1. Standard Grade Close Reading

2. Close Reading Info 1. Two papers, Foundation/General and General/Credit 2. Typically non-fiction 3. Marks given in right column2 1 0 or 2 0

3. Question Types 1. Obtain information (word/expression). 2. Grasp feelings or ideas implied in the text. 3. Evaluate writer’s attitude, argument. 4. Questions about sentence structure or punctuation. 5. Questions about word choice. 6. Questions about effectiveness. 7. Meaning in context of surrounding text. 8. Questions on how topic is continued in passage. 9. Questions about the passage as a whole.

4. Understanding (U)  These questions are designed to assess your ability to understand the content/ideas in the text  Always try to use your own words, as this will show that you really understand what you have read.  (example of a typical question: Based on your reading of paragraph one, explain why Mary was angry with her mother).

5. Analysis (A)  These questions are designed to assess your ability to analyse (comment on)techniques the writer has used: for example, word choice, sentence structure, imagery – metaphor, simile, personification.  Often it is best to quote and comment in your answer, focusing on and analysing specific examples from the text.  (example: show how word choice in paragraph one conveys Mary’s anger).

6. Evaluation (E)  These questions are designed to assess your ability to evaluate (appreciate/respond to)what you have read.  You may be asked to comment on the effectiveness of particular words, phrases, images or the text as a whole.  (example: How effective is the title of this extract? Why is the final sentence an appropriate ending to the passage?).

7. Recap of Question Types  Understanding (U) - These questions are designed to assess your ability to understand the content/ideas in the text  Analysis (A) - These questions are designed to assess your ability to analyse (comment on)techniques the writer has used: for example, word choice, sentence, structure, imagery – metaphor, simile, personification.  Evaluation (E) - These questions are designed to assess your ability to evaluate (appreciate/respond to)what you have read.

8. Question types simplified  Understanding – questions that ask you what the passage is about. Answer them in your own words.  Analysis – questions that ask about language (word choice, figures of speech etc.). Answer them with quote and comment.  Evaluation – questions that want your response/opinion about the passage or the writer.