Use your own words (unless the question directly asks for a quote)
The answer is in the passage
Don't forget the obvious answers
You’re just writing WHAT the writer is saying, not HOW or WHY they are saying it.
Analysis Questions
Identify the language feature (word choice, imagery, tone, sentence structure, repetition, sounds)
Use tactics for that technique (from the other formulae) to answer the question.
Evaluation Questions
Identify the tone (the writer’s attitude to what he or she is discussing).
Quote from or refer to the passage (word choice, structure) to show why you think that is the tone (e.g. If a writer states that someone is “pathetic”, their tone is probably angry or mocking).
Imagery Questions
Quote the image
Type of image (simile, metaphor, personification)
Literal meaning ("A tidal wave is very destructive”)
Figurative meaning ("The writer means that immigration can be destructive”)
Word Choice Questions
Quote the word(s)
Note the connotations
How do these connotations help the writer make their point (pay attention to the question)?
Sentence Structure Questions
Identify aspect of sentence structure: - Length of sentences - Types of sentences - Punctuation, parenthesis - Repetition, lists, inversion, climax
Answer the question (usually this is to explain effect of the sentence structure)
Be specific
Context Questions
State what the word(s) mean
Quote the word(s) or feature(s) that helped you to figure out that meaning
Relate this back to the question
Tone Questions
Identify the tone (the writer’s attitude to what he or she is discussing).
Quote from or refer to the passage (word choice, structure) to show why you think that is the tone (e.g. If a writer states that someone is “pathetic”, their tone is probably angry or mocking) and follow the formula for that technique.
Effective as a Conclusion? Questions
1) Identify what the conclusion does.
2) For example, does it:
sum up the main points?
restate the writer’s point of view?
link back to the introduction?
use word choice/imagery used in the introduction or used throughout passage?
3) Quote and explain from both the conclusion and from earlier in the passage to support your answer.
