Interpretation of prose extracts.

  

Date Posted: 6/21/2012 5:32:16 AM

Posted By: Kitavi  Membership Level: Gold  Total Points: 1987

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A prose extract is only part of a longer piece of fictional or non-fictional writing.To interpret a prose extract,one has to comprehend the content by scrutinizing individual words,phrases,sentences and paragraphs.One has also to appreciate the style the author uses such us use of connectors,signalling devices,repetition and use of figurative language.

Below is a summary of points that one should consider when reading an extract.

1. Read through the extract in order to grasp the subject matter.it is advisable at this stage not to try to work out the exact meaning of difficult words,phrases or complex sentences.however,during subsequent reading,if there are any words whose meaning you can not get from the context,you should note them down and check their meanings later in a dictionary.

2. It is necessary to pay attention to aspects of style such as:
(a)connectors and adverbs(signalling devices)
These generally indicate the direction of the argument or story.such connectors e.g however,nevertheless,in spite of and on the other hand will suggest that the author wishes to raise points to contradict the line of argument so far taken.Use of connectors that suggest additional information such as: in addition to,also,besides,furthermore will also be useful to the understanding of the extract.The author may also use adverbs such as firstly,secondly,next and finally to enumerate points.
(b)repetition
The writer may use repetition to emphasize or highlight particular points.This may exact repetition of words or use of synonyms to refer back to the same thing.
(c)figurative language
This is used illustrate and may be used to make a passage more interesting. The writer may employ similes,metaphors and idioms to lend color to his prose
3.It may also be useful to place the extract in a social context in order to evaluate it more fully.

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