Higher Close Higher Close Reading SkillsReading Skills

Section A: Section A: UNDERSTANDINGUNDERSTANDING

Section A: Section A: UNDERSTANDING THE UNDERSTANDING THE

MEANINGMEANING

1) Using your own words1) Using your own words

2) Context questions2) Context questions

3) Link questions3) Link questions

1) USING YOUR OWN 1) USING YOUR OWN WORDSWORDS

USING YOUR OWN USING YOUR OWN WORDSWORDS

Some interpretation questions, like the example Some interpretation questions, like the example below from a recent Higher English examination below from a recent Higher English examination paper, are designed to test whether you paper, are designed to test whether you understand the basic meaning of the passage.understand the basic meaning of the passage.

Question:Question: Paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 deal with the Paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 deal with the “issues” referred to in line 69. “issues” referred to in line 69. In your own In your own wordswords, describe clearly what the three main , describe clearly what the three main issues are.issues are.

6 marks6 marks

USING YOUR OWN USING YOUR OWN WORDSWORDS

You will be asked to gather pieces of information which you You will be asked to gather pieces of information which you must must answer as far as possible in your own wordsanswer as far as possible in your own words. .

Simple wordsSimple words from the original passage from the original passage may be usedmay be used if there if there is is no obvious alternativeno obvious alternative, but where there is an obvious , but where there is an obvious alternative you should use one. alternative you should use one.

Figures of speechFigures of speech in the original must always be put into plain in the original must always be put into plain language, and any language, and any non-standard expressionnon-standard expression, for example , for example slang or archaisms (old-fashioned words), must be rendered in slang or archaisms (old-fashioned words), must be rendered in simple, formal, modern English.simple, formal, modern English.

* * Warning!!!!Warning!!!! It is essential that you It is essential that you do not “lift” whole do not “lift” whole phrases or sentencesphrases or sentences from the original: these will from the original: these will notnot be be awarded any marks, even though you have understood the awarded any marks, even though you have understood the question and the answer is correct.question and the answer is correct.

WHAT THE EXAMINER IS WHAT THE EXAMINER IS LOOKING FORLOOKING FOR

WHAT THE EXAMINER IS LOOKING WHAT THE EXAMINER IS LOOKING FORFOR

How much should you write? Every exam paper How much should you write? Every exam paper has what is called a “marking scheme”: the has what is called a “marking scheme”: the number of marks which are allocated to each number of marks which are allocated to each question. question.

A marker cannot give you any more than the A marker cannot give you any more than the number allotted, and he will look for the number allotted, and he will look for the required amount of information before awarding required amount of information before awarding full marks to a question. full marks to a question.

OWN WORDS QUESTION OWN WORDS QUESTION BREAKDOWNBREAKDOWN

Before you write your answer, you must Before you write your answer, you must take note of take note of the number of marks availablethe number of marks available. For two marks, it is . For two marks, it is likely you will need to supply two pieces of information, likely you will need to supply two pieces of information, but alternatively you might be required to give one but alternatively you might be required to give one detailed piece or four brief pieces.detailed piece or four brief pieces.

It will be necessary for you to It will be necessary for you to consider the wording consider the wording of the question carefullyof the question carefully for guidance. Occasionally, for guidance. Occasionally, direct guidance may not be given and in this case you direct guidance may not be given and in this case you must use your common sense.must use your common sense.

Obviously, one brief piece of information will be Obviously, one brief piece of information will be inadequate for a four mark question; conversely, inadequate for a four mark question; conversely, providing a ten line answer for a one mark question is providing a ten line answer for a one mark question is unwise as you will waste valuable time.unwise as you will waste valuable time.

‘‘Thinking of Grandpa now, I recall the clouds of Thinking of Grandpa now, I recall the clouds of pungent smoke that he puffed from his favourite briar, pungent smoke that he puffed from his favourite briar, his small shrewd eyes, still very blue, and the his small shrewd eyes, still very blue, and the gleaming dome rising from fleecy tufts of white hair.’gleaming dome rising from fleecy tufts of white hair.’

Question:Question: What three characteristics of “Grandpa” What three characteristics of “Grandpa” does the author remember?does the author remember?

3 marks3 marks

Answer: Answer: She remembers her grandfather smoked a She remembers her grandfather smoked a strong-smelling pipe. He also had intelligent bright strong-smelling pipe. He also had intelligent bright blue eyes and a bald head with a little fluffy white hair.blue eyes and a bald head with a little fluffy white hair.

WORKED EXAMPLEWORKED EXAMPLE

ANSWERANSWER Understanding of “briar” is shown by using the more Understanding of “briar” is shown by using the more

general term “pipe”. The metaphor “gleaming dome” is general term “pipe”. The metaphor “gleaming dome” is simplified to “bald head”. simplified to “bald head”.

