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English Paper 1 Analysis Strategies

Oct 2, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers analysis strategies for A Level English 9093 Paper 1, focusing on understanding genres, audience, purpose, form, structure, and language—especially for advertisements, brochures, and leaflets.

Paper 1 Structure & Question Types

  • Paper 1 has Section A and B; Question 1 has A and B parts (text analysis and comparison).
  • Question 2 focuses on detailed text analysis.
  • Understanding the difference between literary devices (overall techniques) and figures of speech (specific language choices) is crucial.

Literary Devices vs. Figures of Speech

  • Literary devices include all techniques used to create effect, such as imagery, symbolism, foreshadowing.
  • Figures of speech are specific uses of language, e.g., simile, metaphor, hyperbole, personification.
  • Both tools influence how meaning and emotion are conveyed.

Analyzing Genre, Audience, Tone, and Purpose

  • Genre: Type of text (e.g., speech, article, diary, advert).
  • Audience: Who the text is intended for (age, background, familiarity).
  • Tone/Register: Formal or informal style depending on context.
  • Purpose: What the text aims to do—inform, persuade, praise, criticize, etc.

Rhetorical Appeals: Logos, Ethos, Pathos

  • Logos: Logical appeal; clear, catchy statements or facts.
  • Ethos: Credibility; statistics, names, or references to support claims.
  • Pathos: Emotional appeal; evokes reader’s feelings, positive or negative.

Form, Structure, and Language

  • Form: How the text is presented (layout, sentence length, use of dialogue, ellipses, and perspective).
  • Structure: Organization (introduction, development, comparison/contrast, shifts, pace, type of ending).
  • Language: Use of grammar, figures of speech, sentence variation, and reinforcement of ideas.

Comparative Analysis Approach

  • Interweave analysis when comparing texts in Question 1B.
  • Structure comparison essays by paragraph: form, structure, language, then conclusion.

Advertisement Analysis

  • Ads use persuasive writing to promote products, services, or ideas.
  • Form uses visual imagery (not actual images) and memorable slogans.
  • Structure includes clear headlines, short sentences, bullet points, and calls to action.
  • Language employs powerful adjectives, descriptive language, repetition, and rhetorical questions.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Literary Device — Technique used to produce a specific effect (e.g., imagery, foreshadowing).
  • Figure of Speech — Specific expressions like simile, metaphor, or hyperbole.
  • Genre — The category or type of text.
  • Audience — Intended reader or listener.
  • Tone/Register — The attitude or formal/informal style.
  • Purpose — Intended outcome (persuade, inform, etc.).
  • Logos — Logical or factual appeal.
  • Ethos — Credibility or authority.
  • Pathos — Emotional appeal.
  • Form — Physical and visible features of the text.
  • Structure — How the text is organized.
  • Ellipsis — Omission shown as "...".
  • Cyclical Ending — Conclusion that reflects the text’s beginning.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Write genre-specific notes for advertisements, brochures, and leaflets on separate pages.
  • Include form, structure, and language devices for each genre.
  • Prepare to analyze sample questions using these frameworks for next session.