Revision for Close Reading

Punctuation  Punctuation helps us to understand the meaning  If a question asks you about punctuation, do not simply write down which punctuation marks are used.  Say how it helps us to understand the meaning

A Colon  A colon is used to introduce a list a list a development of the point made before the colon a development of the point made before the colon a further explanation of the statement before the colon a further explanation of the statement before the colon When we see a colon it points us forward: we know that the writer will go on to give us more information which will illustrate, develop or clarify her/his point. When we see a colon it points us forward: we know that the writer will go on to give us more information which will illustrate, develop or clarify her/his point. Find an example or a colon from the passage you are studying and say how it is used. Find an example or a colon from the passage you are studying and say how it is used.

A semi-colon for lists  A semi- colon separates items in a list when the items are more than one or two words  It helps us to understand a list by keeping the items apart  Remember that a list will help us to gain an impression of the extent or quantity.

A semi-colon for closely linked ideas  A semi- colon can be used in place of a full stop when the two sentences are closely linked in thought.  I took the book back to the shop; there were some pages missing.

Hyphens  Don’t confuse hyphens with the single dash  A hyphen joins two or more words together e.g. weight – lifting, part- time  Sometimes writers join words together to create a humorous effect  You know my water-proof, rust-resistant, shock- absorbing, top–of–the-range-all-singing-and dancing mobile phone? I just lost it!

Three dots Ellipsis  A row of three dots ( an ellipsis) may be used to indicate In the middle of a sentence  an interruption  to show that something has been missed out  to provide a pause  to introduce a surprise At the end of a sentence:  To leave the reader in suspense  To leave the reader to work out what might happen next  To suggest that things continue on

Linking sentence  Quote the part of the sentence which connects to the previous ideas.  Explain how it does – you may use a quotation here  Quote the part of the sentence which connects to the new ideas following  Explain how it does – you may use a quotation here

A two-part question worth four marks For example: For example: How do the structure and word choice of lines 75 – 80 show the writer’s change of attitude ? 4 marks Divide up your answer with headings and bullet points Structure …………. …………. …………. Word Choice …………. Word Choice …………….. …………….. ……………. …………….

The evaluation question  Read carefully to see what you are being asked about Writer’s ideas Writer’s ideas Writer’s attitude Writer’s attitude Writer’s style Writer’s style A combination of these A combination of these  You will need evidence - quotations from the passage to support what you say.  Use quotations from more than one part of the passage.  You may use points from previous answers.  Use the number of marks as a guide to how much you should write.