National 4/5National 4/5

Close Reading SkillsClose Reading Skills

Today you will…Today you will…

Learn about the different types of question Learn about the different types of question and the techniques required to answer and the techniques required to answer them.them.

Begin to write your own questions.Begin to write your own questions.

General PointsGeneral Points

To achieve and be successful in this area To achieve and be successful in this area you should all be reading regularly.you should all be reading regularly.

This will increase your vocabulary, This will increase your vocabulary, improve your knowledge of writer’s improve your knowledge of writer’s techniques and generally make you a techniques and generally make you a much smarter person!much smarter person!

Understanding QuestionsUnderstanding Questions

These questions show that you have These questions show that you have understood the writer’s meaning.understood the writer’s meaning.

You will need a good vocabulary as these You will need a good vocabulary as these questions require you to put your answers questions require you to put your answers into your own words.into your own words.

Analysis QuestionsAnalysis Questions

Like you would when studying literature, Like you would when studying literature, these questions ask you to analyse the these questions ask you to analyse the techniques used by an author.techniques used by an author.

These could include:These could include:Word choice, imagery, sentence structure, Word choice, imagery, sentence structure,

use of contrast, tone…use of contrast, tone…

Evaluation QuestionsEvaluation Questions

These questions ask you to sum up ideas These questions ask you to sum up ideas and comment on how well the writer has and comment on how well the writer has done.done.

Learning the question types – Go Learning the question types – Go FishFish

Using the sheet provided, create a set Using the sheet provided, create a set flash cards. flash cards.

You will need 18 squares of equal size.You will need 18 squares of equal size.Write the type of question on one square Write the type of question on one square

and how to answer on another.and how to answer on another.Jumble up the cards face down and lay Jumble up the cards face down and lay

down in a grid pattern.down in a grid pattern.Go Fish! The winner is the one with the Go Fish! The winner is the one with the

most pairs.most pairs.

National 4/5National 4/5

Close Reading SkillsClose Reading Skills

Today you will…Today you will…

Learn about the different types of question Learn about the different types of question and the techniques required to answer and the techniques required to answer them – we will focus on U questionsthem – we will focus on U questions

Begin to write your own questions.Begin to write your own questions.

Vocab testVocab test

SurrealSurrealGrotesqueGrotesqueLusciousLuscious

Technique TestTechnique Test

How would you answer an ‘own words’ How would you answer an ‘own words’ question?question?

How would you answer a word choice How would you answer a word choice question?question?

What 3 techniques might you look for in an What 3 techniques might you look for in an imagery question?imagery question?

Surreal - something that seems unreal/ Surreal - something that seems unreal/ dreamlike.dreamlike.

Grotesque – hideous, distorted, abnormal, Grotesque – hideous, distorted, abnormal, unnatural, ugly.unnatural, ugly.

Luscious – pleasing to the sense of tasteLuscious – pleasing to the sense of taste

AnswersAnswers

You need to express the writer’s view in a You need to express the writer’s view in a different way. You do not have to translate different way. You do not have to translate word for word.word for word.

Quote individual words and comment on Quote individual words and comment on their connotations (what the word makes their connotations (what the word makes you think of).you think of).

Simile, personification, metaphorSimile, personification, metaphor

Understanding Questions - Understanding Questions - RememberRemember

You must answer questions in your own You must answer questions in your own words.words.

That doesn’t mean changing each word That doesn’t mean changing each word individually – just express the same idea individually – just express the same idea but in a different way.but in a different way.

If you quote, you will get 0!!If you quote, you will get 0!!You are not asked to analyse (techniques) You are not asked to analyse (techniques)

but to show you UNDERSTAND the ideas.but to show you UNDERSTAND the ideas.

Sample understanding questionsSample understanding questions

In your own words explain why some In your own words explain why some people think Facebook is dangerous.people think Facebook is dangerous.

Give three reasons why social media sites Give three reasons why social media sites can be damaging.can be damaging.

Explain using your own words why the Explain using your own words why the writer has used Lady Gaga as an example writer has used Lady Gaga as an example to show the influence that Twitter can to show the influence that Twitter can have.have.

