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Close Reading at NQ

In this course, you will learn how to effectively perform close reading, a critical skill for analyzing texts. Close reading involves reading passages and answering questions to evaluate and analyze the writing style. This assessment counts for 50% of your final grade.

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Close Reading at NQ

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  1. Close Reading at NQ Is it really that different to what I have done before?

  2. What does it involve? • You will undertake close reading throughout the course of the year. • You will be assessed in this area at least twice. • You will have to sit a Close reading NAB which you must pass in order to be allowed to sit the final exam. • Close reading forms 50% of the final assessment. • This means that it counts as 50% of your final grade.

  3. What do I have to do then? • A close reading generally consists of two passages that must be read. • You will then be asked questions on the separate passages. • At the end of the question paper there is a question (or two) that ask you to evaluate the two texts and analyse the way that they have been written

  4. It's not as hard as you may think. It gets easy... when you learn to READ the questions.

  5. NAB This is a 30 mark paper. You must gain at least 15 marks in order to pass. It is essential that you pass this assessment in order to continue with the course. There will be one opportunity for reassessment. This is assessed internally. Final Exam ( and the prelim of course!) This is a 50 mark paper. Generally you must obtain at least half marks in order to pass. The prelim is marked internally and forms ( combined with prelim essay marks) the estimate that will be sent to the SQA. Your Close reading exam is marked externally by SQA examiners. Marking

  6. Types of Questions • The passage is divided into questions that focus on three main areas. • Understanding • Analysis • Evaluation

  7. UNDERSTANDING ( U) • Explain: Put into your own words • Context: Give the meaning of the word or phrase • Specify items of context that give clues to the meaning • Say how these items help you work out the meaning • Summary: Identify the main point (using topic sentences of passage) • Identify the unifying factor (the topic sentence of your summary) • Write the points in a paragraph of your own sentences

  8. What’s this asking me to do? Understanding questions ask you to show your knowledge of what has been written. We are basically asking you to demonstrate that you understand what something means. This usually involves you putting it in your own words.

  9. Analysis • Analysis questions ask you to name atechnique and then go on to explain how it functions.

  10. ANALYSIS ( A) • ANALYSIS: • Structure of passage/link: • Say what has gone before • Say what comes after • Specify the technique that links them • Comment on/show how an idea is highlighted: • Specify the feature (word choice, technique, sentence structure) • Identify how it relates to meaning • Say how it helps bring out the idea • Show how a feature is developed: • Specify other/related examples of feature (wordchoice, technique, s/s) • Say how these help strengthen/change the effect • Comment on the tone of: • Identify the tone (the way it might be said) • Specify how the tone is gained (wordchoice, technique, s/s) • Say how the tone affects what is being said

  11. EVALUATION • Evaluation questions ask you to explain why you feel something that the author has expressed is effective. • A little tip: If the question paper asks you to explain why some thing is effective that’s because it IS WELL WRITTEN! Generally answers that argue differently gain very few marks.

  12. EVALUATION (E) • EVALUATION: • 8.Specific Evaluation: how well a particular aspect of CONTENT, STRUCTURE, SYLE fits in with the purpose, structure or style of the rest of the passage. • 9. General Evaluation: how well does the passage achieve its purpose: focus on those aspects of CONTENT, STRUCTURE, STYLE which you feel enhance or detract from the purpose. • Comparison of two passages (Exam only): focus on similar and contrasting aspects of CONTENT, STRUCTURE, STYLE and how well they are successful in achieving the purposes of each passage. • In all evaluations: Make points first • Back up points with specific references to content, structure,style. • Comment on how well the specifics are used in relation to the focus of the question.

  13. Relax. It's actually quite easy... when you learn HOW to READ the questions.

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