Respond critically to significant aspects of unfamiliar written texts through close reading, supported by evidence
You need to read two unfamiliar texts (a prose extract and a poem) closely and write analytical responses to three questions about them. You'll identify specific literary techniques and language features that create meaning, explain how writers use these features deliberately, and compare how both texts work. This is about showing you can analyse texts you've never seen before by picking out the "how" and "why" of the writing.
You develop a clear critical discussion by identifying and explaining at least two relevant aspects in each text, support your points with specific textual examples, and attempt all three questions.
You show convincing understanding by unpacking well-chosen quotations in depth, weaving evidence into your commentary, offering balanced and in-depth discussion across all questions, and investigating relevant implications of the writer's choices.
You offer perceptive insights by consistently identifying relevant aspects throughout all answers, embedding well-chosen examples with sophisticated analysis, exploring how different techniques work together, demonstrating sophisticated appreciation of language as deliberate choice, and showing original thought that links to broader ideas.
Standards typically taken alongside or after this one. Same subject, grouped by level.