Section A Reading fiction exam tips

: identify explicit information: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "AO1: identify explicit information and ideas in a literature fiction extract." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Understanding fiction sources tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Select relevant evidence from: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Select relevant evidence from a fiction source to support a clear response." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Understanding fiction sources tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Make inferences about characters,: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Make inferences about characters, settings, events and relationships in a fiction source." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Understanding fiction sources tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Explain how selected details: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Explain how selected details support an interpretation of a fiction extract." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Understanding fiction sources tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Distinguish between what the: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Distinguish between what the text states directly and what the reader can infer." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Understanding fiction sources tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Use short, precise quotations: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Use short, precise quotations to support answers about fiction reading." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Understanding fiction sources tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

: identify important words,: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "AO2: identify important words, phrases and language features in a fiction extract." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Analysing language in fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Analyse how word choices: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Analyse how word choices create meaning and influence the reader's response." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Analysing language in fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Explain the effects of: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Explain the effects of imagery, figurative language and descriptive detail in fiction." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Analysing language in fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Analyse how sentence forms: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Analyse how sentence forms and punctuation shape pace, tone or emphasis." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Analysing language in fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Link language analysis to: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Link language analysis to the writer's purpose and the reader's interpretation." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Analysing language in fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Avoid feature-spotting by explaining: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Avoid feature-spotting by explaining how language choices work in context." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Analysing language in fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

: identify structural features: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "AO2: identify structural features such as openings, shifts in focus, changes in pace and endings." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Analysing structure in fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Explain how the writer's: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Explain how the writer's structural choices guide the reader through a fiction extract." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Analysing structure in fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Analyse how narrative perspective: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Analyse how narrative perspective or point of view affects the reader's understanding." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Analysing structure in fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Explain how changes in: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Explain how changes in setting, time, mood or focus create interest." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Analysing structure in fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Link structural analysis to: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Link structural analysis to the development of character, atmosphere or tension." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Analysing structure in fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Use evidence from different: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Use evidence from different parts of the extract to support comments on structure." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Analysing structure in fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

: form a clear: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "AO4: form a clear judgement about a given statement on a fiction extract." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Evaluating fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Select evidence that supports: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Select evidence that supports an evaluative response to fiction." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Evaluating fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Explain how writer's methods: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Explain how writer's methods make a statement convincing, partly convincing or limited." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Evaluating fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Evaluate how successfully a: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Evaluate how successfully a writer presents character, setting, mood or events." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Evaluating fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Balance personal response with: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Balance personal response with close reference to the text." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Evaluating fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Develop an evaluative paragraph: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Develop an evaluative paragraph that moves beyond summary." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Evaluating fiction tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.