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Episode details

Sounds,16 Mar 2026,14 mins

SeriesExam Skills

How to analyse and explain the 'why' behind the writer's choices

Bitesize GCSE English Literature

Available for over a year

In this episode, Jean and Carl show how to analyse why writers make specific choices. This episode explores the key idea that every word, image, structural decision and form choice in a text is deliberate and meaningful. They explain how to analyse language and structure and introduce a simple three-step process: identify the technique, explain the effect and explore the writer’s intention. Examples from classic GCSE texts demonstrate how metaphor, imagery, repetition and narrative structure create meaning. The episode also explores structural analysis such as cliffhangers, shifts in tone and changes in perspective. Jean and Carl show how to connect textual evidence directly to the writer’s purpose, keeping the focus on intent rather than plot summary. Suitable for: AQA, Edexcel, Eduqas and OCR Presenters: Jean Menzies and Carl Anka Producer and Sound Design: Marc Rigg Executive Producer: Becky Green This series is an Audio Always production

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