Higher English

Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation

What you have to do:

• Read two texts and answer questions on them. The paper lasts for 1 hour 30 mins.

• You will answer detailed questions on the first text, and then address one question which requires you to:– infer* and summarise the ideas and/or language of

both texts, and – demonstrate an understanding of the relationship

between the texts.*deduce or conclude something from evidence and reasoning

You will be required to demonstrate UNDERSTANDING by:

•identifying key information and ideas from the texts

•explaining relationships between ideas

You will be required to ANALYSE

features of language and discuss their relationship with the ideas of the texts as a whole.

(Features of language might include word choice, imagery, tone, sentence structure, punctuation, sound techniques, and so on.)

You must EVALUATE

the effect of the language and/or ideas of the text(s).

Resources

• Past Papers • Textbooks• Internet• Newspapers

Read quality, broadsheet newspapers!– The passages will contain the views of two

journalists on a topic and will usually be discursive containing ideas, opinions and points of view.

– Each writer will establish a tone / stance / viewpoint.

Sources of exam passages:• 2013 – The Times & The Guardian• 2012 – extract from sportswriter’s book & The Independent• 2011 – The Times & Boris Johnson’s website• 2010 – The Observer & political think-tank paper• 2009 – The Telegraph & The Guardian