Home > Subjects > English > English level 2 > 2.6 Unfamiliar texts > Subject content > Reading written text
- Subject: English
- AS: 90380
- Level: 2
- Credits: 3
- External
2.6 Read unfamiliar texts and analyse the ideas and language features
Reading written text
Usually written text is an extract taken from a longer text such as a novel, short story, magazine article, non-fiction, or a complete poem. For help with how to close read see:
Key features
- Contexts and purpose
- Connotation and denotation
- Meaning of words
- Why Sentence Structure Matters
- Purpose of grammar, punctuation, spelling, poetic terms, alliteration (see Phonology and Graphology)
- The use of figurative language, and interpreting imagery
Written language example question and answer
Here is an example of a possible examination question and answer to show the importance of analysing the text.
Read the extract from Potiki and answer the following question in detail.
Explain how the last paragraph forms an effective conclusion to this extract. (You could consider aspects such as structure, contrast, links, and tone.)
Possible answers
Achieve: The conclusion links to the rest of the article because it is all about giving up land for nothing in return.
Merit: The conclusion sums up the narrator's perspective. The structure of the extract is split in two sections. Firstly the ‘suit men's' view and how they are trying to sell the idea of land development to Māori. Secondly the Māori view and how if they give in to the suit men they have lost everything.
Excellence: (as for merit plus) The extended metaphor sums up the negative mood that there will be no hope or future if Māori give in. 'Our whānau is the land and sea...We might as well crack open our heads, take the seed, and throw it on the flame.' This shows the contrast between life and death. Life is symbolised by the land, sea, and seed; death is symbolised by the flame. The suit men's plans will be as fatal as a fire; it will mean the death of life as they know it. Māori are a sacrifice for the financial benefit of the suit men. The negative mood reinforces the seriousness of the issue.
Examples of general questions for written language
- What is the context and situation of the text?
- What is the purpose of the text?
- Who would be the likely audience and how have they been addressed?
- How has the content of the text been structured?
- Identify language features and explain how this helps to express the ideas of the writer effectively.
