Key concepts
This section includes simple, 'one-off' lessons that focus on a teaching strategy or method of textual analysis. Rather than focusing on one particular literary text, these lessons demonstrate activities that can be applied to any literary text for Part 4. The activities aim to develop the analytical skills that are necessary for the individual oral commentary, which is the corresponding form of assessment for Part 4. Furthermore they aim to develop certain key concepts that are universal of all literary works, such as characterization and narration. They are called 'key concepts' because, like a key, they unlock meaning that may not have been discovered without them. Like any skill, using these keys requires practice. Applying these concepts and activities to multiple texts throughout the course, will help develop better close reading skills. Furthermore these pages provide strategies for meeting the learning outcomes for Part 4.