Higher English Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation
What you have to do: Read two texts and answer questions on them. The paper lasts for 1 hour 30 mins. You will answer detailed questions on the first text, and then address one question which requires you to: – infer* and summarise the ideas and/or language of both texts, and – demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the texts. *deduce or conclude something from evidence and reasoning
You will be required to demonstrate UNDERSTANDING by: identifying key information and ideas from the texts explaining relationships between ideas
You will be required to ANALYSE features of language and discuss their relationship with the ideas of the texts as a whole. (Features of language might include word choice, imagery, tone, sentence structure, punctuation, sound techniques, and so on.)
You must EVALUATE the effect of the language and/or ideas of the text(s).
Resources Past Papers Textbooks Internet Newspapers
Read quality, broadsheet newspapers! –T–The passages will contain the views of two journalists on a topic and will usually be discursive containing ideas, opinions and points of view. –E–Each writer will establish a tone / stance / viewpoint. Sources of exam passages: 2013 – The Times & The Guardian 2012 – extract from sportswriter’s book & The Independent 2011 – The Times & Boris Johnson’s website 2010 – The Observer & political think-tank paper 2009 – The Telegraph & The Guardian