What you'll learn
How to build and justify your own reading of a text.
A supported personal response
- A personal response is your interpretation — but it must be justified with evidence from the text.
- Texts often support more than one valid reading; strong answers show engagement and judgement.
Developing it
- State your view, support it with quotation and analysis, and explain the effect.
Exam tips
- Use phrases like 'this suggests…' and 'I find this…because…'.
- Always back opinions with textual evidence.
Common mistakes
- Giving unsupported opinions.
- Reciting a 'model' answer with no personal engagement.