Close reading skills

Question 1

When will a situation be ironic?

Answer 1

A situation is ironic when there is a perverse divergence between expectations and outcomes. We expect something to happen or to be the case, but the outcome or the reality of the situation is the opposite or is significantly different.

The expression is ironic, when one uses language that normally signifies the opposite meaning.

Question 2

Questions asking you to explain iron require you to discuss fully about ….

Answer 2

1. What you would normally expect
2. What turns out to be the case in reality
3. Why the contradiction occurs or why the reality is surprising

Question 2

What is the format to answering an irony question?

Answer 2

Expectation (should not be a fact but an idea that is similar to the reality)

Reality
- however/instead
- don’t use the word “implied”
Use “we would assume”

hence, it is ironic that …… that (link the expectation and reality together

Question 2

What is attitude?

Answer 2

Attitude refers to the writer’s opinion about or toward an issue or topic of discussion. (A way of thinking)

Question 3

What is tone?

Answer 3

Tone has to do with the way he or she presents it, or how he or she ‘sounds’.

Question 4

Tone and attitude ar related but distinguishable concepts. For instance, a vehement atheist may have an irreverent attitude toward religion, or his attitude may be hostile; and when writing or speaking about it, the tone he adopts may be comic or ironic or defiant.

What are the other examples of tones that a writer may adopt?

Answer 4

Condescending, playful, irreverent, solemn, harsh, conversational, accusatory, melancholy, mocking, sardonic (scornfully or cynically, mocking), scathing …

Question 5

What are some examples of attitudes that the writer may adopt?

Answer 5

Optimistic, cynical, sceptical, critical, indifferent, apathetic, callous, cautious, ambivalent

Question 6

How can you infer a writer’s attitude and tone?

Answer 6

Through analysing his or her choice of words. Your use of precise vocabulary is important so as to pinpoint the accurate attitude and tone.

Do take note that when inferring a writer’s attitude and tone in order to answer questions such as

“What does the author’s choice of words in …. Indicate about his attitude towards …” or “What tone does the writer employ here”, you have to take note of the nuances of the words and the degree of severity so as to decide whether you should write “highly” or “very” something….