cmc1Monday 7 October

 We will be now focus on the skills needed in Close Reading at Higher Level.  There are three areas we will be examining.  We will be working in groups to answer example questions. cmc2Monday 7 October

 UNDERSTANDING QUESTIONS  ANALYSIS QUESTIONS  EVALUATION QUESTIONS cmc3Monday 7 October

UU AA EE cmc4

 The Close Reading exam paper lasts for one hour and forty-five minutes.  The exam paper will consist of two passages on a related theme.  The passages will be selected from works of non-fiction, from essays, or from quality journalism.  The ideas will be complex and expressed in sophisticated English. Monday 7 Octobercmc5

 The total length will be in the region of 1,500 words.  The length of each of the two passages may vary from year to year: the first passage may be longer than the second, or the first passage may be shorter than the second, or both passages may be of similar length.  The questions (which are printed in a separate booklet) will test your ability to understand the writers' ideas, to analyse the writers' techniques, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the writing. There will always be at least one question requiring comparison of the passages. Monday 7 Octobercmc6

 The total number of marks available is 50. The number of questions will vary. The number of marks allocated to each question is shown at the end of each question.  As well as an indication of the number of marks allocated, there is a code letter to tell you which skill is being tested in each question. Monday 7 Octobercmc7

 These codes are:  U for Understanding.  A for Analysis.  E for Evaluation.  Sometimes these are combined to indicate that there is a focus on more than one skill - for example, U/E indicates that you are being asked to show an understanding of the writer's ideas and to make an evaluation of them. Monday 7 Octobercmc8

 Timing:  It is important to use your time wisely so that you answer all the questions and are not rushing to finish the last two or three questions.  You might consider allocating amounts of time to groups of questions. For example, if you try to 'earn' about 7 marks every 15 minutes or about 5 marks every 10 minutes, this will ensure an equal allocation of time to all questions. Monday 7 Octobercmc9

 Allocation of marks/length of answers:  The number of marks allocated to a question will give you a clear idea of the length of answer required.  A question for 1 mark can probably be answered in very few words.  While a 4 mark question (especially if it is coded A or E will require a detailed answer making a number of points.) Monday 7 Octobercmc10

 A common mistake is to spend too much time on the early questions.  Remember that the questions at the end are often quite 'high value' ones - so it's important to give them enough time.  Also, don’t waste time writing unnecessarily long answers with pointless introductions which simply repeat the question - get to the point quickly.  While answers on some Evaluation questions will need to be written as 'mini-essays', most answers do not need to be in sentences. Monday 7 Octobercmc11

 Remember to look at the code letter(s) for the question and focus your answer appropriately. Monday 7 Octobercmc12

 Introduction to the passages:  There is usually a brief introduction (printed in italics) just before each passage begins.  This can be very important.  If the examiners have thought it necessary to provide an introduction, it will be because they think it will help you to understand the passages more easily. Monday 7 Octobercmc13

 On the next slide is a reading method which may help you to develop your awareness of the passage and the writer’s techniques.  If you apply the reading method it may help you deepen your understanding of the techniques and structures that writers use. Monday 7 Octobercmc14

 Read the blurb - usually in italics at the top of the page it usually tells you what the topic of the passage will be about, who wrote it and where the passage comes from.  Read the title of the passage.  Read the first few paragraphs slowly and carefully. Annotate-pick out features as you read! Monday 7 Octobercmc15

 Now read the conclusion! This helps to put the passage in context. You will also be asked questions about these paragraphs so it makes sense to highlight them for yourself in your reading. Monday 7 Octobercmc16

 Next read the first sentence of each paragraph. (Pay attention to “signal words”! –see later!) The topic sentence will normally be important! The sentence may be a linking sentence! Monday 7 Octobercmc17

 Read the questions for the first passage.  It might also be useful to underline the key words of each question especially when you are preparing throughout the course of the year.  Sometimes the questions contain important information about the passage or the techniques used.  It also helps to focus on what you need to know.  By this stage you should have formed a clear idea about the content of the passage. Monday 7 Octobercmc18

 Now read the passage as a whole through once quickly. Monday 7 Octobercmc19