Close Reading -answering linking questions

 A linking question will always ask you to show how a sentence, or part of a sentence, creates a link. That is how it joins paragraphs/ideas together. This means you need to show how that sentence links to the earlier paragraph/idea and how it links forward to the next idea/paragraph.


Key strategy:
You need to identify in the linking sentence, two words or phrases, one pointing backwards and one pointing forwards.
So...
•Quote the part of the link sentence which refers back to the earlier topic, saying what this topic is.
•Quote the part of the link sentence which looks forward to the next topic, explaining what this is.

Example:
 
The 7.15 dance class is full, as was the six o’clock, as is the 8.30. In the reception area of Edinburgh Dancebase, learners, ranging from the middle-aged, fresh from work, to students, mill around waiting to dance.

Unlikely as it may at first seem, this is occurring across the country. Against similar winter backdrops people are queuing up to learn to dance. National inhibition is being shed as salsa, meringue, and cumbia beats force hips t sway rhythmically and partners to twist complicatedly. French ceroc classes are filling up, street dancing to hip hop is being used as an exercise class. Even ballroom dancing is enjoying something of a renaissance.


Question
•By referring to specific words or phrases, show how the first sentence in the second paragraph performs a linking function in the line of thought. 2U

Answer
•The word ‘this’ links back to the idea of the dance classes in Edinburgh being full which was discussed in the previous paragraph. The phrase ‘is occurring across the country’ links forward to the idea of different styles of dance becoming more popular throughout the nation, which is going to be discussed in the new paragraph.

Formula for link questions

•The word/expression/phrase ‘____________’ links back to ______________ which was discussed in the previous paragraph. The word/expression/phrase ‘___________’ links forward to the idea of/new topic ____________ ,  which is going to be discussed in the new paragraph.

2nd Example

Her mother left her at the age of five. As a result, she was forced to fend for and pay for herself: ensuring she had enough to eat; clothes to wear and shelter from the elements.

Despite her harsh childhood, Emma’s ancestry linked her to wealth and social standing. Her grandmother was Lady of the local clan, with a grand manse and estate to her family name, which was renowned throughout the country.



Question: Show how the sentence underlined acts as a link within this piece of writing.

 The phrase ‘her harsh childhood’ links back to Emma being left by her mother and having to look after herself which was discussed in the previous paragraph. The phrase ‘Emma's ancestry linked her to wealth'’ links forward to the new topic Emma's family being very wealthy and well-known,  which is going to be discussed in the new paragraph. 

 

Example for you to try:

Mary Stuart was certainly rated a beauty by the standards of her own time: even John Knox described her as ‘pleasing’. In her height, her small neat head, and her grace she resembled the contemporary ideal. It was the type of beauty which her contemporaries were already learning to admire in art, and could now appreciate in life, all the more satisfyingly because it was in the person of a princess.

Not only the appearance, but also the character of Mary Stuart made her admirably suited to be a princess of France in the age in which she lived. Mary was exactly the sort of beautiful woman, not precisely brilliant, but well-educated and charming, who inspired and stimulated poets by her presence to feats of homage.

Question
•Show how the first sentence of the second paragraph acts as a link in the argument.