Unit 1 - II. Key Reading Skills For Responding To Passages

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

• understand key success criteria for commenting on passages.
• explore how to interpret selected words and phrases from texts.
• evaluate commentary skills

Question 2

Do:

Answer 2

• Read text at least twice
• List key words and phrases
• Start with clear, short introduction that gives and overview and framework of your commentary on the passage
• Focus on writer’s techniques and the features presented
• Describe the effects of those techniques/features
• Support what you say with selective evidence and quotation
• Write in a coherent manner, linking rather than listing ideas.
• Remain focused on style/language.
• Check/Tweak your work carefully as you write to ensure concise, yet sufficiently detailed expression.

Question 3

Don’t:

Answer 3

• Don’t start writing before reading properly.
• Don’t just list everything - be selective.
• Don’t assert an idea or opinion without supporting evidence.
• Don’t merely select a feature without explaining its effect or purpose.
• Don’t summarize or paraphrase without offering comment or interpretation.
• Don’t list with no linking.
• Don’t drift into discussing unrelated aspects.

Question 4

Step 1: List or Highlight..?

Answer 4

Key words or phrases.

Key patterns or features

Question 5

Some Key Terms

Answer 5

• particular vivid descriptions
• repetitions or patterns
• groups of similar or related words
• contrasting or juxtaposed ideas/phrases
• imagery, symbols, other figurative language
• changes in tone or focus

Question 6

Step 2: Choose one or two aspects and..?

Answer 6

• Relate what you say to the words or phrases you listed.

* Refer to the effect of these words or phrases on the reader and mood