Types of Reading Task questions

There are three types of questions requiring a response in this section of the exam. Not all types of questions are applicable for all courses. They are:

‘How’-type questions: these questions require you to show how meaning is created by analysing, explaining, commenting on and identifying specific visual and written devices the composer has used to create meaning. Remember that representation is a key component of the Common Module. You should:

• identify the type of human experience represented or aspect of human experience

• analyse the written and visual devices

• give examples of the devices (quotes)

• show how the composer uses these devices to represent their ideas about human experiences.

These questions are usually worth 3–5 marks.

a. How are human experiences represented in this text?

b. Explain the techniques/language devices used to convey a particular emotion or create a particular effect about human experiences.

c. How does the composer communicate a particular attitude about human experiences in this text?

d. Choose two techniques in the text and explain how they support an idea about human experiences.

e. How does the [particular part of the text] shape your understanding of human experiences?

f. Explain how the composer’s feelings about human experiences are represented in the text.

g. Evaluate the effectiveness of [particular device used by the composer] to represent an aspect of human experiences.

h. Analyse how the composer uses visual and/or language devices to convey a perspective on human experiences.

i. How has the composer used visual and/or written language to express an attitude about human experiences?

j. Compare/contrast the representations of human experiences in [any two aspects of] the text.

‘Synthesis’-type questions: these questions require you to analyse different perspectives of human experiences from one or more texts so you can put together a theory or idea about human experiences. Often you are required to compare and contrast how human experiences are represented in selected texts and analyse the effectiveness of the composer in creating meaning.

These questions require an extended response and are usually worth 5–7 marks.

a. Select and evaluate what you consider to be the TWO most effective texts in conveying ideas about human experiences. Detail the reasons for your choice.

b. Analyse how any TWO of the texts emphasise the difficulties/advantages of human experiences.

c. Which TWO of these texts do you find the most effective in exploring concepts related to [an aspect of human experiences]?

d. Justify your answer by making detailed reference to the two texts you have chosen.

e. Each text deals with a different perspective on human experiences. Choose TWO texts. Who is the intended audience for each text? How does each composer target that audience?

f. Compare and contrast the ways the concepts related to human experiences are explored in TWO texts. In your discussion, comment on the form and features of both texts.

g. Explore the ways TWO texts give a perspective on human experiences.

h. All four texts convey a particular attitude towards human experiences. Which text most effectively communicates this attitude? Refer to the visual and language features of all four texts in your answer.

KEY TERMS

Before you begin to analyse these texts, you will need to understand key terms relevant to the types of questions you are required to answer.

Text: a written, verbal or visual piece of work which is meaningful

Analyse: examine closely how a text is constructed to show its meaning

Purpose: why a text has been created

Audience: persons a text has been created for

Composer: a person who creates a text

Explain: make known in detail in order to make meaning clear

Identify: examine closely what is recognisable in a text that creates meaning

Compare: identify and explain similarities between two or more texts

Contrast: identify and explain differences between two or more texts

Comment: give an opinion about an aspect represented in a text

Describe: retell the characteristics of a particular text

Evaluate: appraise the value of or express the significance of something

Discuss: examine different perspectives about an idea, concept or issue

Techniques: visual or written language used to create meaning

Concept: an abstract idea under which particular things may be classed

Assess: estimate value of a text in creating meaning

To what extent: analysing a text in order to determine the limits or scope of your argument

Explore: look closely at something by scrutinising it; examine