Language Skills Analysis Questions - Introduction

Analysis Questions Understanding questions focus on what the writer has said. –demonstrate an awareness of some of the main ideas and important details included in the passage. Analysis questions focus on how the writer has said it. –identify and explain the language features the writer has used to put his/her ideas across.

Analysis Questions – Language Features There are four main types of technique or language feature you will be asked to comment on: 1.Structure, especially Sentence Structure 2.Word Choice 3.Imagery 4.Tone

Questions about Analysis and Evaluation Questions 1.Where should I look for the answer to the question? 2.How many marks is it worth? 3.What type of question is it: Understanding, Analysis or Evaluation? 4.Which language feature(s) am I being asked to comment on (sentence structure, word choice, imagery and/or tone)?

Spot the Difference Read these two questions over carefully. In what way(s) are they different? 1.Look carefully at the section beginning “The first is mighty spectacle ….” (line 4) to the end of the paragraph. How does the author effectively use language to help make his points about the five qualities required to make a historical epic? (You should refer to sentence structure and word choice in your answer.) 2.Look carefully at the section beginning “The first is mighty spectacle ….” (line 4) to the end of the paragraph. How does the author effectively use language to help make his points about the five qualities required to make a historical epic? (You should refer to sentence structure or word choice in your answer.)

Analysis Questions - Structure When writing an answer to an analysis question, it is helpful to apply the following structure: 1.Identify the language feature you have chosen to focus on, quoting it where necessary. 2.Explain what the feature you have identified contributes to the passage. For Example: 1.The writer uses repetition: “The boy was really, really tired.” 2.The repetition of the word “really” is used to emphasise the point that the boy was extremely tired.

Language Skills Analysis Questions: Word Choice

Word Choice questions focus on the way the writer has used particular words to put his/her ideas across. When considering a writer’s word choice, there are two types of meaning that should be considered: 1.Denotation: The most specific or direct meaning of a word. 2.Connotation: An additional suggested meaning which can be taken from a word. When asked to comment on word choice, you should re-read the section of the passage the question directs you to, attempting to find examples words that carry interesting connotations which will help to answer the question you are answering.

Connotations The connotations of a particular choice of word can imply a wide range of meanings. Here are just a few: Strong emotional involvement: Domestic violence is a particularly disgusting crime. A degree of formality / informality: Some people might consider it mad to spend five hundred pounds on Christmas presents for their children. Additional information about the way an action is carried out: “Stop careering through the corridors!” the teacher shrieked at the bemused pupil.

Word Choice - Structure When commenting on the use of effective word choice, it can be helpful to consider doing the following: 1.Identify the specific word being used – quote it. 2.Explain what the word you have identified contributes to the passage, by stating its connotations (what it suggests). For example: “The Syrian government’s attitude towards the violent acts that have taken place in the country is an utter travesty!” “travesty” suggests the writer’s disgust at the way the Syrian government has dealt with recent violence in Syria.