Section 1: Basic techniques and problem solving1. Asking questions 2. Using information sources 3. Analysing units of structureSection 2: Dimensions of language variation4. Language and time 5. Language and place 6. Language and context: register7. Language and gender 8. Language and societySection 3: Poetic uses of language9. Rhyme and sound patterning 10. Rhythm 11. Parallelism and repetition 12. DeviationSection 4: Reading figures of speech13. Metaphor 14. Irony 15. Juxtaposition 16. Intertextuality and allusionSection 5: Aspects of narrative 17. Genre 18. Narrative 19. Point of view 20. Narration in film and prose fiction 21. Speech and writing 22. RealismSection 6: Beyond the text23. Positioning the reader or spectator 24. Authorship and intention 25. Judgement and valueAppendix: notes on activitiesReferencesIndex