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This article helps students understand and revise the close reading formula for exams, including tips for translating passages into their own words.
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Somewhere in Gotham… Holy Smoke Batman! It’s April!!!!!!
Aims for Today Tasks • To review all close reading formula…very quickly… • To give you an opportunity to revise these. Learning Outcomes • To refresh expectations about each question type and how to tackle it in the best manner. Next Steps Private revision
Close Reading Many close reading questions have one key aim, and that is to test whether or not you understand the basic meaning of the passage itself. You will be asked to gather as much evidence as you can and select the areas that you can most easily transfer into your own words…
Own Words Questions... Some Advice Simple words from the original passage may be used if there is no obvious alternative. If there is an obvious alternative then you should use it. Figures of speech must be put into plain language Old fashioned terms/ technical terms must be put in simple, formal and modern English
Own Words Questions... Formula: Locate relevant parts of passage (Look for quotes or line references in question) Consider how many marks are available. Highlight in passage pieces of relevant text- match these to marks available. Translate information into your OWN WORDS-bullet point to make each separate point clear.
Own Words Questions... Some Advice • Simple words from the original passage may be used if there is no obvious alternative. • If there is an obvious alternative then you should use it. • Figures of speech must be put into plain language • Old fashioned terms/ technical terms must be put in simple, formal and modern English
Own Words Questions... Example… Thinking of Grandpa now, I recall the clouds of pungent smoke that he puffed from his favourite briar, his small shrewd eyes, still very blue, and the gleaming dome rising from fleecy tufts of white hair. Question: What three characteristics of “Grandpa” does the author remember? 3 marks
Own Words Questions... Example… Thinking of Grandpa now, I recall the clouds of pungent smoke that he puffed from his favourite briar, his small shrewd eyes, still very blue, and the gleaming dome rising from fleecy tufts of white hair. Question: What three characteristics of “Grandpa” does the author remember? 3 marks
Own Words Questions... Example… Thinking of Grandpa now, I recall the clouds of pungent smoke that he puffed from his favourite briar, his small shrewd eyes, still very blue, and the gleaming dome rising from fleecy tufts of white hair. Answer She remembers her grandfather smoked a strong smelling pipe. He also had intelligent blue eyes and a bald head with a little fluffy white hair.
Own Words Questions... Example… Thinking of Grandpa now, I recall the clouds of pungent smoke that he puffed from his favourite briar, his small shrewd eyes, still very blue, and the gleaming dome rising from fleecy tufts of white hair. Answer She remembers her grandfather smoked a strong smelling pipe. He also had intelligent blue eyes and a bald head with a little fluffy white hair. You must translate ‘shrewd’ but remember… blue is blue and eyes are eyes. There is no need to say ‘human optical devices.’ Although you may not know the word briar…there are clues from ‘pungent’ and ‘smoke’. You must translate ‘gleaming dome’ as well as ‘fleecy tufts’
The film Wall-E is over rated. After the first twenty minutes, the Pixar animation is essentially a standard Disney Cartoon. It is technically brilliant, slick and witty, but it follows the well worn formula of cute anthropomorphic creatures (albeit robots instead of animals) struggling against overwhelming odds, finding love, winning through and delivering the anticipated charge of sentimental uplift. But those first 20 minutes are really something. It is not just the relative courage of the dystopian vision of an uninhabitable earth, it is the fact that a company as mainstream as Disney has returned to wordless storytelling. The fascination of Wall-E is that it is stunning up to the point when dialogue is introduced, after which it becomes clever, but familiar entertainment. Why does the writer prefer the first 20 minutes of the film to the rest of it? (4)
The film Wall-E is over rated. After the first twenty minutes, the Pixar animation is essentially a standard Disney Cartoon. It is technically brilliant, slick and witty, but it follows the well worn formula of cute anthropomorphic creatures (albeit robots instead of animals) struggling against overwhelming odds, finding love, winning through and delivering the anticipated charge of sentimental uplift. But those first 20 minutes are really something. It is not just the relative courage of the dystopian vision of an uninhabitable earth, it is the fact that a company as mainstream as Disney has returned to wordless storytelling. The fascination of Wall-E is that it is stunning up to the point when dialogue is introduced, after which it becomes clever, but familiar entertainment. Why does the writer prefer the first 20 minutes of the film to the rest of it? (4)
First Twenty Minutes Brave and bold idea to present a vision of earth that cannot support life The film is beautiful to look at The narrative is told without speech. Rest of the film… Enjoyable and clever storytelling But it is fairly predictable and standard Disney. It is a typical underdog story Slightly over romanticised happily ever after style ending.
