1. Higher Close Reading
The Link Question

2. The four most famous figures in the British public service since the second World War have been women – the Queen Mother; the Queen; Princess Diana; and Margaret Thatcher. Of the four, the Queen is the hardest to understand. Queen Elizabeth came to the throne before I was born, so I have very little knowledge of her.
QUESTION: Show how the underlined sentence acts as a link in the writer’s argument. (2 marks)

3. The Link Question
This question asks you to think about how a sentence or paragraph acts as a link within the writer’s argument.
You always need to consider how the sentence relates to what has already been said AND how it introduces the writer’s next idea.

4. The Link Question
Always worth 2 marks at Higher.

5. Linkage
By this stage, you should be comfortable with the idea that certain words / phrases act as ‘signposts’ for the direction an argument takes.
Linking words and expressions (also known as conjunctions) generally indicate the writer will either be developing / adding to her argument or taking it in a new direction.

6. Recognising the Link Question
Explain how the sentence “………..” performs a linking function.
Show how the sentence “………….” acts as a link between paragraphs 3&4.
By referring to specific words and phrases, show how the sentence “……..” performs a linking function.
Explain the function of the sentence / lines / paragraph…

7. The Link Formula!
1st Mark: Show, by quoting from the link sentence, how the link sentence relates to the previous idea.
2nd Mark: Show, by quoting from the link sentence, how the link sentence introduces the next idea.

8. How to Approach the Link
What is the writer talking about just before the link? Work out the gist of the paragraph.
Work out how the link sentence relates to what the writer has just said.
What is the writer talking about just after the link? Work out the gist of this section.
Work out how the link sentence introduces this next idea.

9. * What is the writer telling us about in Para 1?
The 7.15 Latin dance class is full, as was the 6pm, as is the In the reception area of Edinburgh Dancebase, learners ranging from the middle aged, fresh from work, to students, mill around, eager to dance.
Unlikely as it first may seem, this dance craze is occurring across the country. Against similar winter backdrops in Manchester, London, Glasgow and Leeds people are queuing up to learn to dance.
* What is the writer telling us about in Para 1?
* What words / phrases in the underlined sentence relate to the content of Para 1?
* What does the writer tell us in Para 2?
* What words / phrases in the underlined sentence relate to the content of Para 2?

10. ‘This dance craze’ relates back to the idea, in paragraph one, of dance classes being extremely popular, attended by many.
‘Across the country’ links forward to the second paragraph where the writer lists the many places in the UK where people are learning to dance.

11. Speed Round!
Answer Questions 1-4 using the link formula you have just learned.
You have eight minutes – that’s two minutes per question!
Work alone or as a team. Prize for the fastest pupil(s)!

12. The Link Question
“Establishing complete control” links back to the idea that the Emperor was a harsh and tyrannical ruler who took charge of his subjects.
“was not enough” links forward to when we find out about how he wanted to create a vast, elaborate tomb so he would still be remembered and influential after death.

13. The Link Question
“lay the blame at the doors of the giant supermarkets” links back to the idea that supermarkets selling cheap alcohol are to blame for pubs losing business.
“this particular thesis doesn’t quite add up” links forward to the idea that people enjoy spending time in coffee shops where the drinks are expensive, despite cheaper coffee being available in supermarkets.

14. Example Link Question
…as a novelist, I know I write about the things that frighten me – loss, fear, the raw black edges of life. Being allowed to do this makes me feel safe. Writing lets me peer into that dark abyss of fear while knowing I can pull back at any time. Speaking of fear, I remember a time when I was truly frightened and not in a harmless way. Researching a novel a few years ago, I thought I should visit a Victorian prison. It did not look especially worrying when I arrived there one sunny weekday morning – even though I seemed to be the only visitor. As I moved deeper into the dark bowels of the maze-like prison, an unshakeable sense of fright settled into my bones.

15. How to Approach the Link
The writer is describing fear / terror and how it helps her to write.
The writer goes on to describe a scary visit to a Victorian prison as research for a book.
The link sentence mentions ‘fear’ – so this must be the link back.
The link sentence mentions ‘a rare time’ the writer was genuinely scared – so this must be the link forward, as she then goes on to describe the scary visit.

16. Model Answer
‘Speaking of fear’ links to the previous paragraph, where the writer was talking about how she explores issues that frighten her within her books. (1 mark – show the link back)
‘A rare time when I was truly frightened’ links to the next section, where the writer goes on to talk about a terrifying visit to an abandoned Victorian prison as she researched a book. (1 mark – show the link forward).
QUOTE from the link sentence TWICE – this is a MUST!
SUMMARISE what the writer has just said, and what she then goes on to say.
You MUST show both sides of the link for 2 marks.