Since the word “eyes” is a common word with no Since the word “eyes” is a common word with no obvious alternatives it may be used again. obvious alternatives it may be used again.

There are several possible alternative words for There are several possible alternative words for “shrewd”, and “intelligent” is an acceptable one. Since “shrewd”, and “intelligent” is an acceptable one. Since “grandpa” is colloquial, the more formal “grandfather” “grandpa” is colloquial, the more formal “grandfather” is used in the answer.is used in the answer.

If the question were worth only 1 or 1 1/2 marks, it If the question were worth only 1 or 1 1/2 marks, it could be answered more briefly: Her grandfather could be answered more briefly: Her grandfather smoked a pipe, he had blue eyes, and was very bald.smoked a pipe, he had blue eyes, and was very bald.

FOR PRACTICEFOR PRACTICE

2) CONTEXT QUESTIONS2) CONTEXT QUESTIONS

CONTEXT QUESTIONSCONTEXT QUESTIONS

As well as showing that you understand the As well as showing that you understand the writer’s general meaning, you will also be writer’s general meaning, you will also be asked more precise questions, to show you asked more precise questions, to show you understand particular words and phrases.understand particular words and phrases.

For Example:For Example:

‘‘Show how the first sentence provides a Show how the first sentence provides a context which enables you to understand the context which enables you to understand the meaning of the word’...2 marksmeaning of the word’...2 marks

CONTEXT QUESTIONSCONTEXT QUESTIONS In a so-called “Context” question, such as the one In a so-called “Context” question, such as the one

above, you will be asked: above, you will be asked:

(a)(a) to to explain the meaningexplain the meaning of a word or phrase, and of a word or phrase, and also also

(b)(b) to show to show how you deduced the meaninghow you deduced the meaning from its from its placing in the text. placing in the text.

This involves This involves identifying cluesidentifying clues in the sentences in the sentences immediately surroundingimmediately surrounding the word. the word.

You must You must quotequote these words or phrases that provide these words or phrases that provide the clues and briefly explain how they help to confirm the clues and briefly explain how they help to confirm the meaning.the meaning.

CONTEXT QUESTION CONTEXT QUESTION BREAKDOWNBREAKDOWN

If the context question is worth 2 marks, you will If the context question is worth 2 marks, you will generally be awarded if follow the generally be awarded if follow the formulaformula below: below:

A) A) 1 mark1 mark for getting the for getting the meaningmeaning right and right and

B) B) 1 mark1 mark for the for the quoted piece of evidencequoted piece of evidence with with a a brief explanationbrief explanation. .

It is usually possible and It is usually possible and advisableadvisable to to quote twoquote two pieces of evidence and pieces of evidence and it is essentialit is essential if the question if the question is is worth a total of 3 marksworth a total of 3 marks..

WORKED EXAMPLEWORKED EXAMPLE Here is a worked example:Here is a worked example: The rumour that Douglas was a prisoner was The rumour that Douglas was a prisoner was

still still unsubstantiatedunsubstantiated.. There had been no There had been no witnesses to his bailing out of the plane, and no witnesses to his bailing out of the plane, and no solid information could be expected from solid information could be expected from beyond enemy lines for weeks, perhaps even beyond enemy lines for weeks, perhaps even months.months.

Question:Question: ‘‘Show how the context helped you arrive at the Show how the context helped you arrive at the

meaning of the word meaning of the word unsubstantiatedunsubstantiated.’.’ 2 marks2 marks

AnswerAnswer A)A) The word “unsubstantiated” clearly means The word “unsubstantiated” clearly means

unconfirmed. (unconfirmed. (1 mark1 mark) )

B i)B i) The context makes this clear as it says The context makes this clear as it says there were there were “no witnesses”“no witnesses” who could say for who could say for sure the news was true ( sure the news was true ( ½ mark½ mark), ),

B ii)B ii) and the phrase and the phrase “no solid information”“no solid information” also repeats the idea of there being no firm also repeats the idea of there being no firm proof. ( proof. ( ½ mark½ mark))

FOR PRACTICEFOR PRACTICE

3) LINK QUESTIONS3) LINK QUESTIONS

LINK QUESTIONSLINK QUESTIONS Another type of question which is designed to Another type of question which is designed to

test your test your understanding of meaningunderstanding of meaning, as well , as well as your as your appreciation of the structure of a appreciation of the structure of a texttext, is the so-called , is the so-called “link”“link” question. question.

You will be asked to show how one sentence You will be asked to show how one sentence provides a “link” in the argument. provides a “link” in the argument.