The consensus on what constitutes public good manners has broken down to the extent that Transport for London is now running a multi million pound campaign just to remind us not to eat stinking burgers on the Tube and to give up our bus seat for old folk. I suppose we should be grateful that, instead of threatening more penalties, they are calling upon our better nature. The Government, on the other hand, seems to live under the delusion that if just one more pleasure is prohibited, another set of draconian rules introduced, 1000 more speed cameras installed, a CCTV mounted on every corner, human beings will at last fall into line. What according to the writer is the fundamental difference in approach between TFL and the Government? (2 marks)
The consensus on what constitutes public good manners has broken down to the extent that Transport for London is now running a multi million pound campaign just to remind us not to eat stinking burgers on the Tube and to give up our bus seat for old folk. I suppose we should be grateful that, instead of threatening more penalties, they are calling upon our better nature. The Government, on the other hand, seems to live under the delusion that if just one more pleasure is prohibited, another set of draconian rules introduced, 1000 more speed cameras installed, a CCTV mounted on every corner, human beings will at last fall into line. What according to the writer is the fundamental difference in approach between TFL and the Government? (2 marks)
The consensus on what constitutes public good manners has broken down to the extent that Transport for London is now running a multi million pound campaign just to remind us not to eat stinking burgers on the Tube and to give up our bus seat for old folk. I suppose we should be grateful that, instead of threatening more penalties, they are calling upon our better nature. The Government, on the other hand, seems to live under the delusion that if just one more pleasure is prohibited, another set of draconian rules introduced, 1000 more speed cameras installed, a CCTV mounted on every corner, human beings will at last fall into line. What according to the writer is the fundamental difference in approach between TFL and the Government? (2 marks) • Transport for London are hoping to persuade/encourage us to behave in a decent manner towards other people. • On the other hand, the Government is attempting to force people to behave a certain way by threatening punishment if they do not act as planned.
Of course those born since the 1970s may find celebrity on the Elizabeth Taylor scale hard to understand. The whole concept of celebrity has been degraded over the last two decades by an avalanche of media coverage which makes no pretence of interest in the actual work that well-known people do, but instead focuses entirely on the personal lives, and most particularly the personal appearance, of anyone who has ever been in the public eye for anything, from behaving like an idiot on reality TV to having sex with a Premier League footballer. What three main criticisms does the writer make of the way the media treat celebrities today? (3 marks)
Of course those born since the 1970s may find celebrity on the Elizabeth Taylor scale hard to understand. The whole concept of celebrity has been degraded over the last two decades by an avalanche of media coverage which makes no pretence of interest in the actual work that well-known people do, but instead focuses entirely on the personal lives, and most particularly the personal appearance, of anyone who has ever been in the public eye for anything, from behaving like an idiot on reality TV to having sex with a Premier League footballer. What three main criticisms does the writer make of the way the media treat celebrities today? (3 marks)
Of course those born since the 1970s may find celebrity on the Elizabeth Taylor scale hard to understand. The whole concept of celebrity has been degraded over the last two decades by an avalanche of media coverage which makes no pretence of interest in the actual work that well-known people do, but instead focuses entirely on the personal lives, and most particularly the personal appearance, of anyone who has ever been in the public eye for anything, from behaving like an idiot on reality TV to having sex with a Premier League footballer. What three main criticisms does the writer make of the way the media treat celebrities today? (3 marks) • Nobody seems to care about what celebrities actually do for a living. • Is more concerned about what happens in their private lives. • Focuses entirely on the way that they look. • The way we define a celebrity is now too wide.
