T3W3 - SAQ Practice (Figurative Language).pptx

General Paper 2 Question Skills

1. Paper 2 Skills: Figurative Language and Combination Questions

2. Figurative Language

3. Figurative language  is a term used to describe an author's use of language to extend meaning. This is achieved by deviating from the literal meaning of words or by deviating from the usual arrangement of words. What is figurative language? A leads to B leads to C leads to D ‘Domino effect’

4. Figurative language  is a term used to describe an author's use of language to extend meaning. This is achieved by deviating from the literal meaning of words or by deviating from the usual arrangement of words. What is figurative language? A leads to B leads to C leads to D ‘Domino effect’

5. Figurative language  is a term used to describe an author's use of language to extend meaning. This is achieved by deviating from the literal meaning of words or by deviating from the usual arrangement of words. What is figurative language? ‘Boiling mad’ I am angry

6. In general, it helps us to: visualise the idea – see it as a picture and understand/appreciate it better save words – no need for long explanations cue in or tune in to or provide emphasis to the attitude and feelings of the author – how the author wants his writing to be interpreted Why use figurative language?

7. Types of Figurative Language (1) Analogy (2) Irony (3) Paradox

8. A comparison between two unrelated or dissimilar things using an element that is shared. Analogy

9. Use ‘like’, ‘as’ or ‘than’ (‘My mind is like an ocean’) Analogy Simile Metaphor Personification Give inanimate/non-human things/ideas humanlike qualities or liken them to human beings (‘The boat hugged the shore’; ‘The bomb tricked me.’) Leave out ‘like’, ‘as’ or ‘than’ (‘My mind is an ocean’)

10. Why is it used? To make a (difficult/unfamiliar) concept easier to understand or more relatable to the reader To make the idea more vivid , especially when emphasising extent To stir emotions Analogy PAGE 3

11. Analogy questions usually come in the form of a question that asks you to explain a comparison that has been made. They therefore contain words like ‘compare’ or ‘like’ . How to identify analogy question type (a) What does the comparison with Analogy B say about Context A in the passage? (b) Why does the author liken Context A to Analogy B? PURPOSE OF ANALOGY NEEDED.

12. Example 1: What is the author’s purpose in describing the process whereby trees cool and filter the air (Context A) as being ‘ like perspiration from our skin’ and ‘like lungs’ (analogy B) (A Level 2012) Example 2: Why does the author choose to express the rate of deforestation (Context A) as being ‘the equivalent of 36 football pitches a minute (analogy B) ’? (A Level 2019) NOTE: In your exam, the words ‘analogy’, ‘simile’, ‘metaphor’ or ‘personification’ are unlikely to be used in the question. How to identify the Analogy Question

13. Understand the analogy using the following steps: Step 1: Understand the context and the range of possible meanings in the analogy Step 2: Identify the overlap between the analogy and the context Steps to understanding an analogy

14. In the trenches of WWI… a British soldier shares his war poem to Sir Blackadder

15. How hurt would you be if I give an honest answer… which is No I’d rather French kiss a skunk! This portion gives you Context to the opinion Blackadder has on his soldier Baldrick In the trenches of WWI… a British soldier shares his war poem

16. Baldrick, your brain is like the Loch Ness Monster! Question: What does the comparison with “the Loch Ness Monster” say about Baldrick? In the trenches of WWI… a British soldier shares his war poem LATER… (not shown in clip)

17. Understand the analogy using the following steps: Step 1: Understand the context and the range of possible meanings in the analogy Step 2: Identify the overlap between the analogy and the context Steps to understanding an analogy

18. Step 1a: Understanding the context Context Lousy poet Blackadder would rather kiss a skunk than listen to him Loves to kiss skunks Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!

19. Step 1b: Understand the range of meanings in the analogy Analogy From Scotland Lives in Loch Ness Huge Long neck Mythical, does not really exist

20. Context Lousy poet Blackadder would rather kiss a skunk than listen to him Loves to kiss skunks Step 2: Identify the overlap and construct meaning Analogy From Scotland Lives in Loch Ness Huge Long neck Mythical, does not really exist So… which part of the analogy describes Baldrick’s brain?

21. Step 2: Identify the overlap and construct meaning Analogy From Scotland Lives in Loch Ness Huge Long neck Mythical, does not really exist Blackadder is saying that Baldrick brain does not exist Context Lousy poet Blackadder would rather kiss a skunk than listen to him Loves to kiss skunks

22. Step 3 : Explain the imagery used. Just as the Loch Ness monster is a mythical creature that does not exist;… Step 4 : Show the similarity between the imagery and the relevant situation/argument in the passage. Avoid repeating the metaphorical meaning. …similarly, Blackadder is trying to say implying that Baldrick’s brain does not exist and that Baldrick is stupid for coming up with a lousy poem. Steps to present your answer to an analogy question

23. Add Step 5: You also need to answer the ‘why’ question, by providing an additional line where you explain why the analogy is being used Why did Blackadder liken Baldrick’s brain to the Loch Ness Monster?

