2. Language analysis – what you need to include.
• Not just a PQE/PEE – this is too simple for GCSE now!
• Your explanation needs to be more detailed in order to achieve the top
grades (C-A*)
• Each section of language analysis must:
• 1. Analyse specific language (words) or language techniques (simile,
metaphor)
• 2. say what Steinbeck’s purpose is – is he trying to tell us something
about society at the time?
• 3. Relate to context (American Dream, migrant workers, racial
segregation etc.)
• 4. say how the reader feels towards the character or description
3. The 6 point plan
Each paragraph that you write needs to be focused on making a point
and then using a quote to prove this point.
An excellent paragraph will use all of the 6 points, and keep relating
the analysis back to the original point they made.
Point (theme)
Quote or evidence
Explanation about what the quote shows us (brief)
One word/phrase/technique analysis – what does the use of this
word suggest?
Purpose/message (Steinbeck’s)
Reader’s response
4. You should ask yourself if you have
done these things…
Assessment Objectives:
1. Confident interpretation of texts
• Have you interpreted a theme?
• Have you interpreted something about the character?
• Have you considered the reader’s response to the text, or alternative
interpretations?
2. Confident engagement with writer’s ideas
• Have you commented on what Steinbeck’s purpose is?
• Have you commented on what his message may be to his readership?
• Have you related his ideas to the context of the time?
3. Confident analysis of language and structure
• Have you analysed specific words/techniques in the quote?
• Have you commented on why Steinbeck has used this language or technique?
• Have you analysed structure (either in the quote (sentence length etc) or the
position of the quote in the novel (beginning, middle, end etc)?
