HOW

How does Liz Jones try to show that the village and mine at Santa Filomena are examples of the benefits of Fairtrade?

It’s not only about the headlines, pictures and presentation... HOW

Examiner Tips TRACK the text – whether it’s a leaflet, an article or a letter. Ask yourself: what is the intention behind this detail? What is the effect? This question is asking you how the writer makes his or her point – this is different to WHAT the writer says as part of his or her point

Use the following checklist: Approach Content Language Structure Tone Headlines Pictures Presentation This question tests knowledge and use of text and inference/interpretation It also tests appreciation of language

How to answer How ‘How’ is partly a matter of content (what is said) and structure (how the text is put together), and partly a matter of language (the words that are used) and tone (the attitude and mood that are conveyed). Look for HOW as opposed to simply WHAT. The best answers take the extra step to ANALYSE the detail rather than spotting it.

A ‘what’-based answer Liz Jones says that ‘it is almost too good to be true’, and claims that the difference between it and San Luis is ‘enormous’. She suggests that the ‘wages are good’, and that ‘Fairtrade respects the environment’. She states that ‘dangerous chemicals are not allowed to enter the eco-system’, and that there are facilities such as ‘shops and a health clinic’. There are also a ‘creche and a school’, and benefits such as ‘maternity leave and sick pay’. There are ‘proper wooden houses’ and the article claims that miners have ‘protection and a future’. This is sound but it merely spots what Liz Jones says about the village and mine The candidate here has not really ‘stood back’ and analysed the bigger picture. Providing what is called ‘an overview’ means looking at techniques used by the writer to communicate their message

A ‘how’-based answer will use material from the previous answer PLUS: Liz Jones uses contrast and comparison immediately to show the benefits of Fairtrade, by claiming that the difference between the village and San Luis is ‘enormous’. She uses many facts and examples such as the facilities available, details about the wages and the many benefits such as ‘maternity leave and sick pay’. Additionally, she uses the specific example of Paulina and her family, using direct quotations to show the immediate impact of Fairtrade on people like her. Overall, by listing all the benefits of Fairtrade, she seems to give an honest and balanced impression of how Fairtrade helps those in San Luis.