How To Analyse A Fiction Extract

Hello... let`s look at how to analyse a Fiction Extract:

In an analytical response, you should show how language and structure create meaning. You could also explore the effect on the reader. An analytical response uses evidence from the text to make clear points.

Whatever the focus of the task, aim to focus on HOW the writer has used specific techniques or choices to create meaning, rather than WHAT the text is saying or WHO it is about.

The key to giving a relevant response is to focus on the question. What are you being asked to do? Circle the key words in the question, including the active verb, and remember your focus as you start reading the extract.

An exam question might focus on:

Characters/ Characterisation

Narrative Voice

Themes and Ideas

Language

Structure

The Effect on the Reader

The next stage is to annotate your extract and find evidence to support your answer.

Highlight, circle or underline key parts of the text that you will be able to use as evidence for your response.

When looking at an extract, try and read it more than once. First read the entire extract from beginning to end. Then read through the questions and go back through the extract and annotate any language or structural details that jump out as being relevant.

Understanding the questionThe key to a successful response is to focus on the question and understand what you are being asked to do. Below are a few examples of the types of questions you may be required to answer. Use the marks available for each question as a guide on how much to write.

Example question oneFrom lines 1 to 5, identify the phrase that shows why the boy is hungry. (1 mark)

This type of question is not looking for a close analysis of the text or a detailed response. This task aims to check your reading skills and ability to pick out the relevant phrase from the fictional text. Don t spend too long on this type of question - the number of marks available should be your guide. These types of questions usually have a low number of marks. Remember to read the question very carefully this question is asking you to focus only on lines 1 5. It s also important to only use one phrase in your answer.

Example question twoFrom lines 10-16, give two ways the character s behaviour shows that she feels nervous. You can use your own words or a quotation from the text. (2 marks)

This type of question is asking you to find evidence to show the character s emotions. You are not being asked to analyse the evidence, just to show that you can select the right bit of text. You can write the evidence in your own words or use a direct quotation from the text. Remember to check the question carefully you are only being asked to use lines 10-16 and only find two bits of evidence. You do not need to include any additional information.

Example question threeIn lines 15 20, how does the writer use language and structure to create tension? (6 marks)

If you re asked to focus on a particular section of an extract, then focus your analysis on that bit. When you re looking at language remember to examine particular words and phrases used. What patterns of words do you notice for this question, look for lots of words connected with uncertainty or fear.

Look at sentence structures and notice how the writer is using these to create tension. Are there lots of short sentences to build pace? Do longer sentences keep us hanging on?

How do the characters behave and respond to their situation? Notice dialogue/speech as well as descri ptions.

As well as action, think about how characters contribute to tension, how setting is important and how ideas are presented by the writer.

Example question fourIn this extract, the writer wants the reader to feel sympathy for the main character. Evaluate how successfully this is achieved. (15 marks)

This question is asking for a judgement, so you are evaluating as well as analysing. Your main task is to explain the extent to which you agree with this opinion and how the extract makes you as the reader feel. You still need to use quotations to support each point you make - look closely at the word choices the author makes and explore how these affect the reader.

Structuring a paragraph

Use each paragraph to make at least one main point. A paragraph could contain:

a link to the focus of the question - try and use the key word or phrase from the question

some evidence from the text to support what you think - this will probably include something on language or structure

a discussion of the evidence, and links to any other possible evidence

Using some connectives will help link your ideas coherently and clearly and create a flow to your response.

Firstly...

On the one hand...

On the other hand...

Similarly...

In contrast...

However...

Alternatively...

Finally...

NB: There are lots of different ways to structure a paragraph when analysing fiction, but don t be too tied down to one formula. It s important to vary your structure depending on your ideas and how you choose to link evidence together.

Here are just a few common formulas to be aware of:

PEE - Point/Evidence/Explain

PEEL - Point/Evidence/Explain/Link to point

P PEELI - Point/Evidence/Explain/Link to point/Importance

PEA - Point/Evidence/Analysis

SEAL - State your point/Evidence/Analyse/Link

WET - Words/Effect/Techniques

RATS - Reader s Response/Author s intention/Theme/Structure

Think about which ones you find useful and are most comfortable using. What are the limitations of each approach?

Using quotations and close analysis

To support your points, you need to use quotations and examples. Quotations should be kept short and to the point. Using just a few words is more powerful than copying out chunks of text - it shows you are being selective. You should also be careful to copy accurately.

Put the quotation inside your own sentence, rather than putting it in the middle of a page and then commenting on it. This is called embedding a quotation.

So rather than:

"He flew like a butterfly." This is an example of a simile, which shows that he was light and graceful.

Or:

The author uses similes, eg "he flew like a butterfly.'

You would write:

The author uses the simile of the boy flying "like a butterfly" to convey the impression that he is light and graceful.

The author uses the simile of the boy flying "like a butterfly" to convey the impression that he is light and graceful.

Making the most of quotations

A close analysis of the language used in the quotation can be included to support your point.

There are a number of ways you can do this:

Focus on a word from the quotation and write about why it was chosen by the writer.

Write about the connotations of the word, eg the word snake could have connotations of evil and might be used by the writer to create an ominous atmosphere. The word home has the dictionary meaning of a place where someone lives , but the word also has positive connotations of warmth and family.

The context of a word will also be important when you are analysing its effect. Look at how the word is used in the sentence and paragraph as this may affect the connotations of that word.

The quotation may contain a metaphor, simile, alliteration, personification, or other language technique what is the effect of the technique?

Make sure you name the literary technique as part of your analysis.

Remember that you don t need to give a definition of the technique - just focus on the effect it has or creates.

Do the language choices in the quotation link to other parts of the extract? Can you see a pattern in the way the writer is using language?

What is the reader s response to the language in the quotation?

For more examples look at GCSE Bitesize for English Language on the internet.