Close Reading Exam Close Reading Exam SkillsSkills

Close Reading Exam Close Reading Exam SkillsSkills

S4 Standard GradeS4 Standard Grade

Know the format

Close Reading exam paper will always be same format

• a passage ( fiction or non-fiction) • followed by questions

• Foundation will be short and about a familiar subject

• General will be slightly long and on a topic not as familiar to you

• Credit may contain quite complex ideas and be quite long

Read the introduction and study any photograph,

caption or headline

• These are there to help you• They will give you a good idea of

what the passage is about• Will give you extra information which

will help you understand the passage

For example…

Previous credit close reading passage

‘In this extract the writer gives his impression of an area of Montana

called the Badlands’

Read the question carefully and identify key

words• Be sure what you are being asked• Underline or highlight key words in

the question• This will help you focus on what

you are being asked

For example…

‘Quote two expression from this section that continue the

comparison between prairie and the ocean’

Know how much to write

• The amount of space indicates how much you should write

• Some may be multiple choice or need only one word or phrase

• The number of marks will give you an idea of how much to write

Quote if requested• You will be asked to answer in your

own words or quote from the passage– ‘Quote from the passage’– ‘Show how the writer’– ‘What evidence’

• Require actual words and phrases

Have a go at every question

• You might get it right!• Every mark counts• Don’t waste time if you’re stuck-

go back to it later- you might get it when you return to it.

Watch your time• Don’t spend too long on a question• Have a watch with you or make

sure you know where the clock is• Don’t get stuck for ten minutes on

a two mark question

Make your meaning clear

• If the marker can’t understand your answer, you won’t get in any marks!

• Don’t waffle or over-write- get to the point!

Check for bold type in the questions

• Words typed in bold are important

• It has been done to draw your attention to a specific focus

For example…

‘Write down two separate expressions that suggest the

policemen were not expecting trouble’

Know what the questions are asking

you to do

Close Reading will ask you to…

1. Identify a link2. Evaluate a writer’s effectiveness3. Identify the writer’s or

character’s attitude4. Identify a specific writing feature5. Find specific expressions6. Give reasons for your answers

1. Identify a Link‘How does the writer establish the link

between paragraph 4 and paragraph 5?’

• Look at structure of passage• Linking words such as ‘however’,

‘finally’, ‘after that’• Link through ideas

2. Evaluate a writer’s effectiveness

• How well the writer has doe his/ her job

• First, work out what writer is trying to do– Build tense atmosphere– Persuade by repeating a point– Describing a scene in detail

‘How effective do you find this?’

• Asking your opinion on whether the writer has picked the best phrase

• Not enough to say yes or no, you must explain why it is or is not effective

3. Identify the writer’s or character’s attitude

• Be sure who’s attitude you are being asked about

• Notice the difference– ‘What is the author’s attitude to the

police’?– ‘What does the author suggest about

the attitude of the police?’

• To answer this type of question look for descriptive words such as– Delighted– Horrified– Aggressive– Unusual

4. Identify a specific writing feature

• Writing technique• Features add together to create a

writer’s style• For example long sentences or

words that sound harsh (using t’s and d’s)

5. Find a specific expression in the

passage‘Quote an expression that

emphasises the idea of prejudice’

• Look for a phrase with the same meaning or stronger eg ‘bias’, ‘racism’

‘Explain what this expression adds’

• Why a writer has used a particular word or phrase

• An author chooses words very carefully and uses them for a reason

• Purpose- to create atmosphere or attitude

6. Give reasons for your answer

• You will frequently be asked this– Give a reason for your answer– Justify your answer– Why?

• This may be a two or three mark question

‘What is surprising about the boy’s reaction? Give a reason for your answer’.

• This may be a two mark question• You get one mark for his reaction,

one for why it is surprising

ActivityPaired Work

• Read the passage and make up six close reading questions testing the six key skills discussed

• Make up answers and marking scheme

• We will then swap the questions with another pair.

PassageAfter breakfast on a bright, sunny morning, they paraded

on the square, each group under its sergeant. Herded aboard trucks, the whole company was transported to Baldoon Aerodrome, where the men were to do their jumps. No one spoke much as they turned from the road and passed a sentry at the gate. Even a high-spirited Tam Devlin crouched down in a corner, with nothing to say for himself.

“We’re first to jump,” Sergeant Bolton informed his group. “Five men will go up with me in ten minutes’ time. Hold yourself in readiness.”

Alex could not still the tremor in his legs as he sat on the grass, waiting until the sergeant returned. His mouth felt like an oven that had long since overheated. Time and again, he looked up into the sky and asked himself why he had volunteered for the paratroops.

From Dropping Zone by P. Baillie