Skip to main content

ACING ZIMSEC LITERATURE IN ENGLISH PAPER 1: COMMENT AND APPRECIATION

ACING PAPER 1: COMMENT AND APPRECIATION

When faced with the task of tackling an unseen passage, particularly in the exam, some candidates get gripped by terror and end up panicking and doing the unthinkable. Yet there is no need to allow your fears to rule you to the extent of ruining your academic success.

First Things First

Assuming you have made a decision on which question(s) to tackle, what then should be the first thing to do? Undoubtedly, careful close reading. You want to establish what the writer is communicating to the readers (you in particular) at the same time taking note of the means which have been employed to convey those thoughts. Remember, the subject and the means are not far from each other; they work together to create impressions on the reader. So, as you read along, you should identify interesting points about both and annotate the text accordingly. 

Plan

Having identified the main points in relation to the question, you should then work on arranging them so that there is a clear sequence in your work. This is very important because the syllabus clearly states that candidates should communicate clearly their understanding. This entails laying out the essay in a logical and sequential manner. The other reason why candidates should arrange their points logically is to avoid repetition. Repetition weakens the structure of an essay and you should avoid it. An essay should move forward not forward and backwards in a confused fashion.

Structure your Arguments Properly 

Some candidates raise good points but fail to build a strong argument upon them. Remember, there is a difference between a point and an argument.  A point is just a single statement about a reader's observation. There is need for you to shape your argument in such a way that it is convincing. This means that you have to come up with effective topic sentences that are anchored on the demands of the question. You might want to explain further what you mean if you feel that your reader might not be able to grasp the drift of your argument from the topic sentence or if your topic sentence is scanty. You must provide textual evidence from the text to support your observations. A chain of sentences lacking evidence does not make an argument. Remember, do not leave quotations hanging. Make sure that you show their relevance to your argument by linking them to your points.

Quote Effectively

Quotations add nothing if they are not connected to the points raised. Care must be taken to ensure that the textual evidence is used to amplify and augment the argument. This entails quoting with exactness.  Excess content muffles the argument and blurs meaning. The best way is to embed the quotations and make them part of your sentences. The only thing that can show that they are quotations is the use of quotation marks. Littering the essay with too long quotations diminishes your argument. Instead of your readers to follow your arguments, they end up focusing more on the quotations since they are the ones having prominence in your work.


Comments

Anonymous said…
Thank you so much bhudi.
Cosmopolitan said…
You're welcome dade.

Popular posts from this blog

AN ANALYSIS OF THE POEM "EVERY STONE THAT TURNS..." BY BVUMA

The poem opens with an air of inner turmoil. The speaker expresses disappointment at the futility of his efforts to find happiness despite his all endeavours. The motif of "every stone that turns" symbolises the chapters, experiences and phases the speaker goes through in life, all of which expose him to danger or unpleasantness.  The poem presents a sense of meaninglessness. Futility is symbolised by "an abstract atlas," representing the intangible weight of unfulfilled aspirations. The speaker feels exposed and vulnerable, as suggested by the "neon ball atop Pearl House," which hints at a precarious, unstable state of existence. The image of "a pair of high-heeled shoes" signifies a figure, possibly Yeukai, walking the empty streets in search of something vital - be it food or emotional fulfilment. The word "pecks" suggests a futile, bird-like effort to find sustenance or help, while the "still streets" emphasise the a...

COMING OF THE DRY SEASON: SHADOWS ON THE WALL

 SHADOWS ON THE WALL The story begins with a motif of shadows. This device runs through the story. This establishes a gloomy atmosphere characterised by hopelessness and dejection of the child narrator. It also emphasises the neglect and emptiness the narrator is experiencing. Even in the presence of his parents, the child feels abandoned. The family is so dysfunctional that the child finds solace in the shadows instead of the real parents. The "wall" symbolises a barrier to freedom and happiness. It represents the depressing effects of the narrator's  parents' tempestuous relationship.  The narrator has lost sense of reality after failing to find love and protection from the parents especially from the father who is abusive and callous. The real world exposes the narrator to cruelty and abuse hence the fascination on the shadows.  Through their sitting location in the hut, a huge social distance between the father and the child is reflected. The father is sitting n...

More Screen Time

More Screen Time What do you like to watch on your screen? Movies, sitcoms or comedies? Many people enjoy spending their weekends sitting on sofas or lying in bed, watching their favourite TV or online programmes on their mobile phones or televisions. Fancy Documentaries? If you enjoy shows that tell true stories about wildlife, cities or anything people don't know much about, you might love documentaries. These shows are typically  informative ,   unless  they poorly researched. However, since documentaries involve a lot of narration, some people find them dull or less engaging. Many enjoy documentaries about animals and plants, but you can also find documentaries about popular destinations, like the White Temple in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand. The Famous White Temple - Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rain, Thailand Laughter is The Best Medicine! Some people, however, that documentaries don't help them relax as much as they would like, so they prefer watching comedie...