Task 1: Close Reading: What The Question Is Asking (OCR GCSE English Literature): Model Answers

Option 1 - Close reading:

For the close reading option, you need to pick a short section of text (around three to four pages of prose or drama, or up to 45 lines of poetry) and analyse it in detail. This means looking at how the author uses language, structure, and literary devices to create meaning. You're not just summarising the text—you're digging deep to explore why the author made certain choices and how these choices affect the reader.

Step 1: Selecting Your Passage

The first step is choosing a passage that's rich with material to analyse. You want to pick a section where the author's use of language, structure, and literary techniques stands out. Look for a passage that's pivotal to the text—maybe it reveals something important about a character, sets the tone, or introduces a key theme. A well-chosen passage will give you plenty to discuss in your analysis.

Step 2: Analysing Language

Once you've chosen your passage, start by examining the language. Pay close attention to the words and phrases the author uses. Ask yourself:

• Word Choice: Why did the author choose these specific words? How do they contribute to the tone or mood of the passage? For example, if the author uses a lot of dark, harsh words, this might create a tense or ominous atmosphere.

• Figurative Language: Look for metaphors, similes, personification, and other forms of figurative language. What comparisons is the author making, and why? How do these images or ideas help to convey the themes or emotions of the passage?

• Diction and Syntax: Consider the author's diction (word choice) and syntax (sentence structure). Are the sentences long and flowing, or short and abrupt? How does this affect the pace of the passage and the reader's experience? For example, short, choppy sentences might create a sense of urgency or tension.

Step 3: Examining Structure

Next, think about the structure of the passage. This includes how the text is organised and how this organisation contributes to its overall meaning.

• Paragraph and Sentence Structure: How are the paragraphs and sentences arranged? Does the author use any interesting techniques, like repetition or parallel structure? How do these choices guide the reader's understanding of the passage?

• Narrative Structure: If it's a piece of prose or drama, consider how the passage fits into the larger narrative. Is it a turning point in the story? Does it foreshadow events to come? In poetry, think about how the lines and stanzas are arranged. How does this shape the poem's rhythm and flow?

Step 4: Identifying Literary Devices

Literary devices are tools that authors use to enhance their writing and add layers of meaning. In your close reading, identify these devices and discuss how they contribute to the passage's impact.

• Imagery: What images does the author create, and how do they appeal to the senses? How do these images help to convey the themes or mood of the passage?

• Symbolism: Are there any symbols in the passage? What do they represent, and how do they contribute to the overall message of the text?

• Irony and Tone: Consider the tone of the passage. Is there any irony present? How does the tone affect the reader's perception of the characters or events?

Step 5: Connecting to the Reader

Finally, consider the effect of these choices on the reader. Ask yourself:

• Emotional Impact: How does the author's use of language and structure make the reader feel? What emotions are being evoked, and why?

• Reader's Understanding: How do the author's choices shape the reader's understanding of the characters, themes, or plot? For instance, does the passage provide new insights into a character's motivations, or does it reveal something important about the overall theme of the text?

Step 6: Writing Your Analysis

When writing your close reading, structure your analysis clearly. Start with an introduction that briefly explains the context of the passage within the larger work. Then, break down your analysis into sections that focus on different aspects of the passage—language, structure, and literary devices. Use specific examples from the text to support your points, and always link back to how these examples contribute to the overall meaning of the passage.