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Flip to reveal answersWhat is context?
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All 10 Flashcards — Context
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Question
What is context?
Answer
The situation a text comes from — who made it, when, where and why.
Question
Why does context matter?
Answer
The same words mean different things in different situations — context shapes meaning.
Question
Give an example of context changing meaning.
Answer
'This place changed my life' = a sales pitch in a gym advert, but heartfelt in a personal blog.
Question
What is a source line?
Answer
The short note giving a text's type, origin and date.
Question
Where do you find context on an unseen text?
Answer
The source line you're given, plus clues inside the text.
Question
What is an internal clue?
Answer
Something inside the text (a name, place, reference or slang) that hints at time, place or audience.
Question
What is the golden rule of context?
Answer
Use only context you are given or can see — never invent it.
Question
Why is invented context dangerous?
Answer
It's worse than none — it sends your whole analysis off course.
Question
Should context replace analysis?
Answer
No — context sharpens the reading of purpose and audience; it doesn't replace choice → effect → meaning.
Question
What should you read first in a Paper 1 text?
Answer
The source line — it's free context about type, origin and date.
Read the notes
Full study notes for Context
Topic 1.1 hub
Understanding Analysis
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English A Lang & Lit exam skills
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