Unfamiliar Text

Level 1 (1.3) Exam Tips.

In the exam, read all 3 unfamiliar texts first. Choose the easiest one to answer first. By reading them all BEFORE answering anything you a) Start your subconscious brain working on answering the questions and processing the information; b)Find the text that you understand the most so that you can therefore, c) Answer the easiest first. It would be a tragedy if you spent ages agonising over something you just can’t get – while a super easy text went unanswered at the back. Read all 3 before beginning to write.

Answer all 3 text questions. Here is a link to an example exam paper:  This seems obvious but remember, even a not achieved is worth valuable marks if you have given it a go. Give each question your best shot. For each question identify a correct technique, a correct example of that technique and explain its meaning and effect in the text.

Memorise language features so that you can identify and discuss them correctly. Here is a link to several fun quizlet games: https://quizlet.com/subject/language-features/

Here is a link to a complete glossary of language techniques: http://literarydevices.net

If you are not sure what the text is about start with things you DO know. E.g. is the piece happy or sad? Positive or negative? Is there a change from one feeling to another? Who are the characters involved? What is happening? What is the title and how might it relate to the ideas of the story?

This advice goes for the language techniques too. Find techniques that you do understand or know well. When it comes to “effect” start with meaning and what you do know and go from there. E.g. Simile. “She swam like a fish” Meaning: fish are at home in the water, therefore the girl is very good at swimming and is very confident in the water. Effect: This simile helps us understand that the girl loves being in the water and can swim really well.