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How to evaluate in English Lit?

Here is what it says in the mark scheme: Evaluates features of structure, form and language

So does that mean you would say something like- "This could suggest this... but it could also mean..." ??
No. That which you have exemplified is normally AO5 which is exploring different interpretations. Evaluation would be something like this:

"[Author] employs brilliantly the use of [technique] [rest of paragraph] Indeed, [author]'s use of [technique] here is most effective because [reason]."

It will be something to that effect, and it's a hard thing to get your head around.
Reply 2
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Zakriah
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Original post by TobyReichelt
No. That which you have exemplified is normally AO5 which is exploring different interpretations. Evaluation would be something like this:

"[Author] employs brilliantly the use of [technique] [rest of paragraph] Indeed, [author]'s use of [technique] here is most effective because [reason]."

It will be something to that effect, and it's a hard thing to get your head around.


So it is about explaining why the author has done something and the effect of this?
Original post by Zakriah
So it is about explaining why the author has done something and the effect of this?


Essentially yes. And no. Exploring why the author has done something is AO2 (for EDEXCEL), which is exploring the writer's craft. And its effect is also this (you'll get top marks for exploring the effect!). Evaluating is saying why what they've done works well.
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PATDLOL
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say HOW effective it is in doing its purpose, for example: The writer is incredibly effective with this because it stimulates an evoking imagery for the reader...". If its not very effective, there could be some deeper meaning behind it too. If you're analysing more than one thing, say which one is the best in achieving the purpose.
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Zakriah
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Original post by TobyReichelt
Essentially yes. And no. Exploring why the author has done something is AO2 (for EDEXCEL), which is exploring the writer's craft. And its effect is also this (you'll get top marks for exploring the effect!). Evaluating is saying why what they've done works well.


Hmm. So, it's about saying why the author's use of structure, form and language has worked well in putting across an idea, which supports an overall argument?
Reply 6
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Zakriah
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Original post by PATDLOL
say HOW effective it is in doing its purpose, for example: The writer is incredibly effective with this because it stimulates an evoking imagery for the reader...". If its not very effective, there could be some deeper meaning behind it too. If you're analysing more than one thing, say which one is the best in achieving the purpose.


So let's my argument is that the Author is using harsh diction to convey the idea that the relationship between the two characters is dysfunctional. Then to evaluate is to say how effective that use of harsh diction is, for example " However when used in conjunction with the positive semantic field of light, the harsh diction becomes less effective. Although this could in fact mean the harsh diction is effective for it creates contrast, thus highlighting the dysfunctional relationship between the characters"

Is that okay?
Original post by Zakriah
Hmm. So, it's about saying why the author's use of structure, form and language has worked well in putting across an idea, which supports an overall argument?


Bingo!
Reply 8
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PATDLOL
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I'd say that is perfect! :smile:
Original post by Zakriah
So let's my argument is that the Author is using harsh diction to convey the idea that the relationship between the two characters is dysfunctional. Then to evaluate is to say how effective that use of harsh diction is, for example " However when used in conjunction with the positive semantic field of light, the harsh diction becomes less effective. Although this could in fact mean the harsh diction is effective for it creates contrast, thus highlighting the dysfunctional relationship between the characters"

Is that okay?


You've got the gist of it, yes. It's a bit ham-fisted but I think a bit of work will help that. You want to be as eloquent as you can.
Reply 10
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Zakriah
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13
Thank you both for the advice, it's much appreciated!
Life Savers <3

And yeah, eloquence, got it. Thanks!

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