Holy Smoke Batman!
It’s April!!!!!!
Somewhere in Gotham…
Tasks
•To review all close reading formula…very
quickly…
•To give you an opportunity to revise these.
Learning Outcomes
•To refresh expectations about each
question type and how to tackle it in the
best manner.
Next Steps
Private revision
Many close reading
questions have one key
aim, and that is to
test whether or not
you understand the
basic meaning of the
passage itself.
You will be asked to
gather as much
evidence as you can
and select the areas
that you can most
easily transfer into
your own words…
Some Advice
Simple words from the original
passage may be used if there is no
obvious alternative.
If there is an obvious alternative
then you should use it.
Figures of speech must be put into
plain language
Old fashioned terms/ technical terms
must be put in simple, formal and
modern English
Formula:
Locate relevant parts of passage (Look
for quotes or line references in
question)
Consider how many marks are available.
Highlight in passage pieces of relevant
text- match these to marks available.
Translate information into your OWN
WORDS-bullet point to make each
separate point clear.
•
Some Advice
Simple words from the original
passage may be used if there is no
obvious alternative.
•
If there is an obvious alternative
then you should use it.
•
Figures of speech must be put into
plain language
•
Old fashioned terms/ technical terms
must be put in simple, formal and
modern English
Example…
Thinking of Grandpa now, I recall the
clouds of pungent smoke that he
puffed from his favourite briar, his
small shrewd eyes, still very blue,
and the gleaming dome rising from
fleecy tufts of white hair.
Question:
What three characteristics of
“Grandpa” does the author
remember?
3 marks
Example…
Thinking of Grandpa now, I recall the
clouds of pungent smoke that he
puffed from his favourite briar, his
small shrewd eyes, still very blue,
and the gleaming dome rising from
fleecy tufts of white hair.
Question:
What three characteristics of
“Grandpa” does the author
remember?
3 marks
Example…
Thinking of Grandpa now, I recall the clouds of pungent
smoke that he puffed from his favourite briar, his small
shrewd eyes, still very blue, and the gleaming dome rising
from fleecy tufts of white hair.
Answer
She remembers her grandfather
smoked a strong smelling pipe. He
also had intelligent blue eyes and a
bald head with a little fluffy white
hair.
Example…
You must
translate
‘shrewd’ but
remember…
blue is blue
and eyes are
eyes. There
is no need to
say ‘human
optical
devices.’
Thinking of Grandpa now, I recall the clouds of pungent
smoke that he puffed from his favourite briar, his small
shrewd eyes, still very blue, and the gleaming dome rising
from fleecy tufts of white hair.
Answer
Although you may not
know the
word
must translate
She
remembers
herYou
grandfather
briar…there are clues
‘gleaming pipe.
dome’ as He
well
smoked
a
strong
smelling
from ‘pungent’ and
‘fleecy tufts’
also
had intelligent as
blue
eyes and a
‘smoke’.
bald head with a little fluffy white
hair.
The film Wall-E is over rated. After the first
twenty minutes, the Pixar animation is essentially
a standard Disney Cartoon. It is technically
brilliant, slick and witty, but it follows the well
worn formula of cute anthropomorphic creatures
(albeit robots instead of animals) struggling
against overwhelming odds, finding love, winning
through and delivering the anticipated charge of
sentimental uplift.
But those first 20 minutes are really something.
It is not just the relative courage of the
dystopian vision of an uninhabitable earth, it is
the fact that a company as mainstream as Disney
has returned to wordless storytelling. The
fascination of Wall-E is that it is stunning up to
the point when dialogue is introduced, after which
it becomes clever, but familiar entertainment.
Why does the writer prefer the first 20
minutes of the film to the rest of it? (4)
The film Wall-E is over rated. After the first
twenty minutes, the Pixar animation is essentially
a standard Disney Cartoon. It is technically
brilliant, slick and witty, but it follows the well
worn formula of cute anthropomorphic creatures
(albeit robots instead of animals) struggling
against overwhelming odds, finding love, winning
through and delivering the anticipated charge of
sentimental uplift.
