Writing and Analysis Techniques for Literature

Overview of Writing and Analysis Techniques

Assessment Objectives (AOs)

• Understanding target evaluation criteria:
  • AO1: Knowledge and referencing.
  • AO2: Understanding of the text.
  • AO3: Exploration of techniques and their effects.
  • AO4: Personal response, engagement, and evaluation.

Useful Phrases/Sentence Starters

• To articulate analysis:
  • "The writer's use of (method) [insert quote] is significant."
  • "This is evident when (character) remarks, [insert quote]."
  • "Examples of this are not only found in [insert quote], but also in [insert quote]."

Analysis Techniques

Techniques for Understanding (AO2)

• Explores word level: Analyze the choice and impact of individual words.

Techniques for Evaluation (AO4)

• Writer's tactics:
  • "The writer attacks/aches/exposes…"
  • "This is echoed later in the work when…"
  • "There are clear parallels between the extract and the wider work, when…"
  • "The writer has clearly been influenced by…"
  • "This is a powerful reminder of…"

Exploration of Themes

• Core Themes:
  • "There are clear links to the theme of (theme). This theme is at the core of this extract."
  • "The exploration of (theme/idea) permeates this extract."
  • "Ultimately/Fundamentally/Essentially, the writer is attempting to…"

Craft and Structure

• Method and Effects:
  • "The choice of (method) creates a powerful sense of…"
  • "Not only does this suggest… but it also…"
  • "The writer's choice of structure is crucial, helping to create…"
  • "The writer evokes a sense of…"

Word Connotations

• Examining Keywords:
  • "[Key word] has connotations of…"
  • "[Key word] alludes to…"

Reader Engagement

• Reader's Response:
  • "As readers, we are subjected to a sense of…"
  • "The reader joins the writer in thinking/critiquing/feeling…"
  • "This forces the reader to think/feel…"
  • "This powerful (method) elicits a response of…"
  • "This highly significant moment is…"

Engaging the Reader

• Engagement Techniques:
  • "Perhaps the writer feels a sense of…"
  • "The writer has cleverly engaged the reader/audience by…"
  • "It leaves the reader no choice but to feel…"

Writing Quality

• Effective Paragraph Structure:
  • Make a clear and accurate point, with a laser focus on the question.
  • Explicitly identify techniques the writer uses.
  • Use a range of short, purposeful quotes to support ideas, embedded in the sentence.
  • Offer layers of interpretation (Not only… but also…).
  • Unpack specific or individual words and discuss their connotations.
  • Clearly link back to the question.

For the Best Marks

• Evaluate the writer's craft, considering reader effect or writer success.
• Include context relevant to the question.
• Make links and connections from across the whole work.