SUPPORTED STUDY – SESSION 1 CLOSE READING UNDERSTANDING AND ANALYSIS – WORD CHOICE AND IMAGERY Higher English

Plan for Close Reading Sessions Recap over the main rules/techniques Look at example questions and answers Work through past paper examples on our own and in groups. The PowerPoints for each session will be available on the school website.

The Bits You Should Know... It is vital that you go into each exam knowing how to answer each question! For each box fill in things you have to remember when answering the questions or any formulas you may have learned. The information will be collated and made available at the end of the sessions.

Quote points to remember: Ensure you pay attention to instruction of word or phrase Ensure you ONLY include the vital part of the quote Quote the phrase which shows children did not understand the offensive nature of the toys they owned (para 1)  “The origins of both toys, and their names, was largely obscure to us” – quote too long, unnecessary info  “something to do with”- incorrect answer, not the best choice  “ Largely obscure”

Own Words Points to remember: One point per mark available You MUST summarise – do not copy the words! Contrast means you must show both sides Question 2b  - it has offered commercial media the chance to continue their attack on the BBC - gives the chance to claim mass public outcry – straight lift from the passage – the ideas are correct though  There was lots in the media that was very sad that week – incorrect answer, not the best point to make  - It gives the other media groups the opportunity to attack the BBC - It creates the chance of proclaiming that the public, as a whole, have been shocked and appalled by what has happened and are rising up against it.

Context Points to remember: Explain what the word means Show how the surrounding words or phrases help you understand this (quote!) What does the phrase “unconscious” (line 24 passage 2) mean in the context of the passage  The word “unconscious” means to be comatose – incorrect meaning of the word in this context  The word “unconscious” in this context means the thoughts we have automatically, without really thinking. I know this because of the word “immediate” – meaning of the word is correct but no analysis as to how the word immediate helps  The word “unconscious” in this context means the thoughts we have automatically, without really thinking. I know this because of the phrase “immediate, automatic association” which means relates to the thoughts you think without thinking as such.

Link Points to remember: Quote and link back Quote and link forward Comment on linking word (but, yet etc) as appropriate What is the function of the first sentence of paragraph 2 (passsage 2)  The sentence works as a link, linking the previous paragraph to the next one – no analysis of the linkage  The sentence works as a link back to the first paragraph which deals with the zero tolerance approach and the second which deals with the fact that not all people like it. – does not follow the strategy – misses quotes  The phrase “zero tolerance approach” links back to the previous paragraphs which focuses on the dismissal from work places. The phrase “not to everyone’s liking” links forward to the rest of the paragraph which focuses on those who are not fond of political correctness

Word Choice points to remember: Denotation and connotation of the words Impact of using that particular word with reference to the question One point per mark available Passage 1 – 5 (2 marks for word choice)  The word ‘lethal’ means deadly which shows she is disapproving – correct word but not analysis of connotation or impact  The word assumption shows her disapproval – no attempt at analysis  The word ‘lethal’ means deadly. In this context it has connotations of something poisonous or life threatening. This shows her disapproval as she is clearly highlighting the danger of such actions The word “assumption” means to automatically think something. In this context it has connotations of an unsupported outlook that has no rational basis. This shows disapproval as we can tell she feels they have no right to behave in such a way.

Imagery points to remember: What the image suggests/What it tells you about the real thing – just as...so too... Link to the question! Comment on the effectiveness of the image “so wounding that those of us in minority groups still shudder at their mention (Line passage 2) in highlighting the impact of racial language.  The metaphor shows that it had a really big impact – no analysis and no evidence of understanding what the metaphor was  The metaphor of wounding shows that hey were upset by what happened – does not follow the strategy so the answer is too thin  The metaphor clearly shows the negative impact. Just as physically wounding someone can have cause physical harm and have a physical effect, so too can racial language as those who it is directed at are hurt dramatically by what they hear

Close Reading Jeopardy You will be given four questions worth 9 marks You will have 15 minutes to answer the questions (on your own on white paper) You will then have 10 minutes, as a group, to decide on the group answers (as a group on coloured paper) You will then place your ‘bet’ on how many you will get correct on the post it note Look at answers – out of XXX marks, how many are you confident you will get? The number of marks you think you will get correct is what you are betting. This is the most points you can get – Bet 2/9 but get 9/9 – 2points – Bet 7/9 but get 6/9 – 0 points, – Bet 8/9 and get 8/9– 9 points Once you have placed your bet another team will mark your answers and pass the paper back The winning table will get a “valuable” prize!

Questions To Try - 1b own words three points – write in bullets (3 marks) 2a word choice connotations of word and impact in sentence referring to press (2 marks) 3a link sentence 4 parts – quote, back, quote, forward (2 marks) 4b explaining an idea 2 points required (2 marks)

1b Any three for one mark each Gloss on “systematically denied access to housing and employment.  They were prevented from getting houses or jobs  Gloss on “purely on the grounds of their colour”  The reason for denial of the necessities was based only on their note being white  Gloss on “struggled to be served in many restaurants”  Segregation even extended to eating  Gloss on “white people...dominate the entire globe”  The White Europeans had help the power or supremacy for so long

2a 2 points or one well made point for two marks.  Hoo-ha means to create a scene over very little  Creates a dismissive tone – suggests that the press are exaggerating or making a mounting out of a molehill  Use of childish, colloquial language implies a mockery or distaste  The writer is trivializing what some may regard as an important issue

3a Both points (including quote and reference to the passage) required for two marks  “hidden agendas” refers to the ulterior motives mentioned in the previous paragraph.  “serious debate/limits of free speech” introduces the serious points.which underline the issue.

4b Two of the following for two marks  Gloss on “what good comedy should do”  It is an essential ingredient in good comedy/satire  Gloss on “ethnic or cultural group...influential role”  He is white/belongs to the dominant or ruling race  Gloss on “profiting from its development”  He has benefited out of his superior position