But those first 20 minutes are really something.
It is not just the relative courage of the
dystopian vision of an uninhabitable earth, it is
the fact that a company as mainstream as Disney
has returned to wordless storytelling. The
fascination of Wall-E is that it is stunning up to
the point when dialogue is introduced, after which
it becomes clever, but familiar entertainment.
Why does the writer prefer the first 20
minutes of the film to the rest of it? (4)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
First Twenty Minutes
Brave and bold idea to present a vision
of earth that cannot support life
The film is beautiful to look at
The narrative is told without speech.
Rest of the film…
Enjoyable and clever storytelling
But it is fairly predictable and standard
Disney.
It is a typical underdog story
Slightly over romanticised happily ever
after style ending.
The consensus on what constitutes public good
manners has broken down to the extent that
Transport for London is now running a multi
million pound campaign just to remind us not to
eat stinking burgers on the Tube and to give
up our bus seat for old folk.
I suppose we should be grateful that, instead
of threatening more penalties, they are calling
upon our better nature. The Government, on
the other hand, seems to live under the
delusion that if just one more pleasure is
prohibited, another set of draconian rules
introduced, 1000 more speed cameras
installed, a CCTV mounted on every corner,
human beings will at last fall into line.
What according to the writer is the
fundamental difference in approach between
TFL and the Government? (2 marks)
The consensus on what constitutes public good
manners has broken down to the extent that
Transport for London is now running a multi
million pound campaign just to remind us not to
eat stinking burgers on the Tube and to give
up our bus seat for old folk.
I suppose we should be grateful that, instead
of threatening more penalties, they are calling
upon our better nature. The Government, on
the other hand, seems to live under the
delusion that if just one more pleasure is
prohibited, another set of draconian rules
introduced, 1000 more speed cameras
installed, a CCTV mounted on every corner,
human beings will at last fall into line.
What according to the writer is the
fundamental difference in approach between
TFL and the Government? (2 marks)
The consensus on what constitutes public good manners has broken down to
the extent that Transport for London is now running a multi million pound
campaign just to remind us not to eat stinking burgers on the Tube and to
give up our bus seat for old folk.
I suppose we should be grateful that, instead of threatening more
penalties, they are calling upon our better nature. The Government, on the
other hand, seems to live under the delusion that if just one more pleasure
is prohibited, another set of draconian rules introduced, 1000 more speed
cameras installed, a CCTV mounted on every corner, human beings will at
last fall into line.
What according to the writer is the fundamental difference in approach
between TFL and the Government? (2 marks)
•
Transport for London are hoping to
persuade/encourage us to behave in a decent
manner towards other people.
•
On the other hand, the Government is attempting
to force people to behave a certain way by
threatening punishment if they do not act as
planned.
Of course those born since the 1970s may
find celebrity on the Elizabeth Taylor scale
hard to understand. The whole concept of
celebrity has been degraded over the last
two decades by an avalanche of media
coverage which makes no pretence of
interest in the actual work that well-known
people do, but instead focuses entirely on
the personal lives, and most particularly
the personal appearance, of anyone who
has ever been in the public eye for
anything, from behaving like an idiot on
reality TV to having sex with a Premier
League footballer.
What three main criticisms does the writer
make of the way the media treat celebrities
today? (3 marks)
Of course those born since the 1970s may
find celebrity on the Elizabeth Taylor scale
hard to understand. The whole concept of
celebrity has been degraded over the last
two decades by an avalanche of media
coverage which makes no pretence of
interest in the actual work that well-known
people do, but instead focuses entirely on
the personal lives, and most particularly
the personal appearance, of anyone who
has ever been in the public eye for
anything, from behaving like an idiot on
reality TV to having sex with a Premier
League footballer.
