Home > Subjects > English > English level 3 > 3.2 Written text(s) > Subject content > Content notes
- Subject: English
- AS: 90721
- Level: 3
- Credits: 3
- External
3.2 Respond critically to written text(s) studied
Content notes
Content notes are the questions, learning activities, extra reading, and notes you should have completed in class when studying written text(s). Texts will be discussed in general terms, so apply these suggestions to the text(s) you have studied. At this level critical response involves the close examination and understanding of how and why the writer has chosen to express ideas in a certain way and that all aspects of a text work together to support the author's purpose. Think critically about how one aspect of the text such as language influences or impacts on another aspect such as theme or character. Critical academic readings are journal articles that have been written by top academics as a discussion paper focusing on key issues from a text. You can access academic readings through your school library on 'close reserve' or you can order material online from the INNZ catalogue (ask your teacher or librarian for the school's password). Use this material to support and extend your study.
Key aspects to study
- plot and structure
- setting and context
- style and techniques
- characterisation
- theme and purpose
- conflict
- symbolism and imagery.
Ways to study the content
- Read the text closely and ask questions to help you really understand the text. See Taking Notes From Research Reading (PDF, 92KB)
- Summarise important sections of the text(s) into your own words.
- Answer plot questions using detailed references and quotations from the text(s).
- Make flashcards to learn important quotations.
- Draw diagrams and flowcharts to show the relationship between different aspects such as conflict and character, or language and theme. See graphic organizers for suggestions on how to organise your key points into a new format.
