What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Identify the technique: metaphor, personification, alliteration, syntax, etc.

Quote precisely and embed quotations smoothly within your sentence

Analyse the effect: what does the technique achieve in terms of meaning, mood, or character?

Consider connotations: what associations and implications do word choices carry?

Key Vocabulary

Close reading

Careful, detailed analysis of a short text or passage

Technique

A deliberate language or structural choice made by the author

Connotation

The implied meaning or emotional association of a word beyond its literal definition

Effect

The impact a language technique has on the reader's understanding or emotions

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Which approach best demonstrates close textual analysis?

Quoting a line and explaining what the technique used achieves Summarising the plot of the whole novel Describing what happens in the chapter Listing all the characters in the text

Question 2

The phrase "the sun wept golden tears" uses which technique?

Simile Personification and metaphor Alliteration Hyperbole

Question 3

When embedding a quotation, which is the most effective approach?

Write "Quote:" and then list the full passage Place the quotation on a separate line to make it stand out Weave the quotation smoothly into your own sentence with an analytical comment Use quotations only in the introduction

Close Paragraph Analysis