Close Reading

1
Close Reading

• Tips and Tricks

2
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.

3
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 ________.

4
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.

5
Evaluation Questions

• These questions are aimed at getting you to think
  of the writers 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.

6
Close Reading

• Reminders

7
Dont 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 writers purpose, message, emotion.
• Look at the mark scheme carefully. Quote (1 mark)
  Comment (1 mark)

8
Close Reading Revision

• Past Paper 2008

9
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

10
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.

11
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)

12
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.

13
Close Reading Revision

• Key Areas

14
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.

15
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.

16
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 writers attitude. Serious, angry,
  humorous, sarcastic etc.
• Register formal or informal.
• Other techniques contrast, pun, hyperbole,
  dialect, slang, jargon.

17
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?