Starter quiz
- Match each of the components of a single paragraph outline to the correct definitions.
- topic sentence⇔explains the focus of the paragraph ✓
- supporting detail⇔an analysis of language, form and structure ✓
- concluding sentence⇔summarises the paragraph ✓
- It's important to support each of your analytical paragraphs with ______.
- 'evidence' ✓
- An effective concluding sentence should …
- rephrase the topic sentence.
- give your opinion about the text.
- have a sharp focus on the writer's intentions. ✓
- make a new analytical point.
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- Which of these are key themes from 'A Christmas Carol'?
- ambition
- poverty ✓
- aging
- social responsibility ✓
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- What does it mean to 'annotate' something?
- to summarise the main points
- to add notes or comments to a text for explanation or analysis ✓
- to rewrite the text in simpler terms
- to memorise the content for future reference
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- A word or phrase used to link ideas or paragraphs and signpost the direction of the writing is called a ______.
- 'discourse marker' ✓
Exit quiz
- What is tentative language?
- language used to embed a quotation into a sentence
- language used to signpost similarities and differences
- language which indicates a suggestion or an uncertain idea (as opposed to facts) ✓
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- Which of these would you expect to see in an effective introduction?
- a brief summary of what you like about the text
- evidence from the extract given in the question
- a thesis statement ✓
- analysis of how writers use language, form and/or structure
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- To complete your analytical response, you will need to use examples/evidence from ...
- the extract given in the question. ✓
- other texts written by this author.
- the rest of the novel. ✓
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- A good topic sentence will begin by ...
- exploring the wider context of the text.
- exploring key ideas in the text linked to the question focus. ✓
- using discourse markers such as 'Firstly, ...' or 'Furthermore, ...'. ✓
- 'feature-spotting' how the writer uses language.
- introducing a key quotations from the text.
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- In an analytical response, context should be used ...
- in every paragraph.
- where it is relevant to the point you are making. ✓
- the first sentence of your response.
- the conclusion when you are considering why a writer made certain choices. ✓
- as little as possible.
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- A good conclusion to an analytical response will ...
- avoid linking to wider context.
- summarise the comparisons you made throughout the response. ✓
- list some extra points you didn't get to include in the rest of the response.
- avoid making new points or introducing new quotes. ✓
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Worksheet
Presentation
Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- An excellent introduction could start with a brief summary of the text and its overarching message.
- It should then have a specific statement about the focus of the question, followed by a thesis (overarching argument).
- Topic sentences need to be clear, linked to the question and led by key ideas (not feature-spotting).
- Context can be used to develop arguments.
- An effective conclusion will summarise key points in the response and consider the writer’s intentions.
Common misconception
Analytical paragraphs should lead by identifying how a writer uses language, form and/or structure.
The best analytical writing begins by exploring how key ideas or attitudes in a poem link to the question focus, supported by analysis of how the writer uses language, form and/or structure to convey these ideas or attitudes.
Keywords
Subtle - less obvious; nuanced; complex or understated
Feature-spotting - leading an analytical paragraph by identifying methods or techniques used by a writer
Tentative language - language which indicates a suggestion or idea (as opposed to a fact)
Discourse markers - language used to signpost different parts of a text (e.g., 'In conclusion, ...')
Redraft - rewriting parts of your work to include missing elements or upgrade the quality of your response