ANALYSIS QUESTIONS

This category of question is asking candidates to identify techniques in a piece of writing and examine how these respective techniques work. What effect do these techniques create? Do not fall into the trap of paraphrasing sections of the text. You will get no marks for this . You are being asked on how the techniques chosen by a writer operate within their work.

To do these questions well you have to be able to identify a range of techniques-word choice, imagery, features of sentence structure etc but YOU WILL RECEIVE NO MARKS FOR MERELY RECOGNISING AND CORRECTLY IDENTIFYING TECHNIQUES. MARKS ARE ONLY AWARDED IF YOU CAN MAKE APPROPRIATE COMMENT ON HOW SUCH TECHNIQUES OPERATE AND THE EFFECTS THEY CREATE

HOW DO I KNOW IF IT IS AN ANALYSIS QUESTION?

The naming of a particular feature or technique: e.g. Show how the writer uses imagery in lines 39-42 to emphasise..

The instruction to look at a section of the text and consider how the writer achieves an effect through a possible list of techniques

e.g. Show how the writer conveys his feelings in lines 39-42. In your answer you may refer to imagery, tone , sentence structure or any other appropriate feature.

The instruction to examine the writer’s use of language in a section of the text.e.g. Show how the writer’s use of language in lines 39-42 emphasise the importance of...

WORD CHOICE QUESTIONS

This type of Question asks you to consider the effect created by specific words/phrases used by the writer.

Words deliberately chosen by the writer can suggest a particular set of ideas and associations.We call these implied associations CONNOTATIONS.

The DENOTATION OF A WORD IS ITS BASIC PLAIN MEANING.

Look at the following example:

WORD DENOTATION CONNOTATION

UNDERWEIGHT

THIN Suggest someone in need of medical treatment.

SKINNY THIN Suggests someonebony unattractive

SLIM THIN Suggests someoneAttractive, elegant

You calling me ugly?

HOW DO I RECOGNISE WORD CHOICE QUESTIONS?

The question will begin with the following:

“Show how the word choice creates a powerful impression of...

“Show how the word choice creates a contrast in lines x-y.

“Show how the writer’s word choice emphasises...

“Show how any two examples of word choice emphasise...

SUGGESTED APPROACHMark off the section of the text given in the line reference in the question.Ensure that the term word hoice appears in the question

Read specified section of the text closely. Look out for any key words that were evident in the question. These are your markers that you are in the correct section of text.

Look out for any key/strong word which carry associations or suggest a strong feeling to you. Highlight them. Is this positive or negative? What feelings/ideas do these words suggest or Imply?

Quote them in your answer and remember to use the word /phrases:“has connotations of...” OR “has associations of...”“This suggests ” OR “This implies”

ANGRY

WORKED EXAMPLE /MODEL ANSWER

Higher 2011 Q1a)

“enriches the mind” carries positive connotations. This suggests that reading improves the mind.

“video games deadens it” carries negative connotations. This suggests that playing video games kills the mind and our ability to use our intellect.

“would be better off” carries positive connotations. This implies that reading books would be more beneficial for young people

“zoning out “ carries negative connotations. This implies that such games encourage us to abandon our ability to think.