Explain in your own words what the Explain in your own words what the ‘general perception’ of children’s literature ‘general perception’ of children’s literature is. (Paragraph 2) 1 markis. (Paragraph 2) 1 mark

In your own words, what two pieces of In your own words, what two pieces of information show the extent of Dahl’s information show the extent of Dahl’s popularity? (3) 2 markspopularity? (3) 2 marks

In your own words explain the two sides of In your own words explain the two sides of Dahl’s female characters. (10) 2 marksDahl’s female characters. (10) 2 marks

The normal view of children's’ books is The normal view of children's’ books is that they are pleasant and show an ideal that they are pleasant and show an ideal image of childhood.image of childhood.

He has sold a huge amount of books in He has sold a huge amount of books in Britain. It has also been sold in plenty of Britain. It has also been sold in plenty of other countries as well.other countries as well.

Women in Dahl’s books are either Women in Dahl’s books are either extremely kind or they are cruel and extremely kind or they are cruel and frightening.frightening.

In your groups come up with at least 5 In your groups come up with at least 5 understanding questions.understanding questions.

You must write model answers for each You must write model answers for each one (Remember own words).one (Remember own words).

Pay attention to the amount of marks for Pay attention to the amount of marks for each question. If you are looking for two each question. If you are looking for two things you should offer 2 marks etc.things you should offer 2 marks etc.

You have 15 minutesYou have 15 minutes

Swap questions with another group and Swap questions with another group and answer them.answer them.

Hand back your completed questions.Hand back your completed questions.Mark the answers you have received.Mark the answers you have received.

HomeworkHomework

Find a newspaper article (Metro is fine)Find a newspaper article (Metro is fine)Bring article and questions for MondayBring article and questions for Monday

ANALYSISANALYSISImagery QuestionsImagery Questions

Today you will learn the technique required to Today you will learn the technique required to answer imagery (A) questions.answer imagery (A) questions.

You will be able to put this into practice.You will be able to put this into practice.

Can you remember the correct way to Can you remember the correct way to answer an imagery question?answer an imagery question?

What techniques should you be looking What techniques should you be looking for?for?

Similes, metaphors, personification…Similes, metaphors, personification…

TechniqueTechnique

Explain what the literal origin of the image Explain what the literal origin of the image is.is.

Explain the comparisonExplain the comparisonExplain what point the writer is trying to Explain what point the writer is trying to

make.make.

ExampleExample‘A tidal wave of immigrants’‘A tidal wave of immigrants’

A tidal wave is a huge, powerful, A tidal wave is a huge, powerful, destructive body of water.destructive body of water.

The writer compares the number of The writer compares the number of immigrants to a ‘tidal wave’ showing that immigrants to a ‘tidal wave’ showing that he believes the country is overrun.he believes the country is overrun.

As a ‘tidal wave’ is destructive and As a ‘tidal wave’ is destructive and overpowering the writer shows his view overpowering the writer shows his view that immigrants are a negative influence that immigrants are a negative influence on the country.on the country.

Boroughmuir is a hive of activity.Boroughmuir is a hive of activity.

A ‘hive’ is a structure that houses a great A ‘hive’ is a structure that houses a great number of insects. Bees, for example.number of insects. Bees, for example.

The writer compares Boroughmuir to a The writer compares Boroughmuir to a hive to suggest a place of bustling action.hive to suggest a place of bustling action.

As a ‘hive’ is a place of productive and As a ‘hive’ is a place of productive and purposeful activity the writer shows his purposeful activity the writer shows his belief that Boroughmuir is a place which is belief that Boroughmuir is a place which is both busy yet organised.both busy yet organised.

Try out the followingTry out the following

Morningside Road is one of the city’s main Morningside Road is one of the city’s main arteries.arteries.

The manager was met with an avalanche The manager was met with an avalanche of complaints.of complaints.

Rush hour traffic is like a tideRush hour traffic is like a tide

Now think up 5 images of your own and Now think up 5 images of your own and write sample answers.write sample answers.

Questions from the articleQuestions from the article

How does the image of ‘endless picnics’ How does the image of ‘endless picnics’ help to develop the idea that children’s help to develop the idea that children’s literature is pleasant in content? 2literature is pleasant in content? 2

Explain the image of Dahl as a ‘towering Explain the image of Dahl as a ‘towering figure’. 3figure’. 3

Come up with 4 of your own.Come up with 4 of your own.

AnalysisAnalysisWord ChoiceWord Choice

Today you will learn about word choice Today you will learn about word choice and the techniques required in and the techniques required in

answering W.C questions.answering W.C questions.

