Own Words Revision
Formula
- underline relevant ideas in the passage
- identify one point per mark
- express the ideas using your own words as far as possible
Example
Look at most toy displays and you can instantly spot which toys are aimed at which sex. Traditional boys' toys are often things to build, explore or experiment with, while traditional girls' toys are things to look after or to clean or cook with.
Q. In your own words, explain what the boys’ and girls’ toys are like. (2)
- Boys’ toys are those that involve creating something or solving a problem
- Girls’ toys involve caring or domestic chores
Questions
Every week most of us face stress in our daily lives. We run for and miss that bus or train that will take us to work. We face worrying tax demands and bills: the mortgage, the bank overdraft, the rent or some other anxiety nags at us. We have the occasional quarrel with the husband, wife, boss or colleague.
- In your own words, summarise the stresses faced by people, according to the writer. (2)
______
______
I take reporting notes and scrawl messages, but often cannot decipher the result. My speed-writing has long gone and I cannot imagine my fingers surviving a student essay. A page of sustained writing is a calligraphic car crash.
- In your own words, explain the problems the writer has when producing hand-written notes. (2)
______
______
Those who thought the written word would die out with the explosion of mobile phones were plain wrong. Telephonic communication is reportedly on the wane. We prefer to text, so the experts say, because such contact allows us to be more distant, less committing and therefore safer.
- In your own words, explain why ‘we prefer to text’. (2)
______
______
The UK high street has endured its worst summer in six years, as volatile weather and the lure of restaurants and holidays kept shoppers away.
- In your own words, explain why the UK high street has had such a bad summer. (2)
______
______
Rebellion can be messy, noisy and violent. But between 12 and 15th January, there was an act of rebellion that was quiet, ordered and fabulous to behold.It took place on the outskirts of Milton Keynes, not always known for the fabulous and rebellious.
- In your own words, what rebellions can be like, and what the rebellion in Milton Keynes was like. (2)
______
______
Link Revision
Formula
- quote a word or phrase from the sentence which links back to the previous ideas
- explain how the word/phrase links back
- repeat the first two steps for the word/phrase that introduces the next idea
Example
Many argue that since at age sixteen a person is considered old enough to pay taxes, join the army to fight for their country or leave full-time education, then surely they are old enough to vote?
While the line has to be drawn somewhere, why is 18 currently the magic number? Well, it’s the age at which the UN define adulthood, and in most countries the voting age is 18. Other aspects of adulthood, such as being legally dependent from your parents, and borrowing money, also happen at 18.
Q. Show how the underlined sentence functions as a link in the writer’s argument.
- “The line” links back to the debate about the age at which people should be able to vote, discussed in the previous paragraph.
- “why is 18 the magic number” introduces the reasons why the current voting age is 18, given in the current paragraph
Questions
- The Great British Bake Off manages to combine engaging presenters, talented contestants and genuinely demanding challenges. The feel-good factor of these winning ingredients has whipped up our enthusiasm for baking, and, until now, viewing figures have been startling.
But the successful recipe is set to change. Recent news that the show is moving to Channel 4 – without popular hosts Mel and Sue – has led to fears that GBBO’s days at the top of the telly ratings may be over.
Q. Show how the underlined sentence functions as a link in the writer’s argument.
- “______” links back to______in the previous paragraph.
- “______” introduces______
______in the current paragraph.
- Texting while driving is foolish, dangerous and illegal, yet the number of drivers caught behaving in this reckless way rises year on year. To combat this, the government has announced tougher penalties for those who use their mobile phones at the wheel.
However, campaigners argue that the new changes don’t go far enough to prevent drivers from taking the risk. Some groups are calling for an automatic three-month ban for a first offence, followed by a lifetime ban if the driver is caught a second time. Severe punishments such as these would make drivers think twice before picking up their mobile.
- “______” links back to______in the previous paragraph.
- “______” introduces______
______in the current paragraph.
- You’ve probably heard the expression ‘as busy as a bee’, but few people realise just how important bee are. Bees play a vital role in pollinating crops and a huge amount of our food supply is dependent on them. Bees are an underappreciated part of our eco-system
Sadly, these helpful, hard-working insects are at risk. Owing to a variety of factors, including disease, use of pesticides and climate change, bee populations are declining. Some researchers suggest that bees could be extinct in just a matter of years.
- “______” links back to______in the previous paragraph.
- “______” introduces______
______in the current paragraph.
- Remember that wonderful weather at the weekend? Temperatures were higher than they have been in weeks. Scotland’s parks and beaches saw an unseasonal boost in visitors as families headed outdoors to make the most of the sunshine.
The storms that hit last night make such glorious weather seem unthinkable. Rain battered down while strong winds howled and temperatures plummeted. Don’t be fooled by the odd day of sun – winter’s on its way, folks!
- “______” links back to______in the previous paragraph.
- “______” introduces______
______in the current paragraph.
- You’ve packed your bags, your e-tickets are printed, your hand luggage has been checked and checked again for liquids. The children have been marshalled to the airport, through check-in, then security, and on to the plane. Now you're strapped in, and the engine is running.
