gp paper 2 notes

SAQ + NIT H1 General Paper This is a condensed revision guide covering all the major SAQ question types, how to identify them, how to structure your answers and what examiners look for. The most important thing is to recognise the question type first, because each type requires a different answering technique. 1. Paraphrasing Core skill How to identify: ● "According to the author..." ● "From paragraph X..." ● "What distinctions does the author make...?" ● "What are the reasons...?" How to answer: 1. Find the relevant information in the passage. 2. Identify the key points. 3. Replace the original words with synonyms. 4. Preserve the original meaning. 5. Include enough distinct points to match the marks. Example: Original: "Intrinsic qualities that are passed down from one generation to the next." Paraphrase: "Inherent characteristics that are transmitted between generations." Remember: ● Use your own words as far as possible. ● Don't simply copy the passage. ● Don't change the original meaning.

● Usually, 1–2 points = 1 mark; 3 points = 2 marks (depending on the question's marking scheme). 2. Literary Devices A. Metaphors How to identify: ● "Explain the metaphor..." ● "What does the metaphor suggest?" ● "How are X like Y?" A metaphor compares two things without using "like" or "as". Answer structure: Just as [metaphor] is/does ______, [actual subject] is/does ______ as well. How to answer: 1. Explain what the metaphor literally represents. 2. Identify the characteristic being compared. 3. Apply that characteristic to the actual subject. Example: "Dictators are pushing against a wall of water." Answer: "Just as pushing against a wall of water is futile, restricting Internet use is equally ineffective as information will continue to spread despite attempts to stop it." If asked about effectiveness: Add what the metaphor achieves, such as: ● Makes the idea more vivid. ● Emphasises the seriousness of the situation. ● Highlights the scale or intensity of an issue. ● Makes an abstract idea easier to understand.

B. Irony / Paradox How to identify: ● "Explain the irony..." ● "Explain how this is paradoxical..." ● "Why is this ironic?" Irony involves a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. Answer structure: One would expect ______. Instead / Yet, ______. How to answer: 1. Identify the expected outcome. 2. Identify the actual outcome. 3. Explain the contradiction between the two. Example: "Time-saving technology has given us less time." Answer: "One would expect time-saving technology to give us more free time. Instead, it has increased our workload and pressures, leaving us with less time." Key: Both expectation and reality must be clear. 3. Punctuation and Formatting These questions test why the author deliberately uses particular punctuation or formatting. A. Inverted commas (" ") There are 3 main functions:

Function What it suggests 1. Invalid usage The author believes the term is inaccurate or inappropriate. 2. Doubt / disagreement The author questions or disagrees with the term. 3. Unconventional usage The word is being used in an unusual or non-literal context. How to answer: State the function + explain the context. Example: Why is "alone" placed in inverted commas when describing robots? Answer: "The author finds the term inappropriate because machines do not possess emotions and therefore cannot experience loneliness." B. Ellipsis (...) Three possible functions: 1. Repeated cycle – suggests an ongoing or recurring process. 2. Endless list – suggests numerous examples or an extensive range. 3. Suspense / dramatic pause – creates anticipation or delays revealing information for effect. How to answer: Identify the function and explain how it applies to the specific passage.

Don't automatically say ellipsis indicates irony. C. Bold Function: Emphasis. The author wants to draw attention to a particular word or phrase, especially in relation to surrounding words. D. Italics Function: Can emphasise a particular word or imply subtle criticism of the status quo. Example: Italicising "not" in "why not look for the best in people?" This subtly suggests that society currently fails to look for the best in others, despite the fact that it should. E. Parenthesis ( ) There are 3 main functions: Function Explanation 1. Additional information Includes information that is not central to the discussion. 2. Supporting / contradicting argument Adds evidence or presents an opposing perspective. 3. Author's personal opinion Inserts the author's own thoughts, views or judgement.

How to answer: Always state the function AND explain the specific context. Example: If brackets contain a statistic: "The author includes additional information to substantiate his argument that most people prefer returning to the office rather than working from home." If brackets contain an opinion: "The author inserts his personal opinion that participants are motivated partly by the desire for social media recognition." Important: Simply saying "to provide additional information" is insufficient when the brackets express the author's opinion. F. Dash (—) Function: Can emphasise an unexpected, surprising or ridiculous point. Example: A college degree is a source of pride for the child — and for the parents. The dash highlights the unexpected idea that parents also regard their children's admission as their own achievement. 4. Technique Questions Very common How to identify: ● "How does the author support her view that...?" ● "How does the author illustrate the idea that...?" ● "How does the author convey...?" Use the Technique → Purpose → Context (TPC) framework.

Technique Purpose Example / anecdote Supports or contrasts an argument. List of examples Emphasises scale or frequency. Statistics / data Provides factual evidence to prove or disprove an argument. Analogy Explains a complex idea through a familiar comparison. Rhetorical question Engages readers and provokes thought. Repetition Emphasises a particular idea. How to answer: 1. Technique: Identify what the author uses. 2. Purpose: Explain why the author uses