Helpful hints

Read the piece at least three times. Once for overall impression, once for key moments, and one final time keeping the questions in mind. Read the question carefully. Ask yourself what exactly are you being asked to answer? Underline the key words in the question and if you are asked to give reasons for your answer, then you will need to give at least two reasons. Answer fully. Use full sentences in your answer, and make use of all points and examples in the text to support your answer. Keep it relevant! Use the terms of the question in your answer. Use the marks given as a guideline. Be more specific in identifying the technique; avoid repeating the same words (explain why this technique is effective – how does it affect the reader? how does it strengthen the writer’s argument?) Be specific.

Read as much as you can in the coming months. Read a variety of different genres including newspapers, magazines, novels, and plays. Exposing yourself to a wide variety of literary styles will enrich your vocabulary and generate a bank of ideas you can draw from on exam day.