This is the start of your holiday, but it's also the start of another story: the potential damage your summer break does to the environment.
As awareness of carbon footprints rises, tour operators and holiday companies are trying to counter concerns about the impact of foreign travel on the planet, with measures such as more fuel-efficient planes, "green" hotels and ethical employment policies.
- “______” links back to______in the previous paragraph.
- “______” introduces______
______in the current paragraph.
Word Choice Revision
Formula
1)quote the word
2)state the connotations (This suggests…)
3)explain why it is effective (This shows…)
Example
When I moved to a flat in New York and discovered that my new neighbours included a colony of pigeons, my first reaction was: exterminate the brutes! I cringed at their morning mating calls and agreed with my wife, Dana, when she cursed them as winged rodents that soil the city.Q. By referring closely to two examples of the author’s word choice, explain how he feels about pigeons. (4)
- “exterminate”
- suggests killing and total and brutal destruction
- shows that he really hates the pigeons as he wants to kill all of them
- “soil”
- suggests dirt, filth and poor hygiene
- shows that he thinks the pigeons are horrible and cause damage to the city
Questions
They smiled and sang as the cake came in, but it didn’t deserve it. The icing slid down the sides leaving some patches of cake depressingly bare. Where ‘Happy Birthday’ should have been written on top there was nothing but a childish scribble.- How does the writer use word choice to emphasise thepoor quality of the cake. (2)
Quote the word:______
This suggests:______
This shows:______
______
Mark came crashing in. He blundered round the room knocking books off shelves and wrecking the place.- How does the writer’s word choice suggest Mark was a nuisance? (2)
Quote the word:______
This suggests:______
This shows:______
______
As I watched my boss slamming the phone down and smashing his fist on the desk, I realised that it was going to be a hard day at work.
- How does the writer’s word choice help show how the ‘boss’ is feeling? (2)
Quote the word:______
This suggests:______
This shows:______
______
After he had dragged himself home from school, Tony slumped into his favourite chair in front of the telly. His eye-lids struggled to stay awake as he placed his finger on the remote.
- How does the writer use word choice to show how tired Tony is? (2)
Quote the word:______
This suggests:______
This shows:______
______
500,000 tourists a year are attracted to the Republic of the Maldives by its pristine beaches, underwater coral reefs, and spectacular marine wildlife.
- Show how the writer's word choice conveys his feelings about the Maldives. (2)
Quote the word:______
This suggests:______
This shows:______
______
Imagery Revision
Formula
1)quote the imagery
2)state the type of imagery: simile, metaphor, personification
3)state what is being described and what it’s being compared to (use your own words if possible)
4)describe in detail what this comparison suggests to you (just as, so too)
Example
Mr Hairston had scowled without answering. He scowled most of the time, his expression as sour as the pickles in the wooden barrel near the cash register.
Q. Comment on the author’s use of imagery to describe Mr Hairston’s mood. (2)
- “his expression as sour as the pickles in the wooden barrel”
- Simile
- The look on Mr Hairston’s face is being compared to some vegetables that have been pickled in vinegar
- Just as pickled vegetables are very sharp and bitter, so too is Mr Hairston’s temperament unpleasant
Questions
My big sister steals my hairbrush, she steals my straighteners and she steals my make-up. But now, I’m declaring war. I’m going to go after her new perfume.- In what way is the author’s use of imagery particularly effective in describing the relationship between the two sisters? (2)
Quote the imagery: ______
State the type of imagery it is: simile/metaphor/personification:______
The writer is describing______
by comparing it to______.
Explain what they have in common (Just as, so too)______
______
______.
One letter in all that flow of paper. And how many were job applications piled randomly, meaninglessly on top of one another? His own would soon be lost in that anonymous crowd. It seemed to him now more than ever like buying a raffle ticket, like doing the football coupon every week. What chance had you got?- Comment on the author’s use of imagery to describe how hopeless the man feels about his job application. (2)
Quote the imagery: ______
State the type of imagery it is: simile/metaphor/personification:______
The writer is describing______
by comparing it to______.
Explain what they have in common (Just as, so too)______
______
______.
The baby pushed the slimy remnants of his dinner into his mouth with pudgy sausage-like fingers- How effective is the author’s use of imagery in describing the baby?(2)
Quote the imagery: ______
State the type of imagery it is: simile/metaphor/personification:______
The writer is describing______
by comparing it to______.
Explain what they have in common (Just as, so too)______
______
______.
The emissions from the factory chimneys were like a volcanic eruption filling the sky- Comment on the author’s use of imagery to describe the effect of the factory on the local environment (2)
Quote the imagery: ______
State the type of imagery it is: simile/metaphor/personification:______
The writer is describing______
by comparing it to______.
Explain what they have in common (Just as, so too)______
______
______.
Gusts of snow swept round me, needling my eyelids and piercing my clothes like powdered glass. The storm closed in and began scouring the mountain with an insane and relentless frenzy.