What is word choice?What is word choice?

This refers to particular words a writer has This refers to particular words a writer has opted to use to obtain a certain effect.opted to use to obtain a certain effect.

Each word has been carefully selected to Each word has been carefully selected to influence the reader.influence the reader.

For example, why might an author use the For example, why might an author use the word ‘staggered’ instead of ‘walked’?word ‘staggered’ instead of ‘walked’?

Connotation vs. denotation Connotation vs. denotation

Denotation: what a word literally meansDenotation: what a word literally meansConnotation: all the other things that come Connotation: all the other things that come

to mind when thinking of a particular word.to mind when thinking of a particular word.

E.g. Angel DevilE.g. Angel Devil

What do these words denote and what do What do these words denote and what do they connote? they connote?

Write down the denotations and Write down the denotations and connotations for the following connotations for the following

words:words:WhiteWhiteBlackBlackPigPigRocketRocketPeacockPeacockdaggerdagger

TechniqueTechnique

Quote key wordsQuote key words Say what you associate with the word Say what you associate with the word

(connotations)(connotations) Say what the effect of the word isSay what the effect of the word is

Go through the examples on the sheet (in note Go through the examples on the sheet (in note form).form).

Extension: Try writing your own sentences for Extension: Try writing your own sentences for another group to analyse.another group to analyse.

The hospital walls were green and The hospital walls were green and yellowyellow

Why has the author used the words ‘green Why has the author used the words ‘green and yellow’?and yellow’?

‘‘Green and yellow’ have connotations of Green and yellow’ have connotations of sickness and disease. This helps to sickness and disease. This helps to remind us that hospitals are places of remind us that hospitals are places of sickness as well as health.sickness as well as health.

In the second paragraph why does the In the second paragraph why does the author use the word ‘pursued’?author use the word ‘pursued’?

What does the word ‘fantastical’ suggest What does the word ‘fantastical’ suggest about the kind of stories Roald Dahl about the kind of stories Roald Dahl writes?writes?

For the rest of the article, create 5 more For the rest of the article, create 5 more questions.questions.

AnalysisAnalysisSentence StructureSentence Structure

You will learn what features to You will learn what features to look for and how to answer a look for and how to answer a

question on sentence structure.question on sentence structure.

What is it?What is it?

Sentence structure essentially means how Sentence structure essentially means how a sentence is put together.a sentence is put together.

There are several things you should look There are several things you should look for. What do you think they are?for. What do you think they are?

FeaturesFeatures

Short/minor sentence Short/minor sentence Rhetorical question Rhetorical question ExclamationExclamation Parenthesis Parenthesis Lists, climax, anticlimaxLists, climax, anticlimax AntithesisAntithesis InversionInversion RepetitionRepetition Starting a sentence with a conjunction (and/but)Starting a sentence with a conjunction (and/but)

RevisionRevision

In groups revise the features of sentence In groups revise the features of sentence structure – you have 12.5 minutes.structure – you have 12.5 minutes.

Focus on the Focus on the effecteffect. E.g. Short sentences . E.g. Short sentences can be used for emphasis or to create can be used for emphasis or to create drama.drama.

Revision techniques: Don’t just read! Test Revision techniques: Don’t just read! Test each other; read, cover, rewrite, check…each other; read, cover, rewrite, check…

You must make sure that everyone knows You must make sure that everyone knows each feature.each feature.

Test time!!Test time!!

Give each member of your group a number (1-4)Give each member of your group a number (1-4) Each feature has also been given a number (1-Each feature has also been given a number (1-

4)4) You have to answer individually for the feature You have to answer individually for the feature

that carries the same number as you.that carries the same number as you.

Using your Show Me board, write out as much Using your Show Me board, write out as much as you can remember for the following features:as you can remember for the following features:

2. What is the effect of these 2. What is the effect of these features? features?

Short/ minor sentenceShort/ minor sentence

to emphasise/create drama/tension. Look to emphasise/create drama/tension. Look for no verb.for no verb.

May placed after a really long sentence for May placed after a really long sentence for effect.effect.

