Are there any formulae or Processes for analysing quotes, poems, prose

[lormak]

Hi

I would like to tap into your intellect please.

I intend to sit the GAMSAT soon. It has 3 sections 1st section is humanities. This section is generally comprised of a quote, extract or a poem with multiple choice questions. I suppose this tests critical thinking and creativity.

Section 2 usually asks the student to write an essay based on a quote or a piece of text.

For Section 1 Do you know if there is a general process to follow to help think critically and answer questions on a piece of text?

Section 2 Any ideas on how to write a good essay based on a quote?

Are there any reference books you recommend?

Cheers

[OrphanPip]

First establish what is being said on a literal level.
Then ask yourself how is it being said.
Then ask why one might say what is being said in that way.
Then think of what implications this might have on your preconceptions, understanding of the topic, the quotes relationship to other predominant ideas, etc.

There are more specific ways as well, like looking for keywords that repeat or are being used in unexpected ways, understanding rhetorical and literary techniques, and a general understanding of basic literary forms. Knowing if you're looking at a lyric poem instead of a dramatic monologue helps.