Close Reading revision - questions and answers

1. What are some of the things you should look out for when asked to answer a question on the writer’s use of sentence structure?

Repetition. Short sentences. Long sentences. Combination of long and short sentences. Long sentences split into two (possibly by semi-colon) to create some sort of balance. Inversion. Parenthesis. Listing. Climax and anti-climax. Use of questions. Use of exclamations.

But always write about the effect that these create and relate the point back to the question being asked.

2. Explain how you would answer a word choice question.

Focus on one word or phrase. Briefly (in a sentence) explain its connotations or associations (ie. what it makes us think about). Relate this association back to the way the writer is using it in the piece and answer the question.

3. Explain how you would answer a question on imagery.

Focus on one example of imagery (you may have to find the example or it may be given in the question). Discuss the points of comparison between the image and the thing that the writer is discussing. Discuss the effect and answer the question (the question may also require you to evaluate the image)

4. Explain how you would answer a question on linking.

Identify and quote just the part of the sentence that refers back to what came before and identify what ideas it refers to. Then, identify and quote the part of the sentence which refers forward to what comes next and identify what ideas it refers to.

5. Explain how you would answer a question on working out the meaning of the word from the context?

Have a go at giving your own definition of the word (using your own words). Then, based on your definition, explain how the context (the sentences around the word) suggest the meaning (again using your own words).

6. What is meant by the term “style”?

Style means how a writer uses language to get his or her point across. Each writer or a piece may have a certain style (informal, conversational, academic, humorous ...)

7. List some of the things you can write about if asked to write about “language” or “language features”?

Word choice; sentence structure; tone; imagery; point of view; pace; overall structure of piece; register (language aimed at specific audience).

8. What should you and shouldn’t you write about if the evaluation question asks you to write about “the ideas of the writer only”?

You should write about the strengths and weaknesses of the writer’s argument or thoughts. You should not write about the writer’s use of language.

9. Compose a question which requires students to analyse the writer’s use of imagery, word choice or sentence structure.

Show how the writer uses imagery to make her opinion clear.

Show how the writer word choice to express his feelings on the subject.

Show how the writer uses sentence structure to develop her argument in the second paragraph.

10. Compose a question which requires the students to analyse and evaluate the writer’s use of imagery, word choice or sentence structure?

Show how effectively the writer uses imagery to make her opinion clear.

Discuss how effectively the writer uses word choice to express his feelings on the subject.

To what extent do you feel is the writer’s use of sentence structure effective in developing her argument in the second paragraph?

11. List words and phrases that you might use in an answer which requires you to do some analysis (A).

This implies ... This suggests ...

This makes us think of ... This creates the effect of ...

12. List words and phrases that you might use in an answer which requires you to do some evaluation (E).

effective ..... successful .... memorable ... impact on the reader ... beautiful ... appropriate ... works well ... clever ... thought-provoking ... [or, for less positive evaluation] ... partially successful ... partially effective ...

13. Unless otherwise stated, how many examples of imagery or word-choice should you focus on in a 2-mark question?

One