Analysing Language

    OCR
    GCSE

    Candidates must dissect the writer’s methodological choices, focusing on the interplay between vocabulary, imagery, and sentence structure to construct meaning. Successful analysis necessitates the selection of precise textual evidence to substantiate claims regarding the writer's intent and the subsequent impact on the reader. Distinction is awarded for the exploration of nuance and the sophisticated application of subject terminology, avoiding generic assertions in favour of specific, contextualised effects.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
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    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Credit responses that analyse both language (word choice, imagery) and structure (sentence length, sequence) as invited by the question stem
    • Award marks for the precise use of subject terminology (e.g., 'sibilance', 'anaphora') integrated seamlessly into the analysis
    • Look for explanation of *why* a specific word or technique was chosen and its specific effect on the reader, rather than generic assertions
    • Reward analysis that considers the cumulative effect of language choices across the specified text segment

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit responses that analyse both language (word choice, imagery) and structure (sentence length, sequence) as invited by the question stem
    • Award marks for the precise use of subject terminology (e.g., 'sibilance', 'anaphora') integrated seamlessly into the analysis
    • Look for explanation of *why* a specific word or technique was chosen and its specific effect on the reader, rather than generic assertions
    • Reward analysis that considers the cumulative effect of language choices across the specified text segment

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Allocate approximately 15-20 minutes to the 'Explore how' question to ensure sufficient depth of analysis
    • 💡Select 3-4 rich quotations that allow for analysis of both language (imagery/lexis) and structure (syntax/pacing)
    • 💡Use the 'What-How-Why' structure: What is the writer doing? How (technique/quote)? Why (effect)?
    • 💡Ensure every paragraph links back to the specific focus of the question (e.g., 'how the writer presents the storm')

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Ignoring the 'structure' element of the question and focusing solely on word-level analysis
    • Listing literary devices (feature-spotting) without explaining their function or specific impact on the reader
    • Using generic phrases like 'makes the reader want to read on' or 'creates a picture in the head' without further qualification
    • Quoting excessive chunks of text rather than zooming in on specific keywords or phrases

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Word Class & Semantics: Connotations, semantic fields, dynamic verbs, abstract nouns
    Figurative Language: Metaphor, simile, personification, symbolism, extended metaphor
    Syntactical Structures: Sentence forms (simple, compound, complex), polysyndeton, asyndeton, sentence length for impact
    Rhetorical Devices: Alliteration, sibilance, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, oxymoron

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Explore how...
    How does the writer...
    Compare how...
    Evaluate...
    Write a...

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