The “argument” need not be a discussion: here The “argument” need not be a discussion: here “argument” means the “argument” means the progression of ideasprogression of ideas in in a piece of writing and the link will a piece of writing and the link will join one idea join one idea to the next.to the next.

LINK QUESTION BREAKDOWNLINK QUESTION BREAKDOWN QUESTION:QUESTION: “And therein lies the rub’ Explain how this sentence acts as a “And therein lies the rub’ Explain how this sentence acts as a

link between the first paragraph and the two following paragraphs.link between the first paragraph and the two following paragraphs.2 marks2 marks

Usually, Usually, but not invariablybut not invariably, the “link” sentence will , the “link” sentence will stand at the beginning stand at the beginning of a paragraph. of a paragraph.

Part of the sentence — often, Part of the sentence — often, but not alwaysbut not always, ,

A) the first partA) the first part — will — will refer backrefer back to the to the previous topicprevious topic

and and

B)B) another partanother part of the sentence of the sentence will introducewill introduce the the new topic which new topic which followsfollows. .

Such questions are Such questions are usually worth 2 marksusually worth 2 marks, which are awarded for correctly , which are awarded for correctly identifying the parts of the sentenceidentifying the parts of the sentence that that link back and forwardlink back and forward and and the the two topics which they connect.two topics which they connect.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO!WHAT YOU SHOULD DO! You should You should show the linkshow the link by following the by following the formula formula

below: below:

A)A) first first quotingquoting the part of the link sentence which the part of the link sentence which refersrefers back back to the earlier topic, to the earlier topic,

B)B) explainingexplaining what this topic is, what this topic is, C)C) and then and then quotingquoting the part of the link sentence the part of the link sentence

which looks forward to the next topic, which looks forward to the next topic, D)D) explainingexplaining what this is. what this is.

E)E) The sentence may also begin with a The sentence may also begin with a linking wordlinking word or phrase such as or phrase such as “but”“but” or or “however”“however” which points to which points to a change of direction and a change of direction and you should also comment you should also comment on this. on this.

WORKED EXAMPLEWORKED EXAMPLE Here is a worked example:Here is a worked example: ‘‘William Shakespeare is easily the best-known of William Shakespeare is easily the best-known of

our English writers. Virtually every man in the our English writers. Virtually every man in the street can name some of his plays and his street can name some of his plays and his characters, and many people can also recite lines characters, and many people can also recite lines of his poetry by heart. of his poetry by heart. However, despite our However, despite our familiarity with his work, we know relatively little familiarity with his work, we know relatively little of the man himself.of the man himself. We do not know when or why We do not know when or why he became an actor, we know nothing of his life in he became an actor, we know nothing of his life in London, and almost nothing of his personal London, and almost nothing of his personal concerns.’concerns.’

QuestionQuestion Show how the third sentence acts as a link in the Show how the third sentence acts as a link in the

argument. argument. 2 marks2 marks

AnswerAnswer

The phrase “our familiarity with his work” The phrase “our familiarity with his work” looks backlooks back at the at the topictopic of how of how widely known Shakespeare’s widely known Shakespeare’s work is. work is.

The conjunction The conjunction “however”“however” which which begins the begins the sentencesentence suggests a suggests a contrasting idea to followcontrasting idea to follow. .

The second part of the sentenceThe second part of the sentence, “we know , “we know relatively little of the man himself’, introduces the new relatively little of the man himself’, introduces the new topictopic, namely , namely the things that are not known about the things that are not known about ShakespeareShakespeare, and a list of these follows this “link” , and a list of these follows this “link” sentence.sentence.

Section B: Section B: ANALYSISANALYSIS

Section B: Section B: APPRECIATING THE STYLEAPPRECIATING THE STYLE

1) Word Choice1) Word Choice

2) Imagery2) Imagery

3) Structure3) Structure

4) Tone, Mood and Atmosphere4) Tone, Mood and Atmosphere

Introduction…Introduction… The most important thing to remember when The most important thing to remember when

tackling analysis questions is to make sure you tackling analysis questions is to make sure you are absolutely clear on what you are being are absolutely clear on what you are being asked to do. asked to do.

Remember that in an Analysis question it is Remember that in an Analysis question it is unlikely that you will be being asked merely to unlikely that you will be being asked merely to explain meaning. explain meaning.

If that were the case, the question would be If that were the case, the question would be marked U. marked U.

Key PointsKey Points There are four pointers to what kind of question you are being asked:There are four pointers to what kind of question you are being asked:

11 The use of the letter The use of the letter AA to remind you that analysis is required.to remind you that analysis is required.

22 The naming of a particular The naming of a particular feature or techniquefeature or technique in the question, for in the question, for example:example:

Show how the writer uses Show how the writer uses imageryimagery in lines x—y to emphasise the impact in lines x—y to emphasise the impact of... of...

