How to Answer Question 3 (OCR GCSE English Language): Revision Notes

The Facts

Worth: 12 marks

AO Tested: AO2 (See first page for more info)

Suggested Time: 15 minutes

You will also be given a short extract from the text.

What will you need to do?

Identify and analyse how the writer uses specific words, phrases, structural techniques etc to create particular effects. You must include direct quotations from the text and explain how each quotation supports your points.

Top Tips:

• Use short, accurate quotations to support each point you make and embed these for fluidity
• To achieve high marks, you need to discuss both language and structure in your answer.
• Use the specific line numbers in the text to find relevant parts quickly.
• Mark any words or phrases in the text that you might want to reference in your answer as you read.
• Don't just identify techniques—explain their effectiveness and what connotations they evoke.;

Here is an example question for you to practice:

Read this extract. He was glad of her reply; and yet that and the strange laugh jarred upon his feelings. He was silent for some moments, and then said, with a kind of effort: "Well, Lucy, I will not ask too much of you. I dare say I am a romantic old fool; but if you do not dislike me, and if you do not love any one else, I see no reason why we should not make a very happy couple. Is it a bargain, Lucy?" "Yes." The baronet lifted her in his arms and kissed her once upon the forehead, then quietly bidding her good-night, he walked straight out of the house. He walked straight out of the house, this foolish old man, because there was some strong emotion at work in his breast—neither joy nor triumph, but something almost akin to disappointment—some stifled and unsatisfied longing which lay heavy and dull at his heart, as if he had carried a corpse in his bosom. He carried the corpse of that hope which had died at the sound of Lucy's words. All the doubts and fears and timid aspirations were ended now. He must be contented, like other men of his age, to be married for his fortune and his position.

How does the writer use language and structure to show Sir Michael's thoughts and feelings about Lucy? Support your views with reference to the text. (12 marks)