English Language – Paper 1 - Reading | e-Consult

This question focuses on the deliberate subversion of conventions. A strong answer will identify specific conventions (e.g., narrative structure, argumentative patterns, stylistic norms) and explain how the writer or speaker deviates from them. It should then explore the potential purposes behind this manipulation.

Possible purposes could include: To challenge authority (e.g., using unconventional language to undermine traditional power structures), To create irony or satire (e.g., employing a formal style in a ridiculous situation), To convey a particular perspective or worldview (e.g., using a fragmented structure to reflect a fractured consciousness), To engage the audience in a new way (e.g., using unconventional forms to break down barriers and create a more immersive experience), or To highlight a specific theme (e.g., using a non-linear structure to represent the passage of time or the complexity of memory).

For example, a writer might deliberately use stream-of-consciousness to represent the chaotic nature of a character's thoughts. A speaker might employ a deliberately disjointed structure to reflect the breakdown of communication or the absurdity of a situation. A writer might use unconventional punctuation or grammar to challenge conventional notions of correctness and to create a distinctive stylistic effect.

The answer should provide detailed textual evidence to support its claims and demonstrate a clear understanding of the relationship between form, structure, language, and purpose. It should avoid simply identifying deviations from conventions and instead focus on explaining the why behind these choices.