Close Reading Paper HIGHER

1
Close Reading Paper HIGHER

• Paper ONE
• 50 marks
• One hour 45 mins.
• Spend 60 to 80 mins max. on reading the passages
  and answering passage 1.
• Answer passage 1 first.

2
Approaching the close reading paper

• Read the contexts for both passages.
• Writer? Audience? Genre? Topic? Purpose? Stance?

3
First reading

• Skim read both passages.
• Read the final question on both passages to gain
  information and to help you think about your
  response later.
• Overview of both passages
• THINK
• Do the passages cover the same information and /
  or ideas?
• Do both writers hold the same or different
  opinions?
• Do the 2 writers use the same / different style
  techniques?

4
Second read

• Read passage ONE carefully.
• Use a highlighter to mark key ideas, opinions and
  information.Use topic sentences and linking words
  to help you follow the structure of the passage.
• Dont highlight too much.

5
Read questions on passage 1

• Skim read questions to gain an overview and pick
  up information.
• Then begin answering passage 1 questions.
• Use a highlighter to note type of response ie. U,
  A , E and the number of marks.
• Note which lines the answer is to be found.
• Highlight the key words in the question,
  especially noting effect/ impact you have to
  show.
• Answer questions briefly, using bullet points and
  sub-headings instead of sentences where
  appropriate.

6
Passage two

• Read passage 2 carefully using a highlighter to
  mark the text in the same way as passage 1.
• Skim read the questions.
• As you answer each question mark the instruction
  with your highlighter.
• Answer the questions as in passage 1.

7
Question on both passages

• Is the evaluation on U ideas or A style and
  structure? U/E or A/E
• Your stance should be that one passage is good
  but the other passage is better.
• Briefly plan your answer.
• Remember you must provide some evidence ie. quote
  and explain.
• Your answer must be written in one or two
  PARAGRAPHS no bullet points.