Getting Your Brain Working!

Right so you are in that English lesson and your mind has gone blank, it is absolutely empty. You think to yourself I have no clue about Shakespeare`s Macbeth. The language is weird and I have you no idea how to analyse the text. We`ve all been in this situation. Here`s what to do- - Breathe!!! Seriously, take time to breathe! - Read the Page- Read it through noting any words or phrases that make sense and any that don`t. If you are working with a text that is not in Contemprary English, this is especially a helpful as you can start to get your ideas on page and begin to expand your understanding. -Begin to note how the writer uses language-metaphors, similies, alliteration. This will help you to begin to analyse the techniques that the writer employs. This will also further your understanding of the text. - Start to work on `interpretation`. The beauty of English is that it is open to interpretation. As long as you can prove it from the text, It`s right! What does this text mean to you? Whay has the writer chosen to use a similie? What does this tell you about the text? What tone does this give to the piece?

So this is my quick fire way of Getting your mind working. It is easy, always aplicable and allows you to get your head around those difficult texts! Happy Thinking!