3 3 The instruction to look at a section and then ‘Show how...’ with a The instruction to look at a section and then ‘Show how...’ with a list of list of possible featurespossible features which you might try, for example: which you might try, for example:

Show how the writer conveys his feelings in lines x—y. In your answer you Show how the writer conveys his feelings in lines x—y. In your answer you may refer to may refer to tone, point of view, onomatopoeia, imagery, or any other tone, point of view, onomatopoeia, imagery, or any other appropriate language feature.appropriate language feature.

44 The instruction to look at the writer’s The instruction to look at the writer’s languagelanguage and ‘Show how...’, for and ‘Show how...’, for example:example:

Show how the writer’s Show how the writer’s languagelanguage in lines x—y highlights the importance of... in lines x—y highlights the importance of... In this last case there is no named technique or feature to guide you. You In this last case there is no named technique or feature to guide you. You

must go through your own mental list of techniques and see which you can must go through your own mental list of techniques and see which you can identify as being important, before you can start your answer. You would identify as being important, before you can start your answer. You would probably consider more than one feature.probably consider more than one feature.

Common MistakesCommon Mistakes In the fourth type of question people sometimes In the fourth type of question people sometimes

make the mistake of assuming that make the mistake of assuming that languagelanguage simply equals meaning and paraphrase the simply equals meaning and paraphrase the lines to show that they have understood them. lines to show that they have understood them. This will get This will get 0 marks0 marks because it ignores two because it ignores two important instructions:important instructions:

• • The The AA 4 the end of the question4 the end of the question

• ‘• ‘Show howShow how…’…’ something works something works

Be aware of lists in questionsBe aware of lists in questions

There are two kinds of lists:There are two kinds of lists: • • closed listsclosed lists • • open lists open lists

Closed ListsClosed Lists An example of an An example of an closed listclosed list would be: would be:

Example 1Example 1 How does the writer’s language make clear her How does the writer’s language make clear her

annoyance with the newspapers?annoyance with the newspapers? You should comment on two of the following You should comment on two of the following

techniques:techniques: word choice, imagery, sentence structure, tone.word choice, imagery, sentence structure, tone.

In this case, there are no other options In this case, there are no other options available: you have to do two from that list.available: you have to do two from that list.

Open ListsOpen Lists

An example of an An example of an open listopen list would be: would be:

Example 2Example 2

How does the writer’s language make clear her annoyance with How does the writer’s language make clear her annoyance with the newspapers?the newspapers?

You should comment on two of the following:You should comment on two of the following: word choice, imagery, sentence structure, tone, word choice, imagery, sentence structure, tone, or any other or any other

appropriate technique.appropriate technique.

Here you are being given the opportunity to do any two Here you are being given the opportunity to do any two techniques which seem to you to be appropriate. The chances techniques which seem to you to be appropriate. The chances

are, though, that the ones which have been listed will be usefulare, though, that the ones which have been listed will be useful

Another example of an open Another example of an open list would be:list would be:

Example 3Example 3

How does the writer’s language make clear her annoyance with How does the writer’s language make clear her annoyance with the newspapers?the newspapers?

You should comment on techniques such as word choice, You should comment on techniques such as word choice, imagery, sentence structure, tone...imagery, sentence structure, tone...

‘‘Such as’ means that there are other techniques which are not Such as’ means that there are other techniques which are not mentioned but which you could try. The three dots indicate that mentioned but which you could try. The three dots indicate that

the list could go on for ever.the list could go on for ever.

The ability to work out how a list can be helpful to you is The ability to work out how a list can be helpful to you is necessary in the Close Reading paper, but it also has a part to necessary in the Close Reading paper, but it also has a part to play in the Critical Essay paper, as you will see when you get to play in the Critical Essay paper, as you will see when you get to that section of the book.that section of the book.

SummarySummary

NamedNamed features? features? A A closed listclosed list of of

features?features? An An open listopen list of of

featuresfeatures • ‘• ‘The writer’s The writer’s

languagelanguage’ and make ’ and make your own list?your own list?

One One or or another?another?

One One andand another? another?

One One and/orand/or another? another?

More than one?More than one?

Make sure that you recognise what you are to do in Analysis Make sure that you recognise what you are to do in Analysis

questions.questions.

In your answer, are you being asked to refer to:In your answer, are you being asked to refer to:

1) Word Choice Questions 1) Word Choice Questions

Word ChoiceWord Choice

This is a very simple idea. This is a very simple idea.

When you are being asked about word When you are being asked about word choice you are simply being asked to choice you are simply being asked to look at the words and see why the writer look at the words and see why the writer has chosen those particular words to has chosen those particular words to describe some thing or some feeling, describe some thing or some feeling, rather than any other similar words.rather than any other similar words.

