N5-Close Reading Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation Exam : 1 hourTotal: 30 marks30% of final grade Internal assessment: Pass/Fail Task: Read a passage and answer questions about it.

Hints and tips for success Read the whole passage first before looking at the questions to ensure you know what the main ideas are. Check the number of marks allocated to each question and make sure you make enough points to be awarded full marks. In most questions you will be awarded one mark for each correct point you make. On the front of the paper you are told to “use your own words as far as possible”. Don’t copy chunks from the passage – you have to show that you understand what is meant and do this by rephrasing in your own words. You will sometimes be asked to quote from the passage (e.g. in word choice questions) – give examples from the text using quotation marks.

Questions which ask for Understanding Keep your answers fairly brief and pay close attention to the marks available. These questions can be bullet pointed and you should put each new point on a separate line. It will then be clear to both you and the marker if you have given enough marks (based on the mark allocated.) Use your own words as far as possible. Key words e.g. adjectives/verbs should not be copied from passage (e.g. the climber cautiously scrutinised the perilous descent.)

Questions about feature(s) of language Comment on Imagery, Word Choice, Sentence Structure and Tone – ensure you know what all of these are/key ideas before the exam. Pick out a relevant language feature (you may have to give an example so use quotations marks for any quotations from the passage) and comment appropriately about its effect. Be specific about the image. Think denotation – connotation – explanation

How to answer: Always use a quote and analyse fully for 2 marks. Do this X2 for 4 marks. Word choice Explain briefly the denotation (usual definition) of the word. Analyse fully the connotations (why the writer has used it in article; what it reveals and how it does this?) For example: At a time of life that should be infused with childhood fun and games, a tot beauty salon sends out the corrosive message to pre-teens that appearance and perceived attractiveness are all-important.

Imagery Explain briefly the literal meaning of the image. Fully explain the connotations – what is the writer comparing, why and what is its effect (e.g. what does it reveal on topic/writer’s view and how does it do this.) For example: ‘And what a storm this has caused, nationally as well as locally.’

Tone Quote and name the tone. (Use an adjective to describe tone – e.g. humorous, sarcastic, etc.) Try to imagine the passage read aloud and try to work out how the language, structure, etc. affect the way it is read.) Explain fully how this example clearly shows a key point/enhances the writer’s view on the topic.

Sentence Structure Identify/name key feature (list, minor sentence, inversion, parenthesis, rhetorical question etc.) Then fully explain the effect of the technique in that particular sentence (e.g. explain how it conveys a key point on topic/writer’s view.)

Linking Questions Need to explain how the writer’s ideas in an allocated section develop/continue/strengthen previous ideas in the article or differ/contrast/counter what was said in a previous section. Quote and explain clearly how their ideas link forward to the next section and/or link back to previous content in the article.

Evaluation questions The key question in evaluation is this: How effective is the writer’s use of X in conveying his/her idea about Y? It may be phrased in many different ways but ultimately it is asking the same thing, e.g. - How effective do you find the title as a introduction to the key ideas of the text as a whole? How effective do you find the final paragraph as a conclusion to the text as a whole?

You must first demonstrate an understanding of the text and an ability to analyse the writer’s choices in order to justify your response. For 2 marks: Identify/quote an example of the writer’s use of language which you think helps them to connect with the intended audience and convey his or her purpose. Explain how this example does this.

Summary questions Make sure you identify what it is the question is asking you to summarise. Avoid unimportant points and don’t include examples/quotes – pick out the main ideas only. Check that the number of points you make match the number of marks for the question. Can be bullet pointed.

Finally … Give yourself time to check over your answers: Check you haven’t missed any questions out. Make sure all your answers make sense and clearly answer the questions. Make sure you have written something for all questions – remember no attempt will receive no marks. Check that you have written enough to be awarded the marks allocated to each question.