Commentary Writing Paper 1 Unseen poetry/prose Record your reaction by underlining: What is the main theme of the extract?

he extract? Central idea/ chief focus of interest. Where is the extract set? {sense of place, sense of territory (which is emotional), time, social condition, weather} Comment whether the setting is shifting or remains constant. When is the story set? Month, year, season, era. Does the time scheme of the extract alter or remain the same? What tense is the extract written in? In some cases the tense changes, if it does also comment on that. Who is speaking in the extract? (Narrative point of view) first or third person. Is the narrator involved? (part of the story of detached) Comment upon the shape and structure of the extract? o Its physical appearance on the page. o Regular length lines (long or short) o Is there repetition of any particular word or idea This might be applicable in poem (comment on the sound of poem, o Is there rhyme? o Is the rhythm quick, slow, musical or harsh? o Does the punctuation affect this? (If it does, how?) o Are the lines end-stopped or enjambed? Does this make a difference to the rhythm? Comment upon diction or language: o Are there adjectives? (descriptive aspect) o Does a pattern emerge in the way choice of words has been used? o Is there much imagery? (Simile and metaphor, is there alliteration, if so, purpose?) o Are the sense engaged in any way? (five senses) What effect does it have on the reader? Comment on the mood or the atmosphere of the extract o Its tone, is it celebratory, neutral? Does the title give a clue of the mood? Mostly poems. What can you say about the emotional impact of the poem/story? Was the extract a success? Was it effective? Did you find it compelling, mysterious, ambitious, and persuasive? Explain

Paper 1 Things to remember when writing: Write in crisp sentences

Retain objective in comments until the end Leave a line between paragraphs Get a sense of the author manipulating features to achieve particular effects. Avoid line by line explanation

Planning: Plan: Introduction 1st sentence: Establish what is happening Establish the main focus of the passage. Identify main points. Prioritize these points

2nd and 3rd sentence state the points 4th sentence hint at the possible conclusion. Body: Each paragraph: Conclusion: Summary of the points and the support the main theme/ central idea. Personal sense of the success and effectiveness of the poem/passage. Point Quotation, reference, example, evidence illustration. Comment