- Show how the writer’s imagery helps you to understand the effects of the weather. (2)
Quote the imagery: ______
State the type of imagery it is: simile/metaphor/personification:______
The writer is describing______
by comparing it to______.
Explain what they have in common (Just as, so too)______
______
______.
Sentence Structure Revision
Formula
1)name the feature of sentence structure
2)quote it
3)explain its effect/what it helps you understand
Some features of sentence structure include:
Listing / Punctuation (: ; – ! ?) / InversionRepetition / Short sentence / Inverted commas
Parenthesis / Rhetorical question / Ellipsis
Example
Mr Hairston had a back problem and found it hard to move so Henry a lot of work for him. He picked up whatever fell on the floor, he reached for merchandise on the lower shelves to fill the customers’ orders, he helped unload the boxes and crates that arrived from the wholesalers, he stocked the shelves, he bagged the potatoes in the cellar – he was working all day long.Q. What does the sentence structure suggest about Henry’s work? (2)
- The writer uses a list
- “He picked up whatever fell on the floor…he bagged the potatoes in the cellar”
- This list emphasises the large number of different tasks that Henry undertakes, making it clear that he has a lot to do
Questions
My new school is great. I like the other pupils, I like the teachers, I like the work. It’s fantastic!- Comment on a feature of sentence structure that shows the writer’s feelings about school. (2)
Feature of sentence structure:______
Quote:______
Effect:______
______
Mistake. Big mistake. We should have solved this problem before it got so big. Now it’s just too late.- Comment on how the writer uses sentence structure to make their feelings clear
Feature of sentence structure:______
Quote:______
Effect:______
______
My son James is great, but he’s so sports mad that I hardly ever get to see him. He’s always playing something: basketball, football, tennis, rugby… You name it, he plays it.- Comment on how the writer uses sentence structure to make clear James’s passion for sports
Feature of sentence structure:______
Quote:______
Effect:______
______
I’m just really worried about starting at this new school. Will I make friends there? Will I like my teachers? Will they teach the same way that they did at my old school?Will I be able to find my way about?- How does the writer use sentence structure to show how worried the pupil is about his new school (2)
Feature of sentence structure:______
Quote:______
Effect:______
______
And then it came to me. Here was a chance to answer the perennial mystery that puzzled generations of city dwellers: why doesn’t anyone ever see a baby pigeon? Let others plumb Loch Ness for its monster or climb the Himalayas in search of the Yeti. I would be the first human to see a baby pigeon in the wild!- In what way does the sentence structure convey how the writer feels about seeing a baby pigeon? (2)
Feature of sentence structure:______
Quote:______
Effect:______
______
Tone Revision
Formula
- state the tone
- quote an extract from the passage which suggests this tone
- explain how the tone is created – comment on word choice, sentence structure, exaggeration, puns…
Some examples of tones:
Humorous / Ironic / PersuasiveSerious / Sarcastic / Enthusiastic
Critical / Sympathetic / Mocking
Example
The town has increased its visitor numbers by 7 per cent and built tourism into a £250-million-a-year industry – no small achievement when you consider the British climate, the fact that the town is ugly, dirty and a long way from anywhere, that its sea is an open toilet, and its attractions nearly all cheap, provincial and dire.
Q. Comment on the writer’s tone in these lines.
- The tone is critical
- The writer uses a list: “ugly, dirty, a long way from anywhere…dire”
- The list emphasises the many things he dislikes about the place, showing his criticism OR
- The tone is critical
- “Ugly” suggests unattractive, unpleasant, hideous to look at
- This shows he doesn’t like the town, showing his critical attitude
Questions
Free public transport would guarantee every person’s undeniable right to mobility – from schoolchildren to workers, the disabled and the unemployed, families and young people. There would be a decrease in risks to health and surely much welcomed improvements for businesses as more people shop in traffic – and congestion – free streets.
- Show how the writer creates a persuasive tone in these lines. (2)
______
______
Do you not want to take a large hammer to the small jet engine your neighbour insists on using to blow away the tiny handful of leaves that have settled in his front garden, smash it into even tinier pieces and hand him a broom that would do the job in a fraction of the time (and quietly)?
- Show how the writer creates an angry tone in these lines. (2)
______
______
You become uncomfortably aware that all the drivers within 150 yards are sitting with moistened lips watching you expectantly, so you pretend that you don’t really want to cross the street at all, that actually you’ve come over here to look at this interesting lamppost. Finally the pedestrian light turns green and you step off the kerb and all the cars come charging at you. And I don’t care how paranoid and irrational this sounds, but I know for a fact that the people of Paris want me dead.
- Show how the writer creates a humorous tone in these lines. (2)
______
______
Just look at the faces of Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood as they judged The Great British Bake-Off’s botanical showstoppers. Candice’s boiled fruitcake had to be torn apart like a week-old animal carcass. Rav’s blossom cake crumpled like a crying bride. Jane’s orange cake looked like a pair of granny curtains in a mashed potato factory. Benjamina’s floral tea cake, as listing and battered as a condemned building, couldn’t even get it together enough to be cooked properly.