Similarities… They both symbolised the spirit of the age They were absolutely determined to succeed They accumulated great wealth with little concern for others They both had weaknesses Differences Goody is admired while Goodwin is hated.
Context Questions... As well as showing that you understand the writer’s general meaning, you will also be asked more precise questions, to show that you understand particular words and phrases. In a CONTEXT question, you will be asked to a) explain the meaning of a word or phrase and b) explain how you came to this meaning from the clues in the text. You must quote and explain these words.
Context Questions... Some tips… If the context question is worth 2 marks, you will generally be awarded 1 mark for getting the meaning right, and 1 mark for the evidence and explanation. It is usually advisable to give two pieces of evidence to secure the marks. Generally, if you get the meaning wrong…you will not get the marks.
Context Questions Formula: 1. Locate key word (Look for quotes or line references in question) 2. Give definition of key word 3. Quote 2 linked words or phrases from the text that helped you work out the meaning of the key word 4. Explain how these linked words and phrases relate to the key word
Context Questions... Example… The rumour that Douglas was a prisoner was still unsubstantiated. There had been no witnesses to his bailing out on the plane, and no solid information could be expected from beyond enemy lines for weeks, perhaps even months. Show how the context helps you arrive at the meaning of the word unsubstantiated.
Context Questions... Example… The rumour that Douglas was a prisoner was still unsubstantiated. There had been no witnesses to his bailing out on the plane, and no solid information could be expected from beyond enemy lines for weeks, perhaps even months. Show how the context helps you arrive at the meaning of the word unsubstantiated.
Context Questions... Example… Unsubstantiated clearly means unconfirmed. (1) The context shows this as it says that there were ‘no witnesses’ that could say if the news was true. (1/2) This is further shown with ‘no solid information’ which repeats the idea of there being no real proof. (1/2)
Context Questions... Sometimes, the question will ask you to define the meaning of an entire phrase. This example is taken from your homework questions. “One of them is a belief in the grandeur of the everyday, where the ordinary is just the unique in hiding. As it says in Docherty, ‘messiahs are born in stables’. That being so, as a boy I kept finding Bethlehem round every corner. So many things amazed me.” Question – Show how the lines above help you to arrive at the meaning of “the ordinary is just the unique in hiding.” (2)
Context Questions... You must translate what you think this expression means. Suggestion that remarkable things may be found in unremarkable places. Sometimes, the question will ask you to define the meaning of an entire phrase. This example is taken from your homework questions. “One of them is a belief in the grandeur of the everyday, where the ordinary is just the unique in hiding. As it says in Docherty, ‘messiahs are born in stables’. That being so, as a boy I kept finding Bethlehem round every corner. So many things amazed me.” Question – Show how the lines above help you to arrive at the meaning of “the ordinary is just the unique in hiding.” (2) This is seen in ‘grandeur of the everyday’ which suggests beauty and wonder in ordinary experiences. This supports the meaning as Christ (someone very special and unique) was born in a very mundane place.
Link Questions • Formula: • Read the linking sentence carefully • Quote a phrase from the linking sentence that refers BACK to the point/ ideas expressed in the last paragraph. Explain link in your own words. • Quote a phrase from the linking sentence that INTRODUCES the point/ ideas expressed in the following paragraph. Explain link in your own words.
At the same time plans are advanced for ‘accommodation centres’, which will have the immediate effect of preventing natural integration, while children of immigrants are to be denied the harmonising effect of inter-racial schooling. Meanwhile, ever more sophisticated technology is to be employed to stem the numbers of young men who risk their lives clinging to the underside of trains and lorries, or are paying obscene sums of money to the 21st century’s own version of slave traders – those traffickers in human misery who make their fortunes on the back of others’ desperation. • Yet at the heart of this ever more draconian approach to immigration policy lie a number of misconceptions. The UK is not a group of nations swamped by a tidal wave of immigration. Relatively speaking, Europe contends with a trickle of refugees compared with countries who border areas of famine, desperate poverty, or violent political upheaval. The countries of origin of the highest numbers coming here change from year to year, depending of the hotspots of global conflict. A significant proportion of refugees want nothing more than to be able to return to that homeland when conditions allow.
