Question 1

How do I analyse a poem I've never seen before?

Accepted Answer

Start by reading the poem twice: once for overall meaning, then for detail. Annotate key words, images, and structural features (e.g., line breaks, rhyme scheme). Ask yourself: What is the poem about? What is the tone? How does the poet use language to create that tone? Use the acronym SLIME: Subject, Language, Imagery, Meaning, Effect. Always link your observations to the poem’s themes or the poet’s message.

Question 2

What's the difference between language and structure?

Accepted Answer

Language refers to the words and phrases a writer chooses—e.g., metaphors, adjectives, verbs. Structure is how the text is organised—e.g., the order of events, shifts in time or perspective, repetition, or the use of stanzas in a poem. For example, in ‘Ozymandias’, the language ‘shattered visage’ conveys decay, while the structure of the sonnet form contrasts the king’s arrogance with the desert’s emptiness.

Question 3

How can I improve my inference skills?

Accepted Answer

Practice ‘reading between the lines’. After reading a passage, ask: What is implied but not stated? Look for clues like a character’s actions, dialogue, or the writer’s choice of adjectives. For example, if a character ‘stares at the floor’ during a conversation, it might imply guilt or shame. Try writing a short paragraph explaining the subtext of a scene from a novel or poem.

Question 4

Do I need to memorise quotes for the exam?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but focus on key quotes that are versatile—ones that can be used to discuss themes, characters, or writer’s methods. For each set text, learn 8-10 quotes that cover different aspects. For unseen texts, you will have the text in front of you, so you can select quotes on the spot. Practice embedding quotes naturally into your analysis.

Question 5

How do I link context to my analysis?

Accepted Answer

Context should be woven into your argument, not added as an afterthought. For example, when analysing ‘A Christmas Carol’, you might say: ‘Dickens’ portrayal of Scrooge’s transformation reflects the Victorian ideal of social responsibility, a response to the harsh conditions of the Industrial Revolution.’ This shows you understand how context shapes meaning.

Question 6

What if I don't understand a word in the text?

Accepted Answer

Use the surrounding words to guess the meaning (context clues). Look for synonyms, antonyms, or explanations in the text. If you still can’t work it out, don’t panic—focus on what you do understand. In the exam, you won’t be tested on obscure vocabulary; instead, you’ll be rewarded for analysing the words you can explain.

Reading comprehension and reading critically

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Study Guide Available

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC GCSE English Literature

A Christmas Carol

A Peasant

A Taste of Honey

A Wife in London

How to Revise Reading comprehension and reading critically — WJEC GCSE English Literature

Examiner Tips for Reading comprehension and reading critically

Key Marking Points