24. The answer here is no longer adequate Just as the Loch Ness monster is a mythical creature that does not exist, similarly, Blackadder is trying to say implying that Baldrick’s brain does not exist and that Baldrick is stupid for coming up with a lousy poem. Blackadder makes this comparison to make Baldrick’s stupidity vivid to the reader. Why did Blackadder liken Baldrick’s brain to the Loch Ness Monster?

25. Comedy regularly draws criticism for being offensive and for perpetuating negative stereotypes. This, however, is a sign of a healthy comedy culture because it means that comedians are pushing social boundaries. Stories and expressions that are normally unacceptable are met with laughter and agreement when they are told on stage. The fact that the content is encrusted in humour is like a sugar coating to bitter medicine . The laugh takes away the sting . (IJC Prelim 2015) Explain how using humour to deal with ‘normally unacceptable’ content is ‘like a sugar coating to bitter medicine’. [2]

26. Comedy regularly draws criticism for being offensive and for perpetuating negative stereotypes. This, however, is a sign of a healthy comedy culture because it means that comedians are pushing social boundaries. Stories and expressions that are normally unacceptable are met with laughter and agreement when they are told on stage. The fact that the content is encrusted in humour is like a sugar coating to bitter medicine . The laugh takes away the sting . (IJC Prelim 2015) EG 1: Explain how using humour to deal with ‘normally unacceptable’ content is ‘like a sugar coating to bitter medicine’. [2] Sugar coating (encrusts) the bitter medicine (Context) Humour to deal with ‘normally unacceptable’ content Since ‘ The laugh takes away the sting from what is normally unacceptable.’   What is the overlap between the analogy and the context? The laugh takes away the sting from what is normally unacceptable.

27. Comedy regularly draws criticism for being offensive and for perpetuating negative stereotypes. This, however, is a sign of a healthy comedy culture because it means that comedians are pushing social boundaries. Stories and expressions that are normally unacceptable are met with laughter and agreement when they are told on stage. The fact that the content is encrusted in humour is like a sugar coating to bitter medicine . The laugh takes away the sting . (IJC Prelim 2015) Explain how using humour to deal with ‘normally unacceptable’ content is ‘like a sugar coating to bitter medicine’. [2] Sugar coating (encrusts) bitter medicine (Context) Humour to deal with ‘normally unacceptable’ content (to focus on literal meaning) Sugar makes bitter medicine more palatable . The laugh takes away the sting from what is normally unacceptable Paraphrase !

28. This, however, is a sign of a healthy comedy culture because it means that comedians are pushing social boundaries. Stories and expressions that are normally unacceptable are met with laughter and agreement when they are told on stage. The fact that the content is encrusted in humour is like a sugar coating to bitter medicine . The laugh takes away the sting . (IJC Prelim 2015) Explain how using humour to deal with ‘normally unacceptable’ content is ‘like a sugar coating to bitter medicine’. [2] [Literal Meaning] Just as medicine which tastes awful but is good for us is made easier to swallow by a sweet external layer ,

29. This, however, is a sign of a healthy comedy culture because it means that comedians are pushing social boundaries. Stories and expressions that are normally unacceptable are met with laughter and agreement when they are told on stage. The fact that the content is encrusted in humour is like a sugar coating to bitter medicine . The laugh takes away the sting . (IJC Prelim 2015) Explain how using humour to deal with ‘normally unacceptable’ content is ‘like a sugar coating to bitter medicine’. [2] [Literal Meaning] Just as medicine which tastes awful but is good for us is made easier to swallow by a sweet external layer , [Contextual Meaning] so content which may be socially significant but usually hard to take is more easily received when it is funny .

30. This, however, is a sign of a healthy comedy culture because it means that comedians are pushing social boundaries. Stories and expressions that are normally unacceptable are met with laughter and agreement when they are told on stage. The fact that the content is encrusted in humour is like a sugar coating to bitter medicine . The laugh takes away the sting . (IJC Prelim 2015) Explain how using humour to deal with ‘normally unacceptable’ content is ‘like a sugar coating to bitter medicine’. [2] [Literal meaning] Just as medicine which tastes awful but is good for us is made easier to swallow by a sweet external layer , [Contextual meaning] so content which may be socially significant but usually hard to take is more easily received when it is funny .