For ExampleFor Example

A person who is under average weight for his or her A person who is under average weight for his or her height, for example, could be called ‘height, for example, could be called ‘underweightunderweight’, ’, ‘‘skinnyskinny’, or ‘’, or ‘slimslim’.’.

What would be the effect if the writer chose the word What would be the effect if the writer chose the word ‘underweight’?‘underweight’?

Probably you could say that the person was being Probably you could say that the person was being looked at in a clinical, sort of medical way, and being looked at in a clinical, sort of medical way, and being seen as in need of treatment. Perhaps the context of seen as in need of treatment. Perhaps the context of the passage might be a political one, talking about the passage might be a political one, talking about disadvantaged areas where people do not get enough disadvantaged areas where people do not get enough to eat.to eat.

For ExampleFor Example

If the writer chose to use the word ‘If the writer chose to use the word ‘skinnyskinny’, ’, what would be the effect?what would be the effect?

The person is being described as thin but in an The person is being described as thin but in an unattractive way, perhaps suggesting unattractive way, perhaps suggesting something angular and bony.something angular and bony.

If the writer chose ‘If the writer chose ‘slimslim’, what would be the ’, what would be the effect of this particular word?effect of this particular word?

Again the person is being described as thin, Again the person is being described as thin, but in an attractive way, suggesting perhaps a but in an attractive way, suggesting perhaps a smooth, neat, elegant appearance.smooth, neat, elegant appearance.

ConnotationsConnotations

‘‘Underweight’, ‘thin’, ‘skinny’Underweight’, ‘thin’, ‘skinny’ and and ‘slim’‘slim’ all mean all mean roughly the same,roughly the same,

the effect of choosing one of them instead of the effect of choosing one of them instead of the other three is quite powerful. the other three is quite powerful.

What makes the difference is the What makes the difference is the connotationconnotation of each word.of each word.

Denotation and ConnotationDenotation and Connotation

You should be aware of the difference between the You should be aware of the difference between the denotationdenotation of a word and its of a word and its connotation(s).connotation(s).

DenotationDenotation — The — The denotation denotation of a word is its basic, of a word is its basic, plain meaning, if you like. If you are asked an plain meaning, if you like. If you are asked an Understanding question about a word or phrase, what Understanding question about a word or phrase, what you are trying to give as an answer is its denotation — you are trying to give as an answer is its denotation — its ‘meaning’its ‘meaning’

ConnotationConnotation — When you are asked an Analysis — When you are asked an Analysis question about word choice you are required to give question about word choice you are required to give the the connotation(s)connotation(s) of the word — which contribute to of the word — which contribute to its impact or effect.its impact or effect.

To take our present To take our present example:example:

WORDWORD DENOTATIONDENOTATION CONNOTATIONCONNOTATION

UnderweightUnderweight ThinThin A clinical, sort of medical A clinical, sort of medical

picture, being seen as inpicture, being seen as in

need of treatmentneed of treatment

SkinnySkinny ThinThin In an unattractive way, perhaps In an unattractive way, perhaps suggesting something angular, suggesting something angular, bony bony

SlimSlim ThinThin In an attractive way, smooth, In an attractive way, smooth, neat, elegant appearanceneat, elegant appearance

Worked ExampleWorked Example ‘‘Transferring the Transferring the sultry sensualitysultry sensuality of a Latin* street dance to Edinburgh on a of a Latin* street dance to Edinburgh on a

wet winter’s nightwet winter’s night would not appear the easiest of tasks. The rain would not appear the easiest of tasks. The rain battersbatters the the glass roof of the studio, competing in volume with the glass roof of the studio, competing in volume with the merengue** blaringmerengue** blaring from the sound system. In the background, the castle, lit up, from the sound system. In the background, the castle, lit up, stares down stares down grandlygrandly against the against the foreboding skiesforeboding skies.’.’

* Latin is short for Latin American* Latin is short for Latin American ** merengue is a form of Venezuelan dance music** merengue is a form of Venezuelan dance music

Question: Show how the word choice in these lines helps to point up Question: Show how the word choice in these lines helps to point up the contrast described here. 2Athe contrast described here. 2A

Since you are asked for a contrast here, it is certain that you will have Since you are asked for a contrast here, it is certain that you will have to look at to look at two examplestwo examples of word choice: of word choice: one for each side of the one for each side of the contrastcontrast. .

All the words in All the words in yellowyellow type could be used in your answer, but it makes type could be used in your answer, but it makes sense to choose sense to choose two wordstwo words or phrases which you can see something or phrases which you can see something obvious about.obvious about.

