1. Ricky Hatton and the punch heard around the world
LI: I can improve my close reading skills for my NAB and final exam

2. Understanding Questions
In your own words, as far as possible, give four reasons for….
Show how the context helps you understand the meaning of the word…
Explain in your own words what the writer means by…
What was the writer’s reaction to…
Explain the reasons why the writer thinks…
Show how the first sentence acts as a link to…

3. Analysis Questions Paragraph 1
Q1 – Show how the writer uses language to make it clear to the reader that the morality of boxing is an important issue. 2A
Paragraph 2
Q2 – Explain how the writer uses language to emphasise the skill of Manny Pacquiao. 4A

4. A1 – The writer uses the word ‘nagging’ to suggest that the question of the morality of boxing is always there, it is constantly on his mind (1) which suggests it is important and perhaps immoral (1).
The use of parenthesis to add in ‘we’ suggests that it is not other boxing fans he is talking about, but himself and the reader (1). This helps to bring the reader into the argument and makes them consider their own opinion on it. (1)
The para ends with a rhetorical question which makes the reader ponder if boxing is morally right (1). The word choice of ‘human cost’ makes the reader think lives could be lost making this a serious subject (1).

5. A2 – ‘Greatest’ is a superlative showing Pacquiao is the best, there is no-one better than him (1)
The sentence structure of “he is not just…he is also…” highlights his many skills (1).
Imagery ‘sharper than a scapel’ makes us think of a precise instrument that can carry out the most defined of operation (1) showing the boxer is always accurate with his punches (1).
‘Milliseconds after he had…’ highlights his speed (1)
‘Dynamite’ is an explosive which can kill/injure easily as it is so dangerous (1) and this highlights how powerful the boxer’s punches can be (1).
‘Compact’ conveys the idea that he is small and so must be extremely skilled to be as great as he is (1)

6. Paragraph 3
Q3 – How does the writer’s use of language highlight what happened to Hatton. 3A
Q4 ‘That will have chilled the blood of his army of supporters…and, indeed, of any other viewer possessed of human feeling.’ How does this sentence further emphasise what happened to Hatton? 2A
Paragraph 4
Q5 – Explain how the writer’s word choice shoes how upset Dooley was. 2A

7. A3 – ‘Hatton’s body surrendered
A3 – ‘Hatton’s body surrendered.’ ‘Surrendered’ has connotation of giving up or asking someone to stop (1). Hatton didn’t make this choice, his body did it for him suggesting his body could take no more (1). The involuntary response also highlights how hard he was punched – he couldn’t even think for himself any more (1).
‘sagging’ ‘lolloping’ and ‘abandon’ convey idea of unconsciousness, uncontrolled. (1)
‘coma’ sounds serious, medical jargon, as if he needs to be hospitalised (1)
‘glassy void’ has connotations of death, brain dead, an unthinking mind which suggests he has been hurt badly (1).
‘Chilled the blood’ suggests there is something awful to see, people will be shocked. (1)

8. A4 – ‘That will have chilled the blood of his army of supporters…and, indeed, of any other viewer possessed of human feeling.’ The writer is suggesting that anyone who can feel sympathy for another human being should o so here. It is no only his friends and family that should feel upset, but strangers should too (1). This further highlights how badly he is hurt as spectators don’t often feel sorry for stricken boxers. (1)

9. A5 – ‘Craning’ shows she was looking around and over people to try and get a glimpse of him (1) which suggests she is desperate and upset and can’t wait another second to find out if he is ok (1).
‘shaking uncontrollably’ highlights how upset she is as she can no longer control her body (1) and shaking is a natural sign of fear showing she is scared he won’t wake up (1).
‘confusion and panic’ make it clear she is unsure of what has happened and may fear the worst (1)
‘fear’ highlights that she is scared he will die and is worried the worst has happened (1)

10. Paragraph 5
Q6 – Comment on the function of paragraph A
Paragraph 7
Q7 –a) What point is the writer making in this paragraph? U
b) Explain how he uses language to convey this point A
Paragraph 10
Q 8 – How does the writer convey his affection for boxing in this paragraph? 2A

11. A6 – The one sentence paragraph draws the reader’s attention to the question (1). The question forces the reader to search their mind for their own opinion (1). The repetition of the question from the beginning of the passage reinforces the same message – there could be and are deaths from boxing. Is it morally acceptable? (1).

12. A7 – a) He is telling the reader that when a boxer is too cocky, or can handle all the pain, or can stop himself passing out after being hit then we should worry (1) as he will carry on and get himself injured further (1)
b) The repetition of the phrase ‘The problem is…’ tells the reader in 3 different ways what the issue is (1).

13. A8 – ‘Fell in love’ suggests instantaneously, a deep affection (1)
‘great boxers of the age’ shows he has knowledge of past champions and worships them (1)
‘take pleasure in the poetry.’ Poetry is an art that is revered and takes great ability(1) and he sees boxing in the same light showing how highly he regards boxers and how much skill he thinks they have (1)
‘revel in the skill of the top boxers’ reinforces that he enjoys the sport and that he thinks those at the peak of their sport are to be worshipped (1).

14. Paragraph 11
Q9 – How does the writer use language to go on and show the parts of boxing that he dislikes? A
Paragraph 14
Q10 – How is sentence structure used to reinforce the writer’s point that watching boxing is the immoral part of it? 3A

15. A9 – ‘particular sound…jaw’ is a clear description making the writer imagine what that must sound like – probably unpleasant (1)
‘thud of a comatose.’ Thud suggests with some force and therefore an injury could occur which he dislikes (1). ‘Comatose’ is a medical term again with connotation of injury and death hinting at the more unpleasant side of boxing (1)
‘sickening’ suggests he feels physically ill at this thought (1)
‘prostrate boxer was carried from the ring’ shows how a boxer is treated like something that is in the way and needs to be moved so people can carry on having fun (1) which is an immoral and unpleasant thought for the writer (1)

16. A10 – Repetition of ‘the question’ shows that he is asking the question directly to the reader (1)
Parenthesis in dashes adds in the explanation of exactly what the question is – that enjoying and watching boxing, rather than participating in it, is the real issue (1).
Uses semi-colons to create a list of explanations (1)
Sentence ending in a question shows how much of a struggle he finds it; even he cannot answer it (1)