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Reading 19th-century fiction with confidence
Paper 1 always uses a 19th-century extract. The sentences can be long and some words have changed meaning, but a few habits make it much easier.
Why it can feel hard
Long sentences joined with semicolons and commas.
Formal vocabulary, such as 'countenance' (face) or 'wretched' (miserable).
Old meanings: 'presently' usually meant 'soon', not 'now'.
The world is different: servants, carriages, letters and candles.
Formal vocabulary, such as 'countenance' (face) or 'wretched' (miserable).
Old meanings: 'presently' usually meant 'soon', not 'now'.
The world is different: servants, carriages, letters and candles.
Five reading habits
1. Read the introduction above the extract: it tells you who and where.
2. Read the questions first, so you know what to look for.
3. Read once for the gist: who, where, what happens.
4. Break long sentences at semicolons and commas.
5. Guess unknown words from the words around them.
2. Read the questions first, so you know what to look for.
3. Read once for the gist: who, where, what happens.
4. Break long sentences at semicolons and commas.
5. Guess unknown words from the words around them.
Useful words
'She was sensible of a great apprehension as the carriage drew near.' What does this mean?
- 'Sensible of' means aware of.
- 'Apprehension' means worry about what will happen.
- So she felt very worried as the carriage came closer.
Answer: She felt very anxious as the carriage approached.
Read the introduction and questions first, read for gist, break long sentences into chunks, and use the surrounding words to work out unfamiliar or old-fashioned vocabulary.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
Check you have got it
Answer 6 quick questions with instant marking. If you get one wrong, GCSE-ready shows you why and gives you another go. It is free, and you do not need an account.