31. This, however, is a sign of a healthy comedy culture because it means that comedians are pushing social boundaries. Stories and expressions that are normally unacceptable are met with laughter and agreement when they are told on stage. The fact that the content is encrusted in humour is like a sugar coating to bitter medicine . The laugh takes away the sting . (IJC Prelim 2015) Explain how using humour to deal with ‘normally unacceptable’ content is ‘like a sugar coating to bitter medicine’. [2] [Literal meaning] Just as medicine which tastes awful but is good for us is made easier to swallow by a sweet external layer , [Contextual meaning] so content which may be socially significant but usually hard to take is more easily received when it is funny . Notice the overlap! Notice how I used the Context to guide my EX of the analogy! Note: Do NOT reverse the order of the answer! Explain the literal meaning of the analogy first!

32. This, however, is a sign of a healthy comedy culture because it means that comedians are pushing social boundaries. Stories and expressions that are normally unacceptable are met with laughter and agreement when they are told on stage. The fact that the content is encrusted in humour is like a sugar coating to bitter medicine . The laugh takes away the sting . (IJC Prelim 2015) Explain how using humour to deal with ‘normally unacceptable’ content is ‘like a sugar coating to bitter medicine’. [2] [Literal meaning] Just as medicine which tastes awful but is good for us is made easier to swallow by a sweet external layer , [Contextual meaning] so content which may be socially significant but usually hard to take is more easily received when it is funny .

33. Like the rings embedded within a tree’s trunk which one can only see by slicing the trunk open, it is only by dissecting the concept of tolerance that one becomes aware of the magnitude of meanings nestled within it. Explain why the author compares ‘the concept of tolerance’ to ‘a tree trunk’. [2] Explain the purpose first, and then how the imagery works.

34. PAGE 5 Example 2: Explain why the author compares ‘the concept of tolerance’ to ‘a tree trunk’. [2] From the passage Suggested answer Like the rings embedded within a tree’s trunk which one can only see by slicing the trunk open, it is only by dissecting the concept of tolerance that one becomes aware of the magnitude of meanings nestled within it. Purpose: The author is using a tree trunk as an analogy to make the concept of tolerance easier to understand .   NOTE! The ‘why’ in the question suggests the need to explain the purpose of using the analogy before explaining the similarity between the imagery and the given situation (Steps 1 and 2)

35. PAGE 5 Example 2: Explain why the author compares ‘the concept of tolerance’ to ‘a tree trunk’. [2] From the passage Suggested answer Like the rings embedded within a tree’s trunk which one can only see by slicing the trunk open, it is only by dissecting the concept of tolerance that one becomes aware of the magnitude of meanings nestled within it. Purpose: The author is using a tree trunk as an analogy to make the concept of tolerance easier to understand . Explanation of analogy- Literal meaning 1. A tree trunk appears as a solid whole, but actually contains patterns and layers only visible when it is cut open. 1. Explanation of the literal meaning of the analogy

36. PAGE 5 Example 2: Explain why the author compares ‘the concept of tolerance’ to ‘a tree trunk’. [2] From the passage Suggested answer Like the rings embedded within a tree’s trunk which one can only see by slicing the trunk open, it is only by dissecting the concept of tolerance that one becomes aware of the magnitude of meanings nestled within it. Purpose: The author is using a tree trunk as an analogy to make the concept of tolerance easier to understand . Explanation of imagery: Literal meaning (optional) A tree trunk appears as a solid whole, but actually contains patterns and layers only visible when it is cut open. Contextual meaning 2. Similarly , tolerance is a concept that appears simple but upon closer examination is revealed to be complex and nuanced . [1]   TAKE THIS DOWN! Use connectors such as ‘similarly’ or ‘likewise’ to emphasise the relationship of similarity when not using the ‘Just as…so…’ structure. 2. Compare the similarities between the analogy and the argument

37. Next up: Irony

38. An outcome which is the opposite of or significantly different from what is intended or expected They are examples Ironies We would expect a mall maintenance shop that claims to repair anything to have functioning tools. However, the bell at the shop does not work.

39. The 4 steps to answering SAQs on Irony Work out the irony using the Reverse method . Note the outcome of the situation (the irony lies in the outcome). Infer an expectation which is the opposite of the outcome. Check that the given situation does logically lead to the expectation you inferred.

