Close Reading Tips and Tricks

Understanding Questions It is vital that you always use your own words. Only include a quote if you are asked to ‘pick an expression’. Remember that if you do include a quote you should always mark it with ‘___’. If you are unsure about the meaning of a word, read around it. You will often find clues from the rest of the paragraph.

Analysis Questions You will be asked to think about the language and style. You should think about what technique has been used and why it was used. The following sentence frames can be used: The word ______ means ______. This suggests _______ The use of _______ creates an image of ________ because.... The use of _______ suggests _________ because... The writer uses ________ to create the impression of ________.

Analysis Questions Sentence structure – look for any patterns (e.g. repetition); look at the punctuation; look at the order of information; think about the type of sentence and also length. Image - you must think about the comparison. Make sure you say clearly what two things are being compared, then go on to say what this comparison shows you/makes you think of. Tone – think about how the writer gets across their attitude to the topic. Remember informal – formal.

Evaluation Questions These questions are aimed at getting you to think of the writer’s purpose. You will have to think about what the writer was trying to do. Argue a point? Stir an emotion? Amuse or entertain? Often these questions will focus on the title or the final paragraph and how effective it is in summing up the passage. You will need to mention what the text was about and how the two fit together. For evaluation questions, always keep in mind the passage as a whole.

Close Reading Reminders

Don’t forget… Expression or phrase will never be a whole sentence – typically around 4 or so words. Parenthesis is created using dashes. Expands or adds additional info. Words themselves can be used as ‘direction markers’ to make a link between ideas in the paragraph. If asked to explain ‘why’, think about the overall point, message or feeling at that point. Evaluate? Using evidence and show how it adds to the writer’s purpose, message, emotion. Look at the mark scheme carefully. Quote (1 mark) Comment (1 mark)

Close Reading Revision Past Paper 2008

Understanding  Looking to test your grasp of the ideas in the text.  Particular words should be replaced with a synonym (a word which has the same meaning).  Look at 2008 Q6.  Context? Explain meaning then quote another expression which means something similar or sum up in your own words.  Look at 2008 Q15

Analysis  General tip – quote and comment.  You are often asked about contrast (also contradiction), jargon and register (formal/informal).  You should always use evidence and explain meaning.  Remember connotation/denotation. Words often have particular ‘meanings’ which create a certain emotion or mood.  Word choice – look for evidence of how writer conveys idea mentioned in the question. Make sure your comment links to this idea.

Analysis  Word choice? Quote word/expression and explain meaning in own words. (2008 Q10)  Techniques? Give term e.g. alliteration, simile, metaphor, pun, personification… Then explain why they were used – what effect.  Sentence Structure? Look at punctuation. Revise typical effect & purpose of punctuation. (2008 Q16)  Mark scheme – quote (1) comment (1)

Analysis/Evaluation  Where you see the code A/E, they want you to focus on the effect of the technique and why it has been used.  Think about the purpose and what exactly the writer was trying to suggest rather than picking apart the example.  Look at 2008 Q3.

Close Reading Revision Key Areas

Task – Revision Mind Map  You should create a mind-map for Close Reading.  Your mind map should have three main headings – UNDERSTANDING, ANALYSIS and EVALUATION.  Make sure you leave the most space around the heading ‘analysis’.  From these headings, add in the different question types and techniques.

Understanding  Only quote if asked.  OWN WORDS – give the ‘gist’ of meaning.  Grasp feelings – between the lines.  Link questions – ‘___’ refers to the previous topic which was… ‘____’ introduces the new topic…  Remember link words/phrases: and; but; however; furthermore.  Context question – define meaning then quote/paraphrase text which gives clue.

Analysis  What technique is used? Why?  Word choice – what does the word suggest (connotations).  Imagery – refer to literal meaning, then what it suggests. Use terms – simile, metaphor, personification.  Sentence Structure – punctuation; patterns; length; order; type.  Sounds – Alliteration, assonance  Tone – writer’s attitude. Serious, angry, humorous, sarcastic etc.  Register – formal or informal.  Other techniques – contrast, pun, hyperbole, dialect, slang, jargon.

Evaluation  What was the purpose? Inform; amuse; stir emotion etc.  What was the overall message?  Identify a technique. Quote and comment.  Informative – formal, factual, statistics etc. Amusing – informal, slang, anecdote, pun etc.  How is the technique used to highlight point/emotion?