Have you heard the word ‘analyse’ before? You probably should have and if you don’t, you need to know! Every time you write an essay, you need to analyse your quotes!
Analysis in GCSE exams is worth almost 50% of the overall mark! So…it’s pretty important!
But what even is it?
Analysis means picking out individual features from the quotes and explaining what they could show. If you want more support with analysis, check out my free eBook: My Secret Sauce for Essay Writing Success!
Here are 3 ways to analyse quotes effectively!
1. Words
Words are fantastic because there are LOADS of other words the writer could have chosen to use but they chose THAT one on purpose! Why? That’s your job to find out!
For example, die, kill, murder, slaughter and butcher all have quite similar meanings and all be used to describe a killing of some sort…a little dark, I know! However, each one has a slightly different effect and has been used by the writer on purpose.
When analysing words, it’s a great idea to look at the connotations. This essentially means what the word makes you think of when you hear it…word association!
For example, a rose might have connotations of love, romance and the colour red.
TOP TIP: If you can name the type of word you are zooming in on…well, that’s even better!
2. Devices
Another great one! Devices refer to putting words into fancy combinations, like starting each word with the same letter (alliteration). These are fantastic because they can show so much!
Similes can create exaggeration and can add to the overall tone – why is the writer choosing to compare it to that particular thing? Alliteration can emphasise certain sound qualities, either harsh or soft, and onomatopoeia can add sensory details into the text.
There will be a reason behind every choice and it’s your job to consider what that could be and what effect it has on the reader.
3. Sentences
Finally…we have sentences! Sentences are great because, if you do this well, you can get a lot of marks!
Sentences are considered one of the hardest elements to zoom in on so it can be great to look at them!
The easiest way is to consider whether the sentences are short or long. Usually long sentences can create a sense of fluidity and are great for elaborate descriptions. On the other hand, short sentences can be short and snappy and are great for developing tension and a fragmented tone.
To aim for even higher marks, look at the type of sentence being used and consider why the writer has used it! Compound sentences can create balance between two equal clauses whilst complex sentences can create imbalance and show bias. For more help with this, definitely check out my post all about the three main sentence types here!
And…there we have it! Are you using these already? Try to write about all three in your next essays! Comment below with your experiences! For more help, check out my free eBook: Essay Templates!