What three main criticisms does the writer
make of the way the media treat celebrities
today? (3 marks)
Of course those born since the 1970s may find celebrity on the
Elizabeth Taylor scale hard to understand. The whole concept of
celebrity has been degraded over the last two decades by an
avalanche of media coverage which makes no pretence of interest in
the actual work that well-known people do, but instead focuses
entirely on the personal lives, and most particularly the personal
appearance, of anyone who has ever been in the public eye for
anything, from behaving like an idiot on reality TV to having sex
with a Premier League footballer.
What three main criticisms does the writer make of the way the
media treat celebrities today? (3 marks)
•
•
•
•
Nobody seems to care about what celebrities
actually do for a living.
Is more concerned about what happens in their
private lives.
Focuses entirely on the way that they look.
The way we define a celebrity is now too wide.
Similarities…
They both symbolised the spirit of
the age
They were absolutely determined to
succeed
They accumulated great wealth with
little concern for others
They both had weaknesses
Differences
Goody is admired while Goodwin is
hated.
As well as showing that you
understand the writer’s general
meaning, you will also be asked more
precise questions, to show that you
understand particular words and
phrases.
In a CONTEXT question, you will be
asked to a) explain the meaning of a
word or phrase and b) explain how
you came to this meaning from the
clues in the text.
You must quote and explain these
words.
Some tips…
If the context question is worth 2
marks, you will generally be awarded
1 mark for getting the meaning right,
and 1 mark for the evidence and
explanation.
It is usually advisable to give two
pieces of evidence to secure the
marks.
Generally, if you get the meaning
wrong…you will not get the marks.
Formula:
1. Locate key word (Look for quotes
or line references in question)
2. Give definition of key word
3. Quote 2 linked words or phrases
from the text that helped you work
out the meaning of the key word
4. Explain how these linked words
and phrases relate to the key word
Example…
The rumour that Douglas was a
prisoner was still unsubstantiated.
There had been no witnesses to his
bailing out on the plane, and no solid
information could be expected from
beyond enemy lines for weeks,
perhaps even months.
Show how the context helps you
arrive at the meaning of the word
unsubstantiated.
Example…
The rumour that Douglas was a
prisoner was still unsubstantiated.
There had been no witnesses to his
bailing out on the plane, and no solid
information could be expected from
beyond enemy lines for weeks,
perhaps even months.
Show how the context helps you
arrive at the meaning of the word
unsubstantiated.
Example…
Unsubstantiated clearly means
unconfirmed.
(1)
The context shows this as it says
that there were ‘no witnesses’ that
could say if the news was true. (1/2)
This is further shown with ‘no solid
information’ which repeats the idea
of there being no real proof. (1/2)
Sometimes, the question will ask you to define the
meaning of an entire phrase.
This example is taken from your homework questions.
“One of them is a belief in the
grandeur of the everyday, where the
ordinary is just the unique in hiding.
As it says in Docherty, ‘messiahs are
born in stables’. That being so, as a
boy I kept finding Bethlehem round
every corner. So many things amazed
me.”
Question – Show how the lines above help you to
arrive at the meaning of “the ordinary is just the
unique in hiding.” (2)
You must
translate what
you think this
expression means.
Suggestion that
remarkable things
may be found in
unremarkable
places.
This is seen in
‘grandeur of the
everyday’ which
suggests beauty
and wonder in
ordinary
experiences.
Sometimes, the question will ask you to define the
meaning of an entire phrase.
This example is taken from your homework questions.
“One of them is a belief in the
grandeur of the everyday, where the
ordinary is just the unique in hiding.
As it says in Docherty, ‘messiahs are
born in stables’. That being so, as a
boy I kept finding Bethlehem round
every corner. So many things amazed
This supports the
me.”
meaning as Christ
Question – Show how(someone
the linesvery
above
help you to
special
arrive at the meaning of “the ordinary is just the
unique in hiding.” (2)and unique) was born in
a very mundane place.
