Unseen

Keep an open mind if you are capable of writing both poem and prose analysis! 

Tips:

  • spend 15 minutes reading/planning/color-coding (one color for each bullet). Stick to your plan!!
  • use various sentence structures
  • don’t explain every quote, choose 3-4 and explain in details and how they are effective in each of your body paragraph
  • the writer: echo, explore, amplify, display, depict, portray, describe, demonstrate, imply, illustrate, generalize, summarize, emphasize, highlight, conclude, invite the reader to wonder, question, challenge the perception of, convey (idea/impression/feeling/message), present, communicate, show, establish, comment, outline, inform, indicate, create the impression of, interpret, focus, mention, clarify, simplify, characterize, observe, address, respond, suggest, evoke (feelings, memory, image, response) position (the reader), relate, promote, declare, condemn, reiterate/reinforce, elaborate, examine, affirm/uphold/support, confirm, propose, connect, consider, introduce, voice out, articulate, disclose, express, reveal, manipulate, briefly touch upon
  • tone: abashed (ashamed), affectionate, approving, audacious, bemused (confused, bewilder), brusque, contemptuous (scornful), disrespectful, boastful, anxious, conversational, detached, guilty, mocking, nostalgic/reminiscing, pitiful, reflective, neutral/indifferent, pragmatic, resigned, taunting, vibrant (energetic), childish, apologetic, provocative, sentimental, straightforward, harsh, adoring, accusatory
  • don’t use quotes in the introduction
  • if you need more practice for unseen texts, do 0486 English Literature paper 3 – it has similar questions and is good for extra revision
  • try to avoid using long quotes (more than two sentences) as it suggests that you’re avoiding to comment on the writer or poet’s words in depth
  • don’t repeat an idea over and over again, instead explore each of the different aspects of the passage or poem because there will be many details that you need to comment on to access higher marks
  • if you choose the poem question, it is important that you read the poem at least 6-7 times to grasp deeper meanings in between lines
  • integrate the quotes in your analysis smoothly, avoid saying “the writer said…” (for better verbs, please see above)
  • in the introduction, try to contextualize the passage/poem first and then talk about writer’s purpose and implications
  • don’t list all the literary devices the writer use. For example, don’t simply identify imagery or sound devices; explore them by considering carefully how and why they were useful to the writer in achieving a particular effect