LEARNING OBJECTIVES
▪To be able to comprehend the contents of the
passage.
▪To be able to annotate the passage.
▪To be able to identify the GRAPPS.
▪To be able to select words or phrases that
justify the GRAPPS.
WHAT ARE STYLE AND
LANGUAGE
▪STYLE – style might be considered as everything that gives a
particular text its unique and individual flavour. The ingredients
that make up style will include :
-FORM : the shape, organization and overall structure of the text.
▪LANGUAGE : the vocabulary, grammar, syntax, variety of
sentences, choice of tone, register.
▪AUDIENCE:
▪CONTEXT OF THE TEXT : when, where and how it was
produced.
( the background, setting, form or culture in which the text was
KEY TERMS
▪Register : the type of language used for a particular purpose or in a
particular setting.
▪Symbol : a word or phrase that can represent an idea
For example, a dove represents peace.
▪Imagery : language that draws on visual depictions to suggest ideas
visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, tactile, kinaesthetic imagery
▪Stream of consciousness : how words reflect the way in which a
narrator’s or speaker’s mind is actually working at a given point.
▪Anaphora : a reference which depends on or connects back to a
previous, related word or phrase.
▪Mood : atmosphere, feeling
▪List/ power of three/tripling : a sequence of three items, one after
the other, often used to create a particular effect.
▪Repeated syntactical structures or patterning: the use of the same
types or word or phrase order.
▪Inner thoughts: ideas in the mind of the narrator or character
▪Parallel structure : words and phrases that are similar in length
and order
▪Extended image: a comparison of two things which is returned to
throughout the text.
HOW TO APPROACH
PASSAGE-BASED QUESTIONS?
▪ DO
-read the text at least twice
- List or highlight key words and phrases from the text before you begin to write
- Start your commentary with a clear, brief introduction in which you offer an overview or
framework for your interpretation of the set passage.
- Focus on what the writer does (the techniques he or she uses) and the features presented.
- Describe the effects of those techniques and features on the reader
- Support what you say with well-chosen, selective evidence and apt quotation.
- Write in a coherent, fluent way which links rather than lists ideas.
- Keep your focus on form, structure and language.
- Check your work and tweak it carefully to ensure that expression is succinct, yet sufficiently
detailed.
▪DON’T
-start writing before you have read the text carefully
-Simply list or highlight everything in the text – be selective
-Assert an idea or opinion without supporting evidence.
-Simply feature spot – ( for example, mention that the writer has
used an alliteration without saying what its effect is)
-Just summarise what happens or paraphrase without offering any
commentary or interpretation
-List points or ideas in an unconnected way
-Drift off into discussing aspects outside the question set