• Formula:
1. Read the linking sentence carefully
2. Quote a phrase from the linking
sentence that refers BACK to the
point/ ideas expressed in the last
paragraph. Explain link in your own
words.
3. Quote a phrase from the linking
sentence that INTRODUCES the
point/ ideas expressed in the
following paragraph. Explain link in
your own words.
•
At the same time plans are advanced for ‘accommodation
centres’, which will have the immediate effect of preventing
natural integration, while children of immigrants are to be
denied the harmonising effect of inter-racial schooling.
Meanwhile, ever more sophisticated technology is to be
employed to stem the numbers of young men who risk their
lives clinging to the underside of trains and lorries, or are
paying obscene sums of money to the 21st century’s own
version of slave traders – those traffickers in human misery
who make their fortunes on the back of others’ desperation.
•
Yet at the heart of this ever more draconian approach to
immigration policy lie a number of misconceptions. The UK
is not a group of nations swamped by a tidal wave of
immigration. Relatively speaking, Europe contends with a
trickle of refugees compared with countries who border
areas of famine, desperate poverty, or violent political
upheaval. The countries of origin of the highest numbers
coming here change from year to year, depending of the
hotspots of global conflict. A significant proportion of
refugees want nothing more than to be able to return to
that homeland when conditions allow.
Answers
‘ever more draconian approach to immigration
policy’ links back to the previous paragraph
which talks of the strict new policies.
Expressions such as ‘preventing natural
integration’ and ‘denied the harmonising
effect’ reveal that the policies are damaging.
‘a number of misconceptions’ links forward to
the fact that many people in the public fail to
understand the facts about immigration.
Expressions such as ‘relatively speaking
Europe deals with a trickle of refugees’,
reveals that the problem is not the ‘tidal
wave’ that people think it is.
•
At the same time plans are advanced for ‘accommodation
centres’, which will have the immediate effect of preventing
natural integration, while children of immigrants are to be
denied the harmonising effect of inter-racial schooling.
Meanwhile, ever more sophisticated technology is to be
employed to stem the numbers of young men who risk their
lives clinging to the underside of trains and lorries, or are
paying obscene sums of money to the 21st century’s own
version of slave traders – those traffickers in human misery
who make their fortunes on the back of others’ desperation.
•
Yet at the heart of this ever more draconian approach to
immigration policy lie a number of misconceptions. The UK
is not a group of nations swamped by a tidal wave of
immigration. Relatively speaking, Europe contends with a
trickle of refugees compared with countries who border
areas of famine, desperate poverty, or violent political
upheaval. The countries of origin of the highest numbers
coming here change from year to year, depending of the
hotspots of global conflict. A significant proportion of
refugees want nothing more than to be able to return to
that homeland when conditions allow.
• Formula:
1. Read the linking sentence carefully
2. Quote a phrase from the linking
sentence that refers BACK to the
point/ ideas expressed in the last
paragraph. Explain link in your own
words.
3. Quote a phrase from the linking
sentence that INTRODUCES the
point/ ideas expressed in the
following paragraph. Explain link in
your own words.
•
Word Choice questions are when
you are asked to identify words
used by the writer because of
their effect.
•
You have to identify the words,
the effect they have and explain
how they achieve this effect.
•
Generally, one example for one
mark.
1. Colloquial language / slang. An informal
tone is created. Perhaps uses second
person (you), informal reference to a
person e.g. using their first name or a
nickname, abbreviations.
2. Emotive language – strong words to stir
/ manipulate emotions. These words will
have strong connotations. Emotive
language often reveals the writer’s
attitude to their topic.
3. Jargon – technical / formal
language.
4. Archaisms – old fashioned words.
5. Dialect – the opposite to standard
English; English spoken in a
particular area, e.g. Glaswegian
dialect. This makes language more
expressive, lively and natural.