40. The 4 steps to answering SAQs on Irony Write your answer according to the following steps: Step 1: State the situation (usually given) Step 2: Infer the expectation (not given) Step 3: State the outcome (always given)

41. The 4 steps to answering SAQs on Irony Use key indicators for irony: the words ‘ assume’ or ’expect ’ to show expectation and connectors such as ‘ but’, ‘however, ‘instead’, ‘yet’, ‘on the contrary ’ to introduce the unexpected outcome . Paraphrase key words taken from the passage.

42. Ms. X, a GP teacher, failed the subject in the 2022 A Level Examinations. Step 1: Reverse method Note the outcome of the situation (the irony lies in the outcome). Infer an expectation which is the opposite of the outcome. Check that the given situation does logically lead to the expectation you inferred.

43. Ms. X, a GP teacher, failed the subject in the 2022 A Level Examinations. Step 1: Reverse method Note the outcome of the situation (the irony lies in the outcome). Infer an expectation which is the opposite of the outcome. Check that the given situation does logically lead to the expectation you inferred.

44. Ms. X, a GP teacher, failed the subject in the 2022 A Level Examinations. Reverse Method: Step 2 Note the outcome of the situation (the irony lies in the outcome). We would expect a GP teacher to pass GP Check that the given situation does logically lead to the expectation you inferred. Infer an expectation which is the opposite of the outcome.

45. Note the outcome of the situation (the irony lies in the outcome). Presentation of Answers Check that the given situation does logically lead to the expectation you inferred. Infer an expectation which is the opposite of the outcome. [Situation] Given that Ms X is a GP teacher… [Expectation] one would expect that she would do well in a GP examination. [Outcome] However , she failed GP in the 2021 A Level Examinations. State State

46. Lamentably, our increasing homogeneity has not necessarily led to decreasing discrimination but has instead intensified the need to set ourselves apart from others in some cases. If our lifestyles are so uniform that our identities are not distinct from others’, it really is not much of an identity at all. As such, some find themselves reasserting distinguishable traits, which may be the cause of the renewed emphasis on nationality and race in many parts of the world, perpetuating widespread discrimination . In the United States, for instance, there was significant objection to President Obama’s proposal to offer citizenship to Latin American immigrants, even though they had lived in and contributed to the country for decades. Ironically, for all the great strides America has made, it remains stuck in its battle with discrimination. Lecture Practice 4:Using your own words as far as possible, explain the irony in lines 9-10. [2]

47. Lamentably, our increasing homogeneity has not necessarily led to decreasing discrimination but has instead intensified the need to set ourselves apart from others in some cases… Ironically , for all the great strides America has made , it remains stuck in its battle with discrimination . Example 4: Using your own words as far as possible, explain the irony in lines 9-10. [2] Reverse Method Note the outcome of the situation Infer an expectation which is the opposite of the outcome. Check that the given situation does logically lead to the expectation you inferred.

48. Lamentably, our increasing homogeneity has not necessarily led to decreasing discrimination but has instead intensified the need to set ourselves apart from others in some cases… Ironically , for all the great strides America has made , it remains stuck in its battle with discrimination . (AJC 2016 Prelims) Example 3: Using your own words as far as possible, explain the irony in lines 9-10. [2] Given Outcome: America remains stuck in its battle with discrimination . Expectation: America to have made great strides in eradicating discrimination Check the Given Situation: For all great strides America has made… (America should have also made great strides in eradicating discrimination)

49. Suggested answer [Situation and inferred expectation] Given that America has made significant progress as a society one would expect that they would have eradicated unfair treatment in their society .    [Outcome] Instead, they are still fighting against biased treatment of minorities . Lamentably, our increasing homogeneity has not necessarily led to decreasing discrimination but has instead intensified the need to set ourselves apart from others in some cases… Ironically , for all the great strides America has made , it remains stuck in its battle with discrimination . (AJC 2016 Prelims) Example 3: Using your own words as far as possible, explain the irony in lines 9-10. [2]

50. Next up: Paradox

51. A statement or situation that seems self-contradictory and possibly even absurd. The contradiction may sometimes be resolved upon reflection. Paradoxes But is that not a Contradiction? A contradiction is a fact or statement that is the opposite of what someone has said or that is so different from another fact or statement that one of them must be wrong . A paradox on the other hand would MAKE SENSE, and it inherently IS NOT WRONG even though it appears WRONG.

52. Paradox Cruelty and kindness are two contradictory concepts. The statement is paradoxical.

53.   Steps to answering a Paradox question: Explain the seeming contradiction or absurdity. Give reasons why it is true or it makes sense , if possible. (often stated in the passage). Use key indicators of paradox : ‘seems contradictory’ or ‘seems absurd’…’yet in reality’ or ‘but it is actually true’ or ‘yet it makes sense’ . Be cruel to be kind (doing 5000 boosters) It seems contradictory that we need to cause pain to another to help or exhibit care for him. Yet, it make sense when the pain in the short term can help the person in the long term.