AnswerAnswer Answer 1: ‘Sultry sensuality’ suggests something hot Answer 1: ‘Sultry sensuality’ suggests something hot

and sexy which is normally associated with warm and sexy which is normally associated with warm sunny places in contrast with ‘foreboding skies’ which sunny places in contrast with ‘foreboding skies’ which suggests something dark and threatening and gloomy suggests something dark and threatening and gloomy or ‘wet winter’s night’ which suggests cold, which is or ‘wet winter’s night’ which suggests cold, which is inhibiting to the emotions.inhibiting to the emotions.

OrOr

Answer 2: ‘The rain batters’ suggests an assault on Answer 2: ‘The rain batters’ suggests an assault on the roof, as if the rain is trying to get in and drown out the roof, as if the rain is trying to get in and drown out the dancing in contrast with the ‘merengue blaring’ the dancing in contrast with the ‘merengue blaring’ which suggests something enjoyable, loud, warm and which suggests something enjoyable, loud, warm and confident.confident.

Hints and TipsHints and Tips Note that word choice may be extended to cover a short phrase Note that word choice may be extended to cover a short phrase

as well as single words but you have to quote exactly what as well as single words but you have to quote exactly what word or phrase you are going to consider in your answer.word or phrase you are going to consider in your answer.

You can do this by putting the word or phrase you are going to You can do this by putting the word or phrase you are going to deal with in inverted commas, or you could underline the deal with in inverted commas, or you could underline the relevant words. relevant words.

But you have to show the marker which words or phrases you But you have to show the marker which words or phrases you have chosen. have chosen.

You can’t write down something as long as ‘the castle, lit up, You can’t write down something as long as ‘the castle, lit up, stares down grandly against the foreboding skies’.stares down grandly against the foreboding skies’.

Key Points - SummaryKey Points - Summary It is important to realise that normally you get It is important to realise that normally you get no no

marksmarks for identifying for identifying interesting wordsinteresting words..

If you wrote down ‘sultry sensuality’ and batters’ you If you wrote down ‘sultry sensuality’ and batters’ you would get would get no marksno marks

If you wrote down sultry sensuality and ‘batters’ and If you wrote down sultry sensuality and ‘batters’ and simply say what the words mean you would get simply say what the words mean you would get no no marksmarks..

All the marksAll the marks that you are going to get will arise from that you are going to get will arise from the the connotationsconnotations which you discuss. which you discuss.

For Practice…For Practice…

2) Imagery Questions 2) Imagery Questions

ImageryImagery

This is a little harder to grasp than word This is a little harder to grasp than word choice, but once you have understood choice, but once you have understood the approach to imagery questions then the approach to imagery questions then you can apply that approach to all you can apply that approach to all examples.examples.

Common Mistakes Common Mistakes

Imagery does not meanImagery does not mean ‘descriptive writing’ of ‘descriptive writing’ of the kind which uses lots of adjectives to the kind which uses lots of adjectives to describe scenes and settings in a series of describe scenes and settings in a series of ‘pictures’. ‘pictures’.

For example, although this passage creates For example, although this passage creates pictures of a scene by choosing accurate pictures of a scene by choosing accurate descriptive words, it is not ‘imagery’ as it is descriptive words, it is not ‘imagery’ as it is meant in the context of the Close Reading meant in the context of the Close Reading Paper.Paper.

For example…For example… For example, although this passage creates pictures For example, although this passage creates pictures

of a scene by choosing accurate descriptive words, it of a scene by choosing accurate descriptive words, it is not ‘imagery’ as it is meant in the context of the is not ‘imagery’ as it is meant in the context of the Close Reading Paper. Close Reading Paper.

Down on the level, its pink walls, and straggling roses, Down on the level, its pink walls, and straggling roses, and green-painted rain barrel hidden by a thick dusty and green-painted rain barrel hidden by a thick dusty planting of spruce and arch, was Fin-me-oot Cottage, planting of spruce and arch, was Fin-me-oot Cottage, where house martins flocked to nest in summer, and where house martins flocked to nest in summer, and small birds found plenteous food on the bird tables small birds found plenteous food on the bird tables when the winter came with frost and snow. There, when the winter came with frost and snow. There, way-wise deer went in the windy autumn dawns to bite way-wise deer went in the windy autumn dawns to bite at fallen apples in the little orchard.at fallen apples in the little orchard.

Figures of speechFigures of speech ImageryImagery in its in its technical technical sense is mainly concerned sense is mainly concerned

with three ‘figures of speech’:with three ‘figures of speech’:

similesimile metaphormetaphor personification.personification.

