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SingaporeEnglish Literature

Reading Prose Fiction

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does a writer build a character in prose, and how do you analyse the methods rather than just describe what the character is like?

Analyse the methods of characterisation in prose (description, speech, action, thought, and what others say) and explain how they build a character and shape the reader's response
How to analyse characterisation in prose fiction for O-Level Literature. The methods writers use, description, speech, action, thought, and the views of others, and how to move from describing a character to analysing how they are built and how we are made to respond.
9 min answer →

Who is telling the story, how much do they know, and how does the choice of narrator shape what the reader sees and feels?

Identify the narrative point of view (first person, third person limited, omniscient) and analyse how the choice of narrator controls knowledge, sympathy and reliability
How to analyse narrative point of view in prose fiction for O-Level Literature. First person, third person limited and omniscient narration, and how the narrator controls what the reader knows, who they sympathise with, and how far they can trust the telling.
9 min answer →

How does the way a writer uses words and sentences, their style, shape the effect of prose, and how do you analyse style rather than just content?

Analyse prose style and language (word choice, sentence length and structure, imagery, and the use of detail) and explain how a writer's style shapes meaning, pace and effect
How to analyse prose style and language for O-Level Literature. Word choice, sentence length and structure, imagery and selective detail, and how to show that a writer's style, not just the content, shapes meaning, pace and effect.
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How does a writer use setting to create atmosphere and meaning, and how do you analyse place rather than just summarise it?

Analyse how setting (place, time, weather and sensory detail) creates atmosphere, reflects character and mood, and carries meaning in prose fiction
How to analyse setting and atmosphere in prose fiction for O-Level Literature. How place, time, weather and sensory detail build atmosphere, mirror character and mood, and carry meaning, and how to move from describing a setting to analysing its effect.
9 min answer →

How does the way a story is ordered and shaped, its structure, affect the reader, and how do you analyse structure rather than just retell the plot?

Analyse the structure of prose fiction (the ordering of events, openings and endings, pace and tension, foreshadowing, and the handling of time) and explain how shaping the story controls the reader
How to analyse structure and plot in prose fiction for O-Level Literature. The ordering of events, openings and endings, pace and tension, foreshadowing and the handling of time, and how to move from retelling the plot to analysing how shape controls the reader.
9 min answer →

What ideas about life does a novel or story explore, and how do you trace and support a theme across a whole prose text?

Identify the themes of a prose text (its central ideas), distinguish theme from subject, and trace and support a theme through character, setting, structure and key moments
How to find and trace themes in prose fiction for O-Level Literature. Telling theme from subject, following a theme through character, setting, structure and key moments, and supporting a thematic reading with well-chosen evidence.
9 min answer →