Summary
Highlights
Paper 2, Question 3 is worth 12 marks, for which you should write two to three paragraphs in 13 minutes. The question asks how the writer uses language, meaning both language devices and specific words/phrases, from a given section of a source. Key language devices include simile, metaphor, sibilance, personification, rule of three, juxtaposition, pathetic fallacy, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, and oxymoron. Important grammatical terms are nouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs. Assessment focuses on textual detail (quotes), subject terminology (techniques), and effect, aiming for detailed and perceptive writing by extending analysis with 'zoom-ins'.
The recommended paragraph structure, 'Pretzel,' incorporates a point, reference (quote), technique, effect, zoom-in (further reference/technique on a specific word), and a concluding link. While the point and link aren't directly marked, they provide focus and consolidate the argument. For timing, aim for three paragraphs: two detailed 'Pretzel' paragraphs (5 minutes each) and one shorter 'Pretzel' paragraph without a zoom-in (3 minutes). This is called 'Pretzel Pretty Pretzel' and is structured to impress examiners at the beginning and end of the response.
Begin by boxing off the specified lines in the source (e.g., 27-40). Then, hunt for three strong quotes that have clear techniques and can be thoroughly analyzed. A good quote must have an identifiable technique and allow for detailed discussion. The plan involves identifying points (what each quote reveals), techniques, and zoom-in opportunities for two of the paragraphs, leaving the effect and link to be developed during writing. An example plan uses quotes like 'a killer with a rotten heart,' 'a mountain of moving muck,' and 'instantly smothered more than a hundred of them' to illustrate evil intentions, ugliness, and danger, respectively.
A detailed Pretzel paragraph starts with a simple point, followed by a relevant quote (reference), and the identified technique. The bulk of the paragraph focuses on elaborating the 'effect' using a 'effect of the effect' method: state an initial effect, then explain the consequences or deeper implications of that effect. This process deepens the analysis and extends the paragraph. A 'zoom-in' further analyzes a specific word within the quote (e.g., the noun 'heart'). The paragraph concludes by linking back to the initial point, ensuring coherence and reinforcing the argument.
Remember the 13-minute time limit and the 'Pretzel Pretty Pretzel' structure (two full Pretzel paragraphs, one shorter). The question assesses language techniques, quotation usage, and effect. When choosing techniques, prioritize language devices for the main analysis and zoom in on nouns, adjectives, or verbs for deeper analysis. The key is not just what you pick, but what you do with it; a strong analysis of a simple technique can earn high marks. Plan effectively in the initial 4 minutes by selecting quotes and techniques, then focus on expanding the 'effect' during writing.