How to approach close analysis of an unseen extract

Firstly, read the extract slowly once through, don't rush and attempt to begin analysis without getting a clear picture of the extract as a whole. Upon your second reading underline and annotate key words and sections that stand out to you to help formulate your ideas. If the extract is a section of a text you are studying, make sure to pinpoint exactly where the extract falls in the text and the significance of this moment in terms of the events that both precede and follow it. Comment also on how this moment is characteristic of the text as a whole to demonstrate your wider knowledge. Always create a short plan, usually it is best to structure your essay with three clear points exploring the use of language, structure and form throughout. Students often focus heavily on language so don't neglect your analysis of structure as this will push your essay to higher levels. Write a sentence clearly stating your point for each paragraph in your plan and use your annotations to provide quotations and evidence for each point. This sentence will serve to remind you to stay on track whilst you are writing as it is very easy to get lost in your ideas and consequently for your essay to become messy and convoluted. A concise, clear thought process is essential to a good essay. Write down all the things you notice about the extract, look at the use of punctuation in any dialogue, is there broken syntax? Short utterances or much longer sections of speech? Pick up on the imagery, what is it telling us about this moment and these characters? Use all of these technical choices and relate them to the mood and events of the extract.