Commentary Writing Guide: look for the CLUE

Context
Where is this from (time &
place)?
How do the time and place
(of the write and the
reader) affect you?
If this is an extract, how
does it relate to/fit in with
the whole?
What is the purpose of the
text?


Language
Think of the diction,
imagery, devices, tone,
structure and style of the
text.
Why is this language used
and how does it affect
meaning?
How do the text and reader
interact?



Understanding
What do you understand
from this?
What does this text mean to
you?
What dont you understand
(questions)?
How does this help you
understand characters,
themes, issues, ideas,
people, life?


Emotions
What do you fell when you
read this?
What makes you feel this
way (background, context,
language)?
How does this text affect or
change you