Approaching the close reading paper

							        Close Reading Paper
              HIGHER
• Paper ONE
• 50 marks
• One hour 45 mins.
• Spend 60 to 80 mins max. on reading the
  passages and answering passage 1.
• Answer passage 1 first.
Approaching the close reading
           paper
     1. Read the contexts for both
                 passages.
  2. Writer? Audience? Genre? Topic?
             Purpose? Stance?
                 First reading
Skim read both passages.
Read the final question on both passages to gain
  information and to help you think about your response
  later.

Overview of both passages:
             THINK
• Do the passages cover the same information and / or
  ideas?
• Do both writers hold the same or different opinions?
• Do the 2 writers use the same / different style &
  techniques?
            Second read
• Read passage ONE carefully.
• Use a highlighter to mark key ideas,
  opinions and information.Use topic
  sentences and linking words to help you
  follow the structure of the passage.
• Don’t highlight too much.
  Read questions on passage 1
• Skim read questions to gain an overview and pick up
  information.
• Then begin answering passage 1 questions.
• Use a highlighter to note type of response ie. U, A , E
  and the number of marks.
• Note which lines the answer is to be found.
• Highlight the key words in the question, especially noting
  effect/ impact you have to show.
• Answer questions briefly, using bullet points and sub-
  headings instead of sentences where appropriate.
             Passage two
• Read passage 2 carefully using a
  highlighter to mark the text in the same
  way as passage 1.
• Skim read the questions.
• As you answer each question mark the
  instruction with your highlighter.
• Answer the questions as in passage 1.
   Question on both passages
• Is the evaluation on U – ideas or A style
  and structure?          U/E or A/E
• Your stance should be that one passage is
  good but the other passage is better.
• Briefly plan your answer.
• Remember you must provide some
  evidence ie. quote and explain.
• Your answer must be written in one or two
  PARAGRAPHS – no bullet points.