CLOSE READING REVISION

1. CLOSE READING REVISION

2. Close Reading – Answering questions on imagery

3. What is Imagery? In a close reading paper, imagery is when an author uses comparisons such as the following: • Simile • Metaphor • Personification to create more vivid descriptions in their writing.

4. Metaphors What is a metaphor? A metaphor is an implied comparison between two things. For example: ‘She had a heart of gold’ ‘He is a monster’

5. Similes What is a simile? A simile is a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing, using ‘as’ or ‘like’ For example: ‘He was as brave as a lion’ ‘Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get.’

6. Personification What is personification? When inanimate objects or something nonhuman are given human qualities For example: ‘The wind howled’ ‘The sorry engine wheezed its death cough’

7. Metaphor, simile or personification? • The moon turned over to face the day. • I’m feeling blue • She was as snug as a bug in a rug. • The brown grass was begging for water. • His skin was as cold as ice. • My love is like a red, red rose. • Sea of grief • The silence crept into the classroom. • Life is a journey

8. Choose an image below to write either a simile, metaphor or example of personification

9. How to answer questions on imagery First identify what is being compared to what and how (e.g. with a metaphor) Second explain what the imagined part of the comparison makes us think of Finally explain why this image is effective, i.e. how it helps the reader to understand the writer’s ideas more clearly.

10. Imagery Questions In close reading, there is a method for answering imagery questions. You begin with what the image word literally is or means, and then go on to the metaphorical meaning and explanation. Use this structure for your answer: Just as . . . (LITERAL) . . . so . . . (METAPHORICAL)

11. Formula for answering imagery type questions • Formula - Just as (literal), so(metaphorical) • Literal – what something actually means • Metaphorical – what something symbolises or represents • Image = He was a lion in battle • Q. How does this image show the man’s bravery? • A.Just as a lion is a fierce, strong and a fearless animal, sothe man is described to be bold, strong and fearless when he is fighting in battle.

12. Explain how the authors’ use of imagery helps to convey their feelings in this sentence. Use the ‘Just as … so’ formula to answer these imagery questions effectively Example: ‘Your love is my scripture.’ Things being compared: Love and scripture Image: Scripture – a holy piece of writing which teaches you something/guides you Just as a scripture is a holy piece of writing that people use to guide them in their life, so this man feels that his partner’s love is sacred, and will be guided and shaped by it.

13. Explain how the authors’ use of imagery helps to convey their feelings for each sentence. Use the ‘Just as (literal) … so (metaphorical)’ formula to answer these imagery questions effectively . Choose two coloured pens. Underline the literal part of your answer in one colour and the metaphorical part of your answer in another colour. • She is as pretty as a picture.’ • ‘Juliet is the sun.’ • ‘They were as quiet as mice’ • ‘I wandered lonely as a cloud.’ • ‘I was caught in a web of lies and deceit.’

14. Task • Write a paragraph that contains at least one metaphor, one simile and one example of personification. • Choose one of the following topics for your paragraph: • A boy coming home deflated because his team has lost a football match. • A girl excited because she is about to go to a party. • A description of a friend or someone that you know well.

15. When you have finished your paragraph, swap with a partner. Use the ‘Just as ... (literal) ..., so ... (metaphorical)...’ formula to identify and analyse the images in each others work.