TSR Wiki > Study Help > Subjects and Revision > Revision Notes > English > Higher English- Close Reading
Close Reading
This is adapted from a couple of the textbooks I have and my teacher's notes, I squished it all into something as simple as I could and when I do past papers using this I get a lot better marks so, hope this is useful for someone else too :)
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 previous paragraph
ie: The phrase (quote - from the linking sentence) relates back to (topic and quote) from the previous paragraph. The phrase (quote - from the linkng sentence) directs the argument forward to (topic and quote from the next paragraph).
Analysis Questions
eg, “How does the writer use language to convey...”
- Identify aspect of language (e.g. metaphor, sentence structure, tone etc.)
- connotation and denotation
- explain how the denotation relates to the writer's argument
Sentence Structure
e.g., “Show how the writer uses sentence structure to make clear his views or atmosphere...”
- State the view or atmosphere
- Identify the features of the sentence: type of sentence; length and complexity; sentence pattern- list, repetition, climax, anti-climax, inversion, punctuation, parenthesis.
- Analyse how it makes clear view or atmosphere
- Repeat
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 ho ho ho show us yer cameltoe.
- They make this clear through... e.g. word choice/ contrasting __ and __ to show he is mocking... hyperbole (over exaggeration) etc
Evaluation
How effective, comparative questions on two passages
- State if ineffective or effective
- Select a technique/aspect of the argument to support answer
- Repeat
- (use analysis part to help with this)
Good Luck!
