HSC English

How to Analyze Texts like a 99.95 ATAR student?

English can be an elusive subject and it seems nearly impossible to write an analysis that satisfies your markers. Let us shed some light on how you actually go about analysing your text by going back to the basics!!

Published 02 May 2025  •   •  6 min read

By Manoj Arachige

KIS Summary:

  • There are some questions you have to ask yourself while you read your text.
  • Read through your text twice, and annotate with colour codes.
  • Example of how I annotate my text provided for reference.

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When we read a text we don't just want to be mindlessly reading the words. We need to be reading actively. What does that mean? Well, active reading requires you to think about the message your text is making about society and HOW they are communicating this message. Let me break it down for you in this blog.

Table of Content:

What should I be Looking out for when Analyzing Texts?

Whenever you study a text you need to be asking yourself;

  • What is the context in which this text is made in?
    • Consider significant cultural/social/historical events during the composer's time or any experiences that would influence their purpose and motivation.
  • How does this influence the attitudes, perspectives and motivations presented in the text?
  • How do these attitudes, perspectives and motivations invite the audience (or you, the reader) to reflect and form a newfound opinion?
  • How does the author use form, structure and stylistic devices to achieve its purpose?
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None of the above making any kind of sense to you? A private tutor from KIS Academics can break it down with you!

How should I Annotate my Texts?

First round of Annotation

That is a lot of things to think about, which is why you ideally want to read over the text twice. The first time I read a text I annotate using the fun colour coding system below:

Colour coding system for annotating texts

Second round of Annotation

Once I get a good understanding of what is going on, I then go over it again, this time focusing on just the key themes I want to explore more (basically the themes you plan to write about in your essay).

To break ideas down better I used a table to structure my thoughts.

Table example for George Orwell's 1984

To add on from this I would start picking out quotes that would back up my claims (refer to image below):

This example is from In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (you wouldn’t believe, the same person who wrote Breakfast at Tiffany’s!).

So, with these ideas in mind, here’s a flowchart to get you started on analyzing your novel!

Flowchart for analyzing texts

Exemplar Band 6 Analysis

Hannah Kent’s The Good People (2016)

Now this all looks confronting but it with practice, it becomes second nature. Do each color one by one to ensure that every sentence you write contributes to reinforcing your topic sentences, and you have got yourself a band 6 body paragraph!

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More of a visual and audial learner? This video from KIS Academics might be of help:

KIS Academics' YouTube video on Year 12 English Study Tips

English Literary Cheat Sheet

To help make things even easier for you, I have made a little cheat sheet with all the major techniques you should be looking out for:

Add to this as you discover new techniques and their effects.

Conclusion

English and Literature do not have to be difficult. Hopefully these tips help you out, and if you are looking for more, check out these KIS Academics articles:

English Techniques: Your Ultimate Literary Cheat Sheet to Identifying English Techniques (updated 2025) | KIS Academics
Confused about what to look for when you annotate a text? Wondering what all those essay words mean? Whether you’re just starting high school or you’re graduating this year, look no further 👀. This comprehensive cheat sheet can help you spot all the note-worthy techniques you’ll need!
KIS Academics BlogManoj Arachige
Study Smarter with a Study Plan
A study plan is essentially an organised schedule that breaks down the time you devote to study (for each subject). Having a study plan will help hold you accountable and avoid your worst enemy: procrastination.
KIS Academics BlogDylan Kay
The Best Way to Organise Science Notes: Tips
Need to develop perfect study notes to achieve that perfect ATAR? Learn the exact note-taking process our 99+ ATAR graduate tutors used during their time at high school.
KIS Academics BlogManoj Arachige

FAQs

How to write a good Body Paragraph?

A recommended structure is TEEL (Topic sentence, Evidence, Explanation, Link).
Students should:

  • Start with a main idea about the text.
  • Integrate specific evidence (quotation or technique).
  • Explain how that evidence supports the argument.
  • Link back to the question or thesis.

Find out more in this article.

Do I have to memorise quotes?

Yes, but selectively. Memorise short, powerful quotes that exemplify key ideas or stylistic devices. The focus should be on depth of analysis rather than quantity of quotations — quality over quantity.

Find out more in this article.

What are common mistakes I should avoid when Analyzing?

  • Summarising the plot rather than analysing how meaning is formed.
  • Listing techniques without explaining their effect.
  • Ignoring context or author’s purpose.
  • Using quotes as filler rather than integrating them meaningfully.

This article was written by KIS Academics private tutor for Literature, Sophie de Jersey. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Chancellor's Scholars) at the University of Melbourne. You can view her profile here and request her as a tutor.

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