54. …humour is no laughing matter — why humour, even when tasteless, is terrifying to dictators and protected by democracies. Humour, especially satire and ridicule, can stealthily challenge assumptions by forcing its audience to see that those assumptions lead to consequences that everyone recognises are absurd. (IJC 2016 Prelim) Lecture Practice 5: ‘humour is no laughing matter’ (lines 5 – 6). Explain why this is a paradox. Use your own words as far as possible. [3]   Steps to answering a Paradox question: Explain the seeming contradiction or absurdity. Give reasons why it is true or it makes sense , if possible. (often stated in the passage). Use key indicators of paradox : ‘seems contradictory’ or ‘seems absurd’…’yet in reality’ or ‘but is is actually true’ or ‘yet it makes sense’ .

55. … humour is no laughing matter — why humour, even when tasteless, is terrifying to dictators and protected by democracies . Humour, especially satire and ridicule, can stealthily challenge assumptions by forcing its audience to see that those assumptions lead to consequences that everyone recognises are absurd. (IJC 2016 Prelim) Lecture Practice 5: ‘humour is no laughing matter’ (lines 5 – 6). Explain why this is a paradox. Use your own words as far as possible. [3]   Steps to answering a Paradox question: [ Seeming contradiction] It seems contradictory for something that creates amusement to be serious . [Why it is true] Yet, it is true because…

56. … humour is no laughing matter — why humour, even when tasteless, is terrifying to dictators and protected by democracies. Humour, especially satire and ridicule, can stealthily challenge assumptions by forcing its audience to see that those assumptions lead to consequences that everyone recognises are absurd . (IJC 2016 Prelim) Lecture Practice 5: ‘humour is no laughing matter’ (lines 5 – 6). Explain why this is a paradox. Use your own words as far as possible. [3]   Steps to answering a Paradox question: [ Seeming contradiction] It seems contradictory for something that creates amusement to be serious . [Why it is true] Yet, it is true because humour can surreptitiously go against basic norms by making its recipients realise that these basic norms result in ridiculous outcomes .

57. Finally: Combination Questions Direct Paraphrasing + Inference Vocabulary Inferential + Logical Suggestion Direct Paraphrasing + Author’s Intention

58. Combination Questions Combination questions, as the name suggests, combines various question types. To answer these questions, you need to combine the steps required to answer more than one question type .

59. Example 1: Vocabulary combined with Logical Suggestion The spread of these multi-national brands threatens local long-established businesses, and culinary diversity is diminished. Not only that, but health concerns have arisen about the quality of the food itself, along with the claim that it is linked with the rise in levels of obesity. This is not, as one might think, a purely Western phenomenon: diets once held up as models of healthy living, such as the Japanese and Chinese, are becoming less popular in the light of the perception that the Western diet is synonymous with affluence and status. We now see a much greater demand in these countries for global fast food brands, which are much more red-meat- centred , and a corresponding rise in their own obesity levels. (GCE A-Levels 2010) What does the author mean by ‘culinary diversity’ (line 40), and how is it threatened? [2]

60. Example: Vocabulary combined with Logical Suggestion The spread of these multi-national brands threatens local long-established businesses, and culinary diversity is diminished. Not only that, but health concerns have arisen about the quality of the food itself, along with the claim that it is linked with the rise in levels of obesity. This is not, as one might think, a purely Western phenomenon: diets once held up as models of healthy living, such as the Japanese and Chinese, are becoming less popular in the light of the perception that the Western diet is synonymous with affluence and status. We now see a much greater demand in these countries for global fast food brands, which are much more red-meat- centred , and a corresponding rise in their own obesity levels. (GCE A-Levels 2010) What does the author mean by ‘ culinary diversity ’ (line 40), and how is it threatened? [2]

61. Example: Vocabulary combined with Logical Suggestion From the Passage Suggested answer   The spread of these multi-national brands threatens local businesses, and culinary diversity is diminished.   We now see a much greater demand in these countries for global fast food brands, which are much more red-meat- centred , and a corresponding rise in their own obesity levels.   The author means that a) people used to consume a diet that consisted of a variety of foods // from different cultures and/or food groups [1]   b) It is threatened by the fact that more people are consuming food from companies that operate in many countries , since these companies sell the same food no matter which country they operate in (link to ‘culinary diversity’ must be present) [1] What does the author mean by ‘culinary diversity’ (line 40), and how is it threatened? [2]