Higher English
SUPPORTED STUDY – SESSION 1
CLOSE READING
UNDERSTANDING AND ANALYSIS – WORD CHOICE AND IMAGERY
Plan for Close Reading Sessions
 Recap over the main rules/techniques
 Look at example questions and answers
 Work through past paper examples on our own and
in groups.
 The PowerPoints for each session will be available on
the school website.
The Bits You Should Know...
 It is vital that you go into each exam knowing how to
answer each question!
 For each box fill in things you have to remember
when answering the questions or any formulas you
may have learned.
 The information will be collated and made available
at the end of the sessions.
Quote points to remember:
Ensure you pay attention to instruction of word or phrase
Ensure you ONLY include the vital part of the quote
Quote the phrase which shows children did not understand
the offensive nature of the toys they owned (para 1)
“The
origins of both toys, and their names, was largely
obscure to us” – quote too long, unnecessary info
“something to do with”- incorrect answer, not the best
choice
“
Largely obscure”
Own Words Points to remember:
One point per mark available
You MUST summarise – do not copy the words!
Contrast means you must show both sides
Question 2b
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- it has offered commercial media the chance to
continue their attack on the BBC
- gives the chance to claim mass public outcry –
straight lift from the passage – the ideas are correct
though
There was lots in the media that was very sad that
week – incorrect answer, not the best point to make
- It gives the other media groups the opportunity to
attack the BBC
- It creates the chance of proclaiming that the public, as a
whole, have been shocked and appalled by what has
happened and are rising up against it.
Context Points to remember:
Explain what the word means
Show how the surrounding words or phrases help you understand this (quote!)
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What does the phrase “unconscious” (line 24 passage 2) mean in
the context of the passage
The word “unconscious” means to be comatose – incorrect
meaning of the word in this context
The word “unconscious” in this context means the thoughts we
have automatically, without really thinking. I know this because of
the word “immediate” – meaning of the word is correct but no
analysis as to how the word immediate helps
The word “unconscious” in this context means the thoughts we
have automatically, without really thinking. I know this because of
the phrase “immediate, automatic association” which means relates
to the thoughts you think without thinking as such.
Link Points to remember:
Quote and link back
Quote and link forward
Comment on linking word (but, yet etc) as appropriate
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What is the function of the first sentence of paragraph 2
(passsage 2)
The sentence works as a link, linking the previous paragraph
to the next one – no analysis of the linkage
The sentence works as a link back to the first paragraph
which deals with the zero tolerance approach and the second
which deals with the fact that not all people like it. – does not
follow the strategy – misses quotes
The phrase “zero tolerance approach” links back to
the previous paragraphs which focuses on the
dismissal from work places.
The phrase “not to everyone’s liking” links forward
to the rest of the paragraph which focuses on those
who are not fond of political correctness
Word Choice points to remember:
Denotation and connotation of the words
Impact of using that particular word with reference to the question
One point per mark available
Passage 1 – 5 (2 marks for word choice)
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The word ‘lethal’ means deadly which shows she is disapproving –
correct word but not analysis of connotation or impact
The word assumption shows her disapproval – no attempt at
analysis
The word ‘lethal’ means deadly. In this context it has
connotations of something poisonous or life threatening.
This shows her disapproval as she is clearly highlighting
the danger of such actions
The word “assumption” means to automatically think
something. In this context it has connotations of an
unsupported outlook that has no rational basis. This
shows disapproval as we can tell she feels they have no
right to behave in such a way.
Imagery points to remember:
What the image suggests/What it tells you about the real thing – just as...so too...
Link to the question!
Comment on the effectiveness of the image “so wounding
that those of us in minority groups still shudder at their
mention (Line 37-38 passage 2) in highlighting the impact of
racial language.
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The metaphor shows that it had a really big impact – no analysis
and no evidence of understanding what the metaphor was
The metaphor of wounding shows that hey were upset by what
happened – does not follow the strategy so the answer is too thin
The metaphor clearly shows the negative impact. Just as
physically wounding someone can have cause physical
harm and have a physical effect, so too can racial
language as those who it is directed at are hurt
dramatically by what they hear
Close Reading Jeopardy
• You will be given four questions worth 9 marks
• You will have 15 minutes to answer the questions (on your own
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on white paper)
You will then have 10 minutes, as a group, to decide on the
group answers (as a group on coloured paper)
You will then place your ‘bet’ on how many you will get correct
on the post it note
Look at answers – out of XXX marks, how many are you
confident you will get?
The number of marks you think you will get correct is what you
are betting . This is the most points you can get
–
–
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Bet 2/9 but get 9/9 – 2points
Bet 7/9 but get 6/9 – 0 points,
Bet 8/9 and get 8/9– 9 points
• Once you have placed your bet another team will mark your
answers and pass the paper back
• The winning table will get a “valuable” prize!
Questions To Try  1b
own words
three points – write in bullets (3 marks)
 2a word choice
connotations of word and impact in
sentence referring to press (2 marks)
 3a link sentence
4 parts – quote, back, quote, forward (2 marks)
 4b explaining an idea
2 points required (2 marks)
1b
 Any three for one mark each
Gloss on “systematically denied access to housing and
employment.
 They were prevented from getting houses or jobs
 Gloss on “purely on the grounds of their colour”
 The reason for denial of the necessities was based only
on their note being white
 Gloss on “struggled to be served in many restaurants”
 Segregation even extended to eating
 Gloss on “white people...dominate the entire globe”
 The White Europeans had help the power or supremacy
for so long
2a
 2 points or one well made point for two
marks.
Hoo-ha means to create a scene over very little
 Creates a dismissive tone – suggests that the press are
exaggerating or making a mounting out of a molehill
 Use of childish, colloquial language implies a mockery or
distaste
 The writer is trivializing what some may regard as an
important issue
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3a
 Both points (including quote and reference to
the passage) required for two marks
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“hidden agendas” refers to the ulterior motives mentioned in
the previous paragraph.
“serious debate/limits of free speech” introduces the serious
points .which underline the issue.
4b
 Two of the following for two marks
 Gloss on “what good comedy should do”
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Gloss on “ethnic or cultural group...influential role”


It is an essential ingredient in good comedy/satire
He is white/belongs to the dominant or ruling race
Gloss on “profiting from its development”

He has benefited out of his superior position