Study Notes
The topic focuses on understanding and comparing texts, particularly through the lens of an unseen text about a bird of prey named Cuthbert. Students learn to analyze the behavior and characteristics of Cuthbert as described by the writer, Emma Ford, who runs a Bird of Prey centre.
- Unseen Text — a text that students have not studied before the exam. Example: The extract about Cuthbert, the bird of prey, is an unseen text.
- Seen Text — a text that students have studied before the exam. Example: A text from the curriculum that students have already analyzed.
- Comparison — examining similarities and differences between two texts. Example: Comparing Cuthbert's behavior in the unseen text with another bird in a seen text.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Unseen Text: A text not previously studied before the exam.
- Seen Text: A text that has been studied before the exam.
- Comparison: Analyzing similarities and differences between texts.
Common Confusions
- Confusing the unseen text with a seen text.
- Misinterpreting the behavior of characters or animals in the text.
Typical Exam Questions
- From lines 1–2, select two words or phrases that describe the box? Look for descriptive words like 'heavy' or 'steel'.
- From lines 55–66, explain how Cuthbert behaves? Use quotations to support points about Cuthbert's temperament.
- Compare how the writers present their ideas and perspectives? Use examples and quotations from both texts.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Ability to identify key phrases and words in the text.
- Understanding of character or animal behavior.
- Skill in comparing and contrasting different texts.