Also included in this section are other aspects of Also included in this section are other aspects of imagery that work in slightly different ways:imagery that work in slightly different ways:

metonymymetonymy symbolism.symbolism.

i) Similei) Simile

A) SimileA) Simile This is the easiest of the figures of speech. You This is the easiest of the figures of speech. You

all learned about it in Primary School and you all learned about it in Primary School and you know that it is signified by the use of ‘like’ or ‘as know that it is signified by the use of ‘like’ or ‘as (big) as’, for example:(big) as’, for example:

• ‘• ‘The messenger ran The messenger ran likelike the wind.’ the wind.’ • ‘• ‘The poppies were The poppies were asas red red asas blood.’ blood.’

When you are asked in a question to deal with When you are asked in a question to deal with these, what do you do? The question will be these, what do you do? The question will be about the impact or effect of the image.about the impact or effect of the image.

Example 1Example 1 ‘‘the messenger ran ‘like the wind’the messenger ran ‘like the wind’

It would not be enough to say ‘the messenger ran very fast’ because It would not be enough to say ‘the messenger ran very fast’ because this just gives the this just gives the meaning meaning of the phrase and you were asked about of the phrase and you were asked about its its effecteffect..

A better start would be:A better start would be: The image (or the simile) ‘the messenger ran like the wind’ gives the The image (or the simile) ‘the messenger ran like the wind’ gives the

impression of speed because the wind is fast.impression of speed because the wind is fast. But this is still not really going far enough to explain why the writer But this is still not really going far enough to explain why the writer

chose ‘wind’. An even better answer would be:chose ‘wind’. An even better answer would be:

The image (or the simile) ‘the messenger ran like the wind’The image (or the simile) ‘the messenger ran like the wind’ gives the gives the impression of speed because the wind is seen as a powerful force impression of speed because the wind is seen as a powerful force which reaches great speedswhich reaches great speeds. . It might also suggest that the runner It might also suggest that the runner was going so fast that he was creating a turbulence like a wind.was going so fast that he was creating a turbulence like a wind.

What you are doing here is recognising some of the What you are doing here is recognising some of the connotationsconnotations of of ‘wind’, not just its ‘wind’, not just its denotationdenotation, exactly as we did in the word choice , exactly as we did in the word choice section (seesection (see

Example 2Example 2 ‘‘the poppies were as red as blood’the poppies were as red as blood’

AnswerAnswer This simileThis simile is effective because it tries to is effective because it tries to

communicate the intensity of thecommunicate the intensity of the red colour of red colour of the poppiesthe poppies. . The word ‘blood’The word ‘blood’ suggests not just suggests not just colour, but density, perhaps even shininess, colour, but density, perhaps even shininess, which helps you to picture the richness of the which helps you to picture the richness of the poppies.poppies.

Hints and TipsHints and Tips In both the previous examples it helps if you can ‘see’ In both the previous examples it helps if you can ‘see’

the image. the image.

Can you see the wind? Can you see the blood? If you Can you see the wind? Can you see the blood? If you were painting them, how would you do it? Would the were painting them, how would you do it? Would the wind be represented by streaks of light? Would the wind be represented by streaks of light? Would the blood be shiny? It helps if you can see these things in blood be shiny? It helps if you can see these things in your mind’s eye, in your imagination.your mind’s eye, in your imagination.

It is worth noting that in all examples of imagery there It is worth noting that in all examples of imagery there are wide variety of possible answers — it depends on are wide variety of possible answers — it depends on your experience, your range of connotations and your your experience, your range of connotations and your personal ‘pictures’.personal ‘pictures’.

For Practice…For Practice…

ii) Metaphorii) Metaphor

B) MetaphorB) Metaphor A metaphor is probably the most powerful A metaphor is probably the most powerful

(and magical) device in language.(and magical) device in language.

If you can get to grips with this aspect of If you can get to grips with this aspect of English, you are home and dry.English, you are home and dry.

Metaphor goes one step further Metaphor goes one step further than Simile:than Simile:

Simile Simile says something is says something is likelike something — the woman is like a cat. something — the woman is like a cat. MetaphorMetaphor says something says something isis something — the woman is a cat. something — the woman is a cat.

The The firstfirst of these statements can be ‘true’ — the way the woman moved of these statements can be ‘true’ — the way the woman moved reminded you of the way a cat moved, sinuously and quietly, perhaps.reminded you of the way a cat moved, sinuously and quietly, perhaps.

The The second second of these statements is not ‘true’ — the woman is not, literally, a of these statements is not ‘true’ — the woman is not, literally, a cat; she is human. cat; she is human.

However, it suggests that the attributes of both cat and woman are shared. However, it suggests that the attributes of both cat and woman are shared. The attributes, or The attributes, or connotations connotations of ‘cat’ are things such as aloofness, of ‘cat’ are things such as aloofness, elegance, claws, beauty, independence, distrust and aggression. elegance, claws, beauty, independence, distrust and aggression.

