RUAE Success Formulas
When analysing imagery (similes or metaphors), follow this simple structure: "Just as...(Literal) So too... Metaphorical/Figurative". This connects the comparison clearly and shows you understand both sides.
Always provide three describing words for each side of your comparison - that's six connotations total. This demonstrates deep understanding and guarantees you're hitting the analysis marks the examiner wants to see.
For word choice questions, quote the relevant word, then list three connotations before explaining the effect with phrases like "This shows..." or "This suggests...". Each properly analysed answer earns you one mark.
Structure analysis follows a similar pattern: quote the text, identify the language device (like rhetorical questions or lists), explain its function, then emphasise why it's effective. Don't forget to link everything back to the original question.
Top Tip: Every technique you analyse should connect directly to what the question is asking - this single step guarantees your marks!
Link questions are worth double marks when done properly. Find one quote that refers back to previous ideas and another that connects forward, explaining both clearly for your two marks.
For tone questions, state the tone simply, then use word choice, imagery, or sentence structure to justify your answer using the same formulas above. Comparison questions require three sets of contrasting quotes with a qualifying comment about whether the passages agree or disagree.