Home > Subjects > English > English level 1 > 1.2 Visual/oral text study > Subject content > How to answer a question
- Subject: English
- AS: 90850
- Level: 1
- Credits: 4
- External
1.2 Show understanding of visual text(s)
How to answer a question
What will the questions sound like?
- Usually the questions are set out with one sentence asking you to describe and, the second sentence asking you to explain and the third sentence asking you to discuss these things using specific visual and/or oral features. You must treat all parts of the question equally. You could write half a paragraph on describing a feature and the second half on explaining the effect for each of your points. You must give an example of specific visual and/or oral features to support every point you make.
Answering a question:
- Choose a question that suits the text and targets what you have studied.
- Underline keywords – these words will point to the sections of your study notes you need to use in your answer. Think of other words that mean the same so you have a group of useful words to use in your answer.
Plan – brainstorm and organise, evidence
- Brainstorm your main ideas using the keywords from the question to get your main idea.
- Brainstorm five solid points to help expand on your main idea. Add a relevant quotation or detail from the text to support each point. Use the plan for the sample question on Of Mice and Men as an example of how to organise your ideas into clear paragraphs.
Write – an introduction, 4–5 paragraphs, and a conclusion:
- Introductions and conclusions
In the introduction you must write the title (underlined or in quotation marks) and the author or director of your text. Refer to the question you have chosen by putting the question into your own words and outline the points you will make so that you have a clear structure. A conclusion is more than just repeating the introduction, it should tie any lose ends together and leave a clear message or answer with the reader. - Paragraphs
Paragraphs are made up of a series of sentences based around a topic or point. Without clear paragraphs it is difficult to understand what the piece of writing is about because there is no grouping of ideas to help organise your thoughts. Miss a line to show you have started a new paragraph.A standard paragraph will have these elements:
- topic sentence – stating the main idea to be developed within the paragraph
- explanation – expanding the idea through discussion
- evidence and detail – using quotes and key information examples of visual/oral features, facts, and details to illustrate the idea should be woven into your sentence
- link back to the question by using keywords to answer the question.
Review – have I answered the question?
- Check by looking at the end of each paragraph for a sentence that links back to the question and sums up your main point. Remember to add your personal response by stating what the text made you think about.