Formula:
1. Locate key word (Look for quotes
or line references in question)
2. Give definition of key word
3. Quote 2 linked words or phrases
from the text that helped you work
out the meaning of the key word
4. Explain how these linked words
and phrases relate to the key word
Imagery Question
It’s time for the 2011 census and I urge
everyone to fill the forms in as best as
they can and understand that this is a
really important exercise. The census is
all about providing the state with key
demographic data so that it can
understand the nature of our communities
much better than it does. It is a
snapshot of the UK on one particular day
in one particular year, but the data has
profound ramifications for all
communities and for some time to come.
Show how the writer’s use of imagery
clarifies what he is saying about the
census.
Imagery Question
It’s time for the 2011 census and I urge everyone to fill the forms in
as best as they can and understand that this is a really important
exercise. The census is all about providing the state with key
demographic data so that it can understand the nature of our
communities much better than it does. It is a snapshot of the UK on
one particular day in one particular year, but the data has profound
ramifications for all communities and for some time to come.
Show how the writer’s use of imagery clarifies what he is saying about
the census.
‘snapshot’
The count of the population is being compared
to a photograph
Just as a snapshot captures a picture (of people
at a certain moment) which can be looked at
and studied at a later date, so too does the
census provide a description of what the country
was like at any particular day.
This is effective as it emphasizes that the
census gives an exact picture of the country on
that particular day.
Of course those born since the 1970s may
find celebrity on the Elizabeth Taylor scale
hard to understand. The whole concept of
celebrity has been degraded over the last
two decades by an avalanche of media
coverage which makes no pretence of
interest in the actual work that well-known
people do, but instead focuses entirely on
the personal lives, and most particularly
the personal appearance, of anyone who
has ever been in the public eye for
anything, from behaving like an idiot on
reality TV to having sex with a Premier
League footballer.
Show how the writer’s use of imagery clarifies
what she is saying about the media’s coverage
of celebrity over the last two decades.
Of course those born since the 1970s may
find celebrity on the Elizabeth Taylor scale
hard to understand. The whole concept of
celebrity has been degraded over the last
two decades by an avalanche of media
coverage which makes no pretence of
interest in the actual work that well-known
people do, but instead focuses entirely on
the personal lives, and most particularly
the personal appearance, of anyone who
has ever been in the public eye for
anything, from behaving like an idiot on
reality TV to having sex with a Premier
League footballer.
Show how the writer’s use of imagery clarifies
what she is saying about the media’s coverage
of celebrity over the last two decades.
Imagery Question
Last week, on holiday in the US, I went
to a supermarket near Fort Myers to buy
breakfast cereal with the children and
suffered the first of a series of choice
overdoses. A vast canyon of cereals
stretched to the horizon, a universe of
flakes, crunchies and additives, an
overflowing cornucopia of baffling
breakfast options. The children whooped
and began grabbing at the boxes. A fight
broke out over Trix, Fruit Loops, Chex
or Cheerios, and then another over the
specific variety of Cheerios.
Show how the writer’s use of imagery clarifies what
he is saying about the census.
Imagery Question
Last week, on holiday in the US, I went
to a supermarket near Fort Myers to buy
breakfast cereal with the children and
suffered the first of a series of choice
overdoses. A vast canyon of cereals
stretched to the horizon, a universe of
flakes, crunchies and additives, an
overflowing cornucopia of baffling
breakfast options. The children whooped
and began grabbing at the boxes. A fight
broke out over Trix, Fruit Loops, Chex
or Cheerios, and then another over the
specific variety of Cheerios.
Show how the writer’s use of imagery clarifies what
he is saying about the census.
Imagery Question
It’s time for the 2011 census and I urge everyone to fill the forms in
as best as they can and understand that this is a really important
exercise. The census is all about providing the state with key
demographic data so that it can understand the nature of our
communities much better than it does. It is a snapshot of the UK on
one particular day in one particular year, but the data has profound
ramifications for all communities and for some time to come.
Show how the writer’s use of imagery clarifies what he is saying about
the census.
