STEPS TO THE IOC/PAPER 1 PASSAGE ANALYSIS

1) READ THE TEXT(S) (and analyze any IMAGES and other FEATURES, if present)
2) HIGHLIGHT/ANNOTATE KEY FEATURES
3) THINK: PULL OUT MAIN IDEA(S) based on your notes, note key ideas/themes of the passage

BRAINSTORMING:

Based on these annotations, it

seems like the main idea(s) of this
text is/are: ___________________

I can see this through the authors

use of (org. support for each idea above):

1) ___________________

2) ___________________

3) __________________

4) Find 3-4 ways this idea/these ideas is/are coming across make __
sure you have multiple
examples (i.e.: if you think imagery is one strong way to support the idea of X, you need several
examples of imagery perhaps various types - and how they are used to convey idea X).
5) Write your THESIS based on the main idea(s) being depicted (and possibly state 3-4 ways this
idea is coming across to readers through stylistic and literary features).
6) THE ANALYSIS - Write/speak your analysis organize your points based on the support you find
for your ideas. Use topic sentences/sign posts and transition words to link your points and make
them flow and develop your argument(s).
7) SUPPORT - Make sure your ideas are supported with TEXTUAL EVIDENCE and are FULLY
EXPLAINED to show HOW they relate.
8) LINK all points to your THESIS
9) Do not forget the authors PURPOSE & EFFECTS on the reader throughout WHY did the writer
make this choice? Why is this device/wording used? What does it show readers?
10) WRAP IT UP (SO WHAT?) What do we learn from this? What is the use of this passage in the
text as a whole (if its an extract) or to the authors larger body of work? What does it reveal?
How does it help your overall understanding of the text? What is the overall purpose/impression
left?