I know its neither the most interesting nor the most appealing pastime, but we can learn a lot from assessments. Here are notes concerning the recent 'Pip' commentary.
1. Always write in the 'commentary sentence' (see elsewhere on this Blog): that is identify - refer - effect.
2. The NARRATIVE VOICE is very important in the Pip passage. How does Miss Havisham appear to us filtered through the eyes of a young boy?
3. Contrast the initial impression of Miss H with the slow revelation of her real self.
4. What is the tone here (wonder? amazement? fear?) and does it change? How is tone created and what effect does it have on the reader?
5. What is Dickens' purpose here? In this passage? Go beyond 'to entertain,' 'to amuse.' Each passage will have a particular purpose and identifying this purpose is the key to writing a successful commentary and getting yourself into the high grades.
6. Genre - this is fictional autobiography....
7. Use the phrases, The writer immediately establishes...
8. Write the commentary in the simple present tense.
9. Length: a side and a half is grade C material two sides and a half is grade A material.
10. Use the phrases, The author leads the reader in....
11. Never ever say things like: the author uses good vocabulary; the author uses good words.
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