1. Long Sentence1. Long Sentence

Creates paceCreates paceCreates a list of somethingCreates a list of somethingShows a great deal of ideasShows a great deal of ideasPerhaps could show confusionPerhaps could show confusion

4. Parenthesis4. Parenthesis

Shown by brackets, commas or dashes.Shown by brackets, commas or dashes.Give extra information that is not essential Give extra information that is not essential

in grasping the overall meaning of a in grasping the overall meaning of a sentence.sentence.

It can also affect the tone – it could be a It can also affect the tone – it could be a funny aside, for example.funny aside, for example.

3. Rhetorical question / 3. Rhetorical question / ExclamationExclamation

provoke a thought/ make a particular pointprovoke a thought/ make a particular pointShow excitement, outrage, anger, disbelief Show excitement, outrage, anger, disbelief

etc.etc.

4.Lists, climax, anticlimax4.Lists, climax, anticlimax

Lists – show a number of things. Always Lists – show a number of things. Always be specific when stating what they arebe specific when stating what they are

Climax – often at the end of a long Climax – often at the end of a long sentence or an extended section. The sentence or an extended section. The most exciting point.most exciting point.

Anticlimax - as above, only without the Anticlimax - as above, only without the excitement. A disappointing end after excitement. A disappointing end after initial excitement.initial excitement.

2. Antithesis2. Antithesis

2 contrasting ideas placed side by side to 2 contrasting ideas placed side by side to create a sense of balance. Can sometimes create a sense of balance. Can sometimes spot it by the semicolon, although not spot it by the semicolon, although not always!always!

Cats are interesting, intelligent and Cats are interesting, intelligent and independent; dogs are dull, dense and independent; dogs are dull, dense and often quite daft!often quite daft!

1. Inversion1. Inversion When the normal order of words in a sentence is When the normal order of words in a sentence is

inverted or changed.inverted or changed. This places emphasis on certain words.This places emphasis on certain words.

Think like Yoda! Think like Yoda!

‘‘Growing stronger is the darkside’Growing stronger is the darkside’

Emphasis on darkside as a result of inversionEmphasis on darkside as a result of inversion

Should read The darkside is growing stronger ( Subject Should read The darkside is growing stronger ( Subject then verb).then verb).

3. Repetition3. Repetition

Look for repetition of words, clauses etcLook for repetition of words, clauses etc

Helps to emphasise particular points.Helps to emphasise particular points.Can often be an accumulation of ideas.Can often be an accumulation of ideas.

Starting a sentence with a Starting a sentence with a conjunctionconjunction

Often ‘and’ or ‘but’Often ‘and’ or ‘but’This is grammatically incorrect but many This is grammatically incorrect but many

writers do this for particular effect.writers do this for particular effect.

And – places focus on an additional point, And – places focus on an additional point, making it more powerful.making it more powerful.

But – signals a differing point of view or an But – signals a differing point of view or an opposing argument.opposing argument.

TechniqueTechnique

Identify the featureIdentify the featureExplain the effectExplain the effect

‘‘Edinburgh is everywhere white.’Edinburgh is everywhere white.’ What is unusual about this particular sentence and What is unusual about this particular sentence and

what effect does this create?what effect does this create? This sentence is unusual in that we would normally This sentence is unusual in that we would normally

expect it to be written as ‘Everywhere is white in expect it to be written as ‘Everywhere is white in Edinburgh.’ or ‘White is everywhere in Edinburgh.’ In Edinburgh.’ or ‘White is everywhere in Edinburgh.’ In the bold example the word order is the bold example the word order is invertedinverted, which , which emphasises the words ‘white’ and ‘everywhere’, giving emphasises the words ‘white’ and ‘everywhere’, giving the impression the Edinburgh is completely covered in the impression the Edinburgh is completely covered in snow.snow.

Sample answer:Sample answer: The writer has used inversion in placing ‘Edinburgh’ at The writer has used inversion in placing ‘Edinburgh’ at

the start of the sentence. This emphasises the words the start of the sentence. This emphasises the words ‘white’ and ‘everywhere’ to show just how much snow ‘white’ and ‘everywhere’ to show just how much snow had fallen.had fallen.

Try the questions on the handout.Try the questions on the handout.

RecapRecap

Name 3 features of sentence structure.Name 3 features of sentence structure.

Say what function they serveSay what function they serve

E.g. Rhetorical questions – encourage E.g. Rhetorical questions – encourage readers to think of a particular point or readers to think of a particular point or idea.idea.