These are all reminiscent of a certain kind of cat, which transfers to a certain These are all reminiscent of a certain kind of cat, which transfers to a certain kind of woman. kind of woman.

The metaphor fuses the concepts of ‘cat’ and ‘woman’ together to make an The metaphor fuses the concepts of ‘cat’ and ‘woman’ together to make an entirely new concept. entirely new concept.

The The connotationsconnotations of ‘kitten’ would be entirely different and would suggest a of ‘kitten’ would be entirely different and would suggest a totally different sort of woman.totally different sort of woman.

Good metaphors allow a lot of Good metaphors allow a lot of information to be transferred to information to be transferred to

the reader economically.the reader economically. Think about this metaphor:Think about this metaphor:

‘‘In the wind the men clung on to the big, black, circular In the wind the men clung on to the big, black, circular birds of their umbrellas.’birds of their umbrellas.’

Can you see the two concepts of ‘big, black birds’ and Can you see the two concepts of ‘big, black birds’ and ‘(black) umbrellas’ are being compared and ‘(black) umbrellas’ are being compared and condensed into a new visual concept suggesting, condensed into a new visual concept suggesting, among other things, that the umbrellas are now among other things, that the umbrellas are now animate beings and have a life of their own?animate beings and have a life of their own?

Let’s return to an example we used in the simile Let’s return to an example we used in the simile section.section.

Example 1Example 1 Too many tourists are so Too many tourists are so weddedwedded to their to their

camera that they cease to respond directly to camera that they cease to respond directly to the beauty of the places they visit. They are the beauty of the places they visit. They are content to take home a dozen rolls of exposed content to take home a dozen rolls of exposed film instead, like a bank full of Monopoly money.film instead, like a bank full of Monopoly money.

Show how the metaphor highlights the Show how the metaphor highlights the writer’s disapproval of the touristswriter’s disapproval of the tourists

Breakdown of question…Breakdown of question… The metaphor in this example is in the word ‘wedded’. The The metaphor in this example is in the word ‘wedded’. The

tourist is not literally wedded to his camera — he has not stood tourist is not literally wedded to his camera — he has not stood in front of an official and said ‘I do’ or anything like that. in front of an official and said ‘I do’ or anything like that.

But when we look at the connotations of ‘wedded’ we get a But when we look at the connotations of ‘wedded’ we get a whole lot of ideas like a permanent relationship as the result of whole lot of ideas like a permanent relationship as the result of being married, a close relationship, a dependency, allowing no being married, a close relationship, a dependency, allowing no interest outside the relationship, which has the effect of interest outside the relationship, which has the effect of illustrating how completely indispensable the camera is to the illustrating how completely indispensable the camera is to the tourist.tourist.

If instead of ‘wedded’ the writer had used ‘welded’ we would If instead of ‘wedded’ the writer had used ‘welded’ we would have had a different metaphor to deal with because the tourist have had a different metaphor to deal with because the tourist is not literally ‘welded’ to his camera (painful idea) but the is not literally ‘welded’ to his camera (painful idea) but the connotations would suggest that the camera has become an connotations would suggest that the camera has become an indispensable part of his being as if it had been bonded by heat indispensable part of his being as if it had been bonded by heat to his hand, he can’t leave it behind, and he is trapped by it.to his hand, he can’t leave it behind, and he is trapped by it.

Key Points – Answer formulaKey Points – Answer formula To work with a To work with a metaphor you need tometaphor you need to:: 1 1 Identify a metaphorIdentify a metaphor. But you get . But you get 0 marks0 marks for that on its own. for that on its own.

2 Show how the 2 Show how the connotationsconnotations of the metaphor help to enlarge, or of the metaphor help to enlarge, or refine, your idea of what is being described (e.g. a woman, an refine, your idea of what is being described (e.g. a woman, an umbrella, a tourist).umbrella, a tourist).

3 Show the 3 Show the link betweenlink between the the connotationsconnotations which you have chosen which you have chosen and the and the literal (or denotationalliteral (or denotational) meaning of the words used in the ) meaning of the words used in the metaphor.metaphor.

NOTE: Stages 2 and 3 here could easily be reversed — whichever NOTE: Stages 2 and 3 here could easily be reversed — whichever you find easier.you find easier.

1 We recognised ‘wedded’ as a metaphor because it is not ‘true’ 1 We recognised ‘wedded’ as a metaphor because it is not ‘true’ literally.literally.

2 We could talk about the connotations of ‘wedded’ which give a 2 We could talk about the connotations of ‘wedded’ which give a censorious impression of the tourist and his use, or misuse, of his censorious impression of the tourist and his use, or misuse, of his camera.camera.

3 We have related ‘wedded’ to the 3 We have related ‘wedded’ to the literalliteral idea of idea of being married.being married.

For Practice…For Practice…