Post by Lord Vader on Apr 29, 2014 14:06:40 GMT -5
Understanding
Most understanding questions start with the word 'Explain…' You may be asked to explain 'fully', 'briefly' etc., which will give you an idea of how much detail to give. Alternatively, questions may start with the word 'What…' For example, 'what does the writer mean by…?’
Using your own words is extremely importance! Sometimes it is hard to put an idea into your own words, as the writer may well have chosen the best way of saying it! However, don't worry if your expression seems a bit clumsy. You may use simple, single words from the original – but don't repeat phrases or imagery. There 'must be some attempt' to use your own words. You will not be penalised as long as you make a reasonable effort to rephrase it.
3 Types
1) Summary - A summary question will often ask you to 'explain briefly…' several points. Use bullet points for easy reading.
2) Context - A context question will ask how the language surrounding a word or expression helps you understand the meaning of it. It will usually be worth two marks. Start by explaining the expression in your own words. Then give one or two quotations from the surrounding text and explain how they help you understand. Remember, quotations may not stand alone – you must explain how they convey the meaning.
3) Link - A link question will ask you to show how a sentence provides a link between two ideas. You must provide four elements: a quotation from the sentence which sums up the first idea; a summary of that idea in your own words; another quotation from the same sentence which sums up the following idea; a summary of it.
Analysis
Most questions start with ‘Show how…’ You’ll be asked to explain how the writer uses style and various techniques to make their message effective.
Make sure your answers are relevant. Note carefully what feature the question is asking you to analyse. If you are being asked about sentence structure, for example, you will get no marks if you discuss word choice.
Using examples to illustrate the style features you are discussing is the top priority. Remember to use the quotation + comment formula.
The main techniques are:
• Word choice,
• Imagery
• Sentence structure
• Punctuation
The questions may specify one or more of these. If you are just asked to comment generally on 'language features', you may choose any of them.
Evaluation
There is usually only one evaluation question, which acts as a summing-up at the end of the paper, in the 'Question(s) on both passages' section, although occasionally examiners will include an evaluation question on one of the individual passages.
The question will ask you to consider the effectiveness of each passage, and compare them. It will be worth five marks.
The usual format of the question is along the lines of, 'Which of the passages do you find more effective in….' You will then be asked to justify your choice by comparing the ideas of the two passages OR the style of the two passages OR the ideas and style of the two passages.
Points to remember:
1. Note carefully which of the above bulleted topics you are asked for: if you are asked to discuss ideas, you will get little or no credit if you focus on style features.
2. In this section of the paper you should write in well-formed sentences, paying attention to style.
3. You must refer to both passages, although you need not spend an equal amount of time on each.
4. Quotation is not essential, as it is in most analysis questions, but it is advisable, as it will prevent your answer from seeming too vague.
5. Try to write at some length in this question – be sure to leave enough time to do this. Check over your answer to make sure your expression is accurate!
When asked to state a preference, avoid being too dismissive of the passage you do not prefer, by saying it is boring, or hard to understand. It is quite in order to say that you admire both passages, but find aspects of one particularly effective.
Linking Questions
Linking questions require you to:
• Quote the part of the sentence which links back
• Explain what it links back to, quoting a specific phrase/word from the previous paragraph
• Quote the part of the sentence which links forward
• Explain what it links forward to, quoting a specific phrase/word from the new paragraph
i.e.: The phrase/word that links back (quote) relates back to (topic and quote) from the previous paragraph. The phrase/word that links forward (quote) directs the argument forward to (topic and quote from the next paragraph).
Sentence Structure
e.g., “Show how the writer uses sentence structure to make clear his or her views or atmosphere...”
• State the view or atmosphere
• Identify the features of the sentence: type of sentence; length, complexity; sentence pattern - list, repetition, climax, anti-climax, inversion, punctuation, and parenthesis.
• Analyse how this creates a clear view or atmosphere
• Repeat (if necessary)
Imagery
e.g., “How does the writer’s use of imagery make clear his viewpoint about...?”
• State viewpoint/attitude
• Find an image which reveals this (simile, metaphor or personification)
• Identify what is compared to what
• Find points of comparison- why does it work?
• What does it add to your knowledge of the writer’s attitude?
Tone
e.g., “What tone is used?” “How does the language make this clear?"
• critical, scathing, angry, humorous, mocking, patronising, contemptuous, effusive, aggressive, bitter, venomous, gushing, tongue-in-cheek, defiant, ironic, knowing, laconic, nostalgic, optimistic, reflective, sarcastic, triumphant, understated, victorious, zealous, quixotic, etc.
