Unseen Commentary - Tips

Some good points to focus on when analyzing either prose or poetry:

Ambiguities

Diction

Imagery

Tone

Mood

Structure

Pattern

Voice or point of view

Any unique syntax or semantic

Some good points to focus on with prose:

Plot

Narrative point of view

Characterization

Chronology

Setting

Paragraphing and sentence structure

Some good points to focus on with poetry:

Layout

Stanza

Meter

Sound and rhythm

Have a good, concise and to-the-point introduction. Introduce your ideas and make sure you
talk about these ideas later in the essay.
At HL, discussing literary features is very important. For example, an SL student would get
good marks just having one paragraph discussing rhyme, rhythm and meter used in a poem,
however, a lot more is expected of an HL student. HL students are given 30 more minutes to
do their unseen commentary so clearly more in-depth analysis is expected of you. Therefore
use the time wisely.
As you will have a choice of 2 texts to choose from - either prose or poetry/drama, use your
5 minutes reading time before the exam starts to choose which text you are doing. Then go
straight into reading that text in more detail once the exam starts. When reading the text,
annotate the text with any points that you might pick up that could be talked about. Read

the text at least twice. Your reading and planning should not take any more than 30
minutes. Always have a good thesis statement (a general 'point') for your essay.
Do NOT dwell on the points that you do not understand. If there is a particular part of the
essay that you have trouble understanding, ignore it and write about things you understand
and can write about. If you start talking about things you don't completely understand,
chances are you risk waffling on about things that is not relevant and/or accurate, thus
demonstrating your lack of understanding, thus losing marks.
My best advice is that they like to see you "struggle" with the text. That means you can be
unclear about it. You can write that it "seems to" do this, or that "perhaps" the author's
meaning is this. Just make sure you approach the text from many, many angles. If its a
poem, and I have time, I usually read each stanza/section independently and try to find out
why it's significant and needs to be there. Don't jump into analysis the first time through;
read the piece and absorb it, and then go in and find out why you liked it/disliked it.
You should refrain from using definite statement. Always use 'perhaps' and 'this suggests
that' because literature is all about different interpretations. By using these 'maybe' words
you're showing the examiner that you're aware that this is only your opinion and not
necessarily what the author intended at all.
When interpreting a sentence whether it be from prose or poetry always suggest different
interpretations, point out ambiguities and basically look like a fool who can't make up his
mind. They sure love the word ambiguity. Also, try to give plenty of personal response, but
not through using the word "I" because thats just primitive. Instead, say "the reader feels"
or "the reader experiences". you can even use the word "we".
It's hard to remain completely objective when reading a piece of literature; it all comes
down to whether you liked it or not. You don't have to state whether you liked it or not,
because unfortunately, that's irrelevant. But the fact that you were able to formulate some
opinion about it is a telltale sign that you put some thought into the work. So what I'm
saying that formulating an opinion will guide you to the fodder you need for a good
commentary. Don't shy away from opinions! They make the world go 'round!
The big literature question is the So what? question. Every time you mention a literary
technique, or any devices/imagery/metaphor etc. used in the text always comment on the
So what. It's always important to follow any point you make to its intellectual end. When
you write, ask yourself, what does this literary device do and how does it contribute to the
meaning of the text? How does it contribute to theme and your understanding of character,
of the situation, etc.? Why is it significant and why did you mention it? Don't just state what
the technique is and give an example and leave it at that. Comment on the significance of it.

If you find a technique but can't explain its significance, DON'T mention it. Go talk about
something you can explain and analyze. Its not necessary to list every single thing but
rather you must be able to comment on what the things you do mention do to the text.
Some people like using the SCASI method to analyze the text -- setting, character, action,
style and ideas, where you go into detail about each component and the literary devices that
contribute to the meaning of each. However, this method is rather "wooden" and doesn't
allow for much leeway, so you might be better off structuring your essay linearly/analyzing
the text chronologically; OR according to what strikes you as most important about the
passage, which you mention in your introduction...
Use 'literature' words or big, coherent words but but use them carefully and accurately. The
worst thing you could do is use a big word and it's used inaccurately. Also, consider minute
details if you can. Talk about small, interesting details of the work, but at the same time
don't forget to talk about how it contributes to the work as a whole.
A good conclusion is vital. Do not just leave an essay hanging. Watch your time. If you don't
have time to write more points, do not try to cram in more points. Use the time left to write
a good conclusion instead. You don't get penalized if you don't include every single point you
could, but you do lose marks for not having a proper conclusion.
(Collected from miscellaneous sources.)