‘snapshot’
The count of the population is being compared
to a photograph
Just as a snapshot captures a picture (of people
at a certain moment) which can be looked at
and studied at a later date, so too does the
census provide a description of what the country
was like at any particular day.
This is effective as it emphasizes that the
census gives an exact picture of the country on
that particular day.
Tone does not relate directly to
the meaning of a piece of
writing, but rather to the way
in which it is said. It refers to
the way in which the writer
makes a particular attitude or
feeling clear.
It would be impossible to identify every kind of tone
that is used by a writer as there are as many as there
are attitudes. However, they can be categorised. You
must first decide if the writer is being serious or light
hearted.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Humorous
Flippant
Informal
Conversational
Chatty
Friendly
Ironic
Tongue and cheek
Satirical
Serious
Formal
Emotive
One of the most frequently assessed
elements of language found in Higher Close
Reading passages are sentence structure
questions.
These questions challenge you to identify
and comment on the impact that different
sentence types have on the impact and
meaning of a piece of writing.
The question will not specifically be about
the meaning of the sentence, but rather it
will challenge your awareness of how it has
been put together.
The formula for sentence structure is not an
exact science…it depends very much on what you
are being presented with. However, as a general
rule…
1. Locate relevant parts of passage (Look
for quotes or line references in question)
2. Highlight in passage features of sentence
structure.
3. Identify the example of sentence
structure. Quote where possible.
4. Comment on its impact in line with the
question. Generally it will be one mark per
feature identified and explained.
The first thing that we need to be aware
of are the different types of sentence
that can be found in our writing…
They are as follows…
•
•
•
•
•
A statement
A question
An exclamation
A command
A minor sentence
• You have been given a print out of these…
For the following questions, your task is
to simply identify the feature of
sentence structure, comment on why it
has been used and discuss what the
writer has aimed to make clear with it.
Consider the purpose of the piece. How
does the sentence structure help to get
the writer’s message across?
We will do the first
example together…
Few vehicles are built more solidly or handle
more surely than the Porsche 924S.
Release the rear hatch, fold the rear seats and
the 924S’s sporting ability is superbly matched
by its transporting ability.
Fuel economy? Outstanding. Resale values?
Reassuringly high. Warranties? Excellent. As you
would expect.
There is a two year unlimited mileage warranty.
A ten year Porsche long life anti corrosion
warranty. Not forgetting 12,000 mile service
intervals.
As you can see, the fun doesn’t have to stop
when the family starts.
Few vehicles are built more solidly or handle
more surely than the Porsche 924S.
Release the rear hatch, fold the rear seats and
the 924S’s sporting ability is superbly matched
paragraphs.
This
by its transporting
ability.
Short
makes the piece easy to
read and understand for
the reader.
Also,
most
Fuel
economy?
Outstanding. Resale values?
paragraphs
take the
Reassuringly
high. Warranties? Excellent. As
form of statements
would expect.
which give clear and
direct information.
you
There is a two year unlimited mileage warranty.
A ten year Porsche long life anti corrosion
warranty. Not forgetting 12,000 mile service
intervals.
As you can see, the fun doesn’t have to stop
when the family starts.
Few vehicles are built more solidly or handle
more surely than the Porsche 924S.
Release the rear hatch, fold the rear seats and
the 924S’s sporting ability is superbly matched
by its transporting ability.
Almost a command. It is
strongly persuasive
and
Fuel economy?
Outstanding. Resale values?
encourages the reader
Reassuringly high. Warranties? Excellent. As
to adopt the point of
would
expect.
view of the
writer.
This
can be seen through the
use of the word ‘superb’
you
There is a two year unlimited mileage warranty.
A ten year Porsche long life anti corrosion
warranty. Not forgetting 12,000 mile service
intervals.
As you can see, the fun doesn’t have to stop
when the family starts.
Few vehicles are built more solidly or handle
more surely than the Porsche 924S.
Release the rear hatch, fold the rear seats and
the 924S’s sporting ability is superbly matched
by its transporting ability.