• They make this clear through... e.g. word choice/ contrasting which shows he or she is (insert tone)
Most understanding questions start with the word 'Explain…' You may be asked to explain 'fully', 'briefly' etc., which will give you an idea of how much detail to give. Alternatively, questions may start with the word 'What…' For example, 'what does the writer mean by…?’
Using your own words is extremely importance! Sometimes it is hard to put an idea into your own words, as the writer may well have chosen the best way of saying it! However, don't worry if your expression seems a bit clumsy. You may use simple, single words from the original – but don't repeat phrases or imagery. There 'must be some attempt' to use your own words. You will not be penalised as long as you make a reasonable effort to rephrase it.
3 Types
1) Summary - A summary question will often ask you to 'explain briefly…' several points. Use bullet points for easy reading.
2) Context - A context question will ask how the language surrounding a word or expression helps you understand the meaning of it. It will usually be worth two marks. Start by explaining the expression in your own words. Then give one or two quotations from the surrounding text and explain how they help you understand. Remember, quotations may not stand alone – you must explain how they convey the meaning.
3) Link - A link question will ask you to show how a sentence provides a link between two ideas. You must provide four elements: a quotation from the sentence which sums up the first idea; a summary of that idea in your own words; another quotation from the same sentence which sums up the following idea; a summary of it.
Analysis
Most questions start with ‘Show how…’ You’ll be asked to explain how the writer uses style and various techniques to make their message effective.
Make sure your answers are relevant. Note carefully what feature the question is asking you to analyse. If you are being asked about sentence structure, for example, you will get no marks if you discuss word choice.
Using examples to illustrate the style features you are discussing is the top priority. Remember to use the quotation + comment formula.
The main techniques are:
• Word choice,
• Imagery
• Sentence structure
• Punctuation
The questions may specify one or more of these. If you are just asked to comment generally on 'language features', you may choose any of them.
Evaluation
There is usually only one evaluation question, which acts as a summing-up at the end of the paper, in the 'Question(s) on both passages' section, although occasionally examiners will include an evaluation question on one of the individual passages.
The question will ask you to consider the effectiveness of each passage, and compare them. It will be worth five marks.
The usual format of the question is along the lines of, 'Which of the passages do you find more effective in….' You will then be asked to justify your choice by comparing the ideas of the two passages OR the style of the two passages OR the ideas and style of the two passages.
Points to remember:
1. Note carefully which of the above bulleted topics you are asked for: if you are asked to discuss ideas, you will get little or no credit if you focus on style features.
2. In this section of the paper you should write in well-formed sentences, paying attention to style.
3. You must refer to both passages, although you need not spend an equal amount of time on each.
4. Quotation is not essential, as it is in most analysis questions, but it is advisable, as it will prevent your answer from seeming too vague.
5. Try to write at some length in this question – be sure to leave enough time to do this. Check over your answer to make sure your expression is accurate!
When asked to state a preference, avoid being too dismissive of the passage you do not prefer, by saying it is boring, or hard to understand. It is quite in order to say that you admire both passages, but find aspects of one particularly effective.
Linking Questions
Linking questions require you to:
• Quote the part of the sentence which links back
• Explain what it links back to, quoting a specific phrase/word from the previous paragraph
• Quote the part of the sentence which links forward
• Explain what it links forward to, quoting a specific phrase/word from the new paragraph
i.e.: The phrase/word that links back (quote) relates back to (topic and quote) from the previous paragraph. The phrase/word that links forward (quote) directs the argument forward to (topic and quote from the next paragraph).
Sentence Structure
e.g., “Show how the writer uses sentence structure to make clear his or her views or atmosphere...”
• State the view or atmosphere
• Identify the features of the sentence: type of sentence; length, complexity; sentence pattern - list, repetition, climax, anti-climax, inversion, punctuation, and parenthesis.
• Analyse how this creates a clear view or atmosphere
• Repeat (if necessary)
Imagery
e.g., “How does the writer’s use of imagery make clear his viewpoint about...?”
• State viewpoint/attitude
• Find an image which reveals this (simile, metaphor or personification)
• Identify what is compared to what
• Find points of comparison- why does it work?
• What does it add to your knowledge of the writer’s attitude?
Tone
e.g., “What tone is used?” “How does the language make this clear?"
• critical, scathing, angry, humorous, mocking, patronising, contemptuous, effusive, aggressive, bitter, venomous, gushing, tongue-in-cheek, defiant, ironic, knowing, laconic, nostalgic, optimistic, reflective, sarcastic, triumphant, understated, victorious, zealous, quixotic, etc.
• They make this clear through... e.g. word choice/ contrasting which shows he or she is (insert tone)