How to Approach the Scottish Texts Questions (SQA National 5 English): Revision Note
Exam code: X824 75
This section is designed to help you develop your close and careful reading skills to prepare for the Scottish Texts section of the Critical Reading paper. You can approach the questions in Section A with confidence by learning more about the exam questions. It consists of:
Section A: Scottish Texts overview
Understanding the exam questions
Two to four mark questions
Eight-mark questions
Top tips for a Grade A
Section A: Scottish Texts overview
In Section A of the Critical Reading paper, there will be a question for each Scottish writer on the National 5 set text list. You will read an extract, or if you are studying poetry a complete poem, from a Scottish text you have already studied. You will then answer a series of questions based on it and show how its ideas and language link to at least one other text by the same writer.
Understanding the exam questions
Section A contains two different kinds of question:
Three to four extract-based questions worth 12 marks in total
One whole-text question worth 8 marks
The first type of questions will draw on some of the same close reading skills that you are required to demonstrate in the RUAE exam. Several of these questions will focus directly on the extract or poem itself. Each of these questions will be worth 2 to 4 marks, adding up to 12 marks in total.
The final question is more substantial, worth 8 marks, and will require you to make connections between the extract (or poem) and the rest of the text you have studied. For example:
If you are studying poetry, the final question will usually ask you to compare the poem in the exam paper with the poems by the same writer, focusing on shared ideas and techniques
If your Scottish text is a novel or play, and the extract focuses on a particular character or theme, you may be asked how that character changes or develops throughout the text
These exam questions enable you to demonstrate both close reading skills and your broader understanding of the text as a whole.
Two to four mark questions
All of the two and four mark questions will focus directly on the extract or poem. Many of these questions focus on how the writer’s language choices help to create meaning. These questions test your ability to identify and explain how language techniques, such as word choice, imagery or tone, contribute to the writer’s purpose.
Some of the two mark questions may also ask you to summarise or explain key ideas. These questions are relatively straightforward, but usually require you to write your answer in your own words.
Two-mark question:
Let’s look at an example of a two-mark question in more detail:
Look at lines 19–30. Using your own words as far as possible, summarise what Rosinella thinks about Franco and Bridget’s relationship. You should make two key points. [2 marks] |
“Using your own words” questions | |
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These test your ability to understand and summarise ideas from the extract accurately. For these questions, the wording might include:
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How to approach these questions | |
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Four-mark question:
Now let's look at an example of a four-mark question in more detail:
Look at lines 1–5. By referring to two examples of language, explain how the poet creates a clear impression of the city. [4 marks] |
Language questions | |
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These are broader and focus on language used in the extract. For these questions, the wording might include:
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How to approach these questions | |
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Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember, a language question can appear as either a two-mark question or a four-mark question. For a two-mark question, you are usually expected to identify one language feature and give a clear explanation of its effect. For a four-mark question, you are usually expected to identify two language features and give a clear explanation of the effect of each one.
Always check the question, as it will always state how many examples or points you need to include.
Eight-mark questions
The eight-mark question is the final and most demanding part of the Scottish Texts section. It assesses your ability to show a detailed understanding of the whole text and will ask you to make links between the extract and the rest of the text.
Remember, you can choose to answer in bullet points in this final question, or write a number of linked statements. There is no requirement to write a “mini essay”.
Let’s look at an example of an eight-mark question in more detail.
By referring to this poem and to at least one other poem by MacCaig, show how setting is an important feature. [8 marks] |
Eight-mark questions | |
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These are more developed, requiring you to draw on your understanding of the whole text, not just the extract.
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How to approach these questions | |
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Examiner Tips and Tricks
For the eight-mark questions, two well-chosen examples from different parts of the texts, each with clear explanation and analysis, are much stronger than several brief and unfocused points.
Aim for four detailed points overall: two from the extract and two from elsewhere in the text (or from another poem) to achieve full marks.
Top tips for a Grade A
Read the extract fully before starting the questions so you can understand the main ideas and overall argument
Highlight or underline important words or phrases in both the question and the passage to keep your answer relevant:
Link every answer back to the question
Use only the lines or sections specified in the question:
If your evidence comes from outside this section, it will not be awarded marks
Provide a range of examples from your chosen text:
Remember this is a closed book examination, so examples can be specific references to episodes or events or paraphrased quotations as well as direct quotes
Analyse rather than simply identify:
Always comment on the effect of a feature
Know your text thoroughly:
The eight-mark question will expect you to link the extract to the rest of the text (or another poem) so review key themes, ideas and characters
Learn more
Discover more SQA National 5 English Scottish Texts exam tips in our expert revision notes:
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