Fuel economy? Outstanding. Resale values?
Reassuringly high. Warranties? Excellent. As you
would expect.
Paragraph three is a series of questions
There
a two
year
unlimited mileage warranty.
and answers
in theisform
of short
direct
statements.
This allows
writer to
A ten
year the
Porsche
long life anti corrosion
engage the
reader as itNot
sets up
an
warranty.
forgetting
12,000 mile service
almost conversational tone making the
intervals.
piece seem chatty and friendly.
As you can see, the fun doesn’t have to stop
when the family starts.
Few vehicles are built more solidly or handle
more surely than the Porsche 924S.
Release the rear hatch, fold the rear seats and
the 924S’s sporting ability is superbly matched
sentences
are short,
by its
transporting ability.
All
making imformation
appear direct and
accessibleFuel
for the
economy? Outstanding. Resale values?
reader. This
suits the
Reassuringly
high. Warranties? Excellent. As you
persuasive slant of the
would expect.
piece and indicates that
this may be an
advertisement or review
There is a two year unlimited mileage warranty.
style piece.
A ten year Porsche long life anti corrosion
warranty. Not forgetting 12,000 mile service
intervals.
As you can see, the fun doesn’t have to stop
when the family starts.
Alongside a firm knowledge of the different
types of sentence that a writer can use, you
must also develop an awareness of the
specific function of punctuation used in
writing.
Like word choice, no piece of punctuation
is placed there by accident. It is up to you
to make a reasoned comment on the
purpose of this punctuation.
Generally you will be asked to comment on
punctuation as part of a wider question on
sentence structure, but from time to time,
you will be asked about it in isolation.
These things…
Inverted commas are used for four main
purposes:
1. To indicate the title of a play, book, television
programme etc…
“Macbeth”, “Sunset Song”, “The X Files”
2. For spoken words…
“Did you have a good weekend?” asked Anne
3. For quotations
As George Orwell said, “All animals are equal,
but some are more equal than others”.
4. To mark off an individual word or phrase
from the rest of the sentence.
This might be done, for instance, if a word from
a foreign language is used. It can also indicate
that the author wants us to recognise that he is
distancing himself from the use of a certain
term which might be commonly used but which
he does not necessarily agree with:
In Victorian times foreign travel was the
preserve of the “superior” classes of society.
The effect of inverted commas here is rather
like using the words “so called”.
These things…
:
A colon usually introduces a
quotation, a list or an explanation
or expansion of the previous
statement.
;
A semi colon is generally a
finishing pause, marking the end of a
sentence but less firmly than a full
stop does. It often comes between
two statements which are loosely
connected or which balance or
contrast one another. It can also be
used to separate a list of phrases.
-
A single dash can be used to add an
extra piece of information very much as a
colon does. It can also indicate a breaking
off in a sentence. A series of dashes might
be used to convey an outpouring of ideas or
emotions.
-…-
Two dashes can mark off
an extra, non essential piece of
information in the middle of a
sentence- a technique known as
parenthesis
When approaching the
final evaluation
question in your Close
Reading paper, it is
vital that you are
aware of the two
general question types
you will be asked.
Often, you will be
asked to decide which
passage of the two
you have read you
preferred. You will
also be asked to refer
to the authors’ ideas
and style or both.
3 types of evaluation question:
•
How effective/ to what extent
is…successful with reference to
technique (imagery/ word choice/
tone)
•
How effective/ to what extent
is…successful with reference to an
example/ illustration/ anecdote/
conclusion
•
Evaluate the key ideas of each
passage.
It is best to consider evaluation
questions under these three headings.
1. Technique
2. Conclusion
3. Key Ideas*
There is a rough formula for each
question type which we will look at in
turn. We will leave the final question till
later.
Formula
•Point
•Evidence – quote & identify the image
•Evaluate- analyse the image
•Repeat according to number of marks
•State how effectively point is
therefore made