Answers ‘ever more draconian approach to immigration policy’ links back to the previous paragraph which talks of the strict new policies. Expressions such as ‘preventing natural integration’ and ‘denied the harmonising effect’ reveal that the policies are damaging. ‘a number of misconceptions’ links forward to the fact that many people in the public fail to understand the facts about immigration. Expressions such as ‘relatively speaking Europe deals with a trickle of refugees’, reveals that the problem is not the ‘tidal wave’ that people think it is. Link Questions
At the same time plans are advanced for ‘accommodation centres’, which will have the immediate effect of preventing natural integration, while children of immigrants are to be denied the harmonising effect of inter-racial schooling. Meanwhile, ever more sophisticated technology is to be employed to stem the numbers of young men who risk their lives clinging to the underside of trains and lorries, or are paying obscene sums of money to the 21st century’s own version of slave traders – those traffickers in human misery who make their fortunes on the back of others’ desperation. Yet at the heart of this ever more draconian approach to immigration policy lie a number of misconceptions. The UK is not a group of nations swamped by a tidal wave of immigration. Relatively speaking, Europe contends with a trickle of refugees compared with countries who border areas of famine, desperate poverty, or violent political upheaval. The countries of origin of the highest numbers coming here change from year to year, depending of the hotspots of global conflict. A significant proportion of refugees want nothing more than to be able to return to that homeland when conditions allow.
Word Choice Questions • Formula: • Read the linking sentence carefully • Quote a phrase from the linking sentence that refers BACK to the point/ ideas expressed in the last paragraph. Explain link in your own words. • Quote a phrase from the linking sentence that INTRODUCES the point/ ideas expressed in the following paragraph. Explain link in your own words.
Word Choice Questions • Word Choice questions are when you are asked to identify words used by the writer because of their effect. • You have to identify the words, the effect they have and explain how they achieve this effect. • Generally, one example for one mark.
Things to Consider • Colloquial language / slang. An informal tone is created. Perhaps uses second person (you), informal reference to a person e.g. using their first name or a nickname, abbreviations. 2. Emotive language – strong words to stir / manipulate emotions. These words will have strong connotations. Emotive language often reveals the writer’s attitude to their topic.
Things to Consider 3. Jargon – technical / formal language. 4. Archaisms – old fashioned words. 5. Dialect – the opposite to standard English; English spoken in a particular area, e.g. Glaswegian dialect. This makes language more expressive, lively and natural.
Imagery Questions Formula: 1. Locate key word (Look for quotes or line references in question) 2. Give definition of key word 3. Quote 2 linked words or phrases from the text that helped you work out the meaning of the key word 4. Explain how these linked words and phrases relate to the key word
Imagery Question It’s time for the 2011 census and I urge everyone to fill the forms in as best as they can and understand that this is a really important exercise. The census is all about providing the state with key demographic data so that it can understand the nature of our communities much better than it does. It is a snapshot of the UK on one particular day in one particular year, but the data has profound ramifications for all communities and for some time to come. Show how the writer’s use of imagery clarifies what he is saying about the census.
Imagery Question It’s time for the 2011 census and I urge everyone to fill the forms in as best as they can and understand that this is a really important exercise. The census is all about providing the state with key demographic data so that it can understand the nature of our communities much better than it does. It is a snapshot of the UK on one particular day in one particular year, but the data has profound ramifications for all communities and for some time to come. Show how the writer’s use of imagery clarifies what he is saying about the census. ‘snapshot’ The count of the population is being compared to a photograph Just as a snapshot captures a picture (of people at a certain moment) which can be looked at and studied at a later date, so too does the census provide a description of what the country was like at any particular day. This is effective as it emphasizes that the census gives an exact picture of the country on that particular day.
