If you’ve been revising with our Spin the Wheel feature in the key quote documents, you might have noticed something called RAD and WOW popping up. Wondering what it’s all about? Don’t worry, we’re here to break it down for you. 📚✨
🔍 What is RAD?
RAD is our exclusive Light Up Hub technique designed to help you push your key quote analysis to the next level.
Instead of just explaining what a quote says, RAD helps you draw deeper connections between:
💡 What’s happening at the moment in the text or play
💡 What the quote symbolises on a broader level
💡 What the reader or audience can infer from it
In short? RAD = next-level insights that examiners LOVE to see.
🧠 What Does RAD Stand For?
R – Represent
Ask yourself:
Does the character or element represent something bigger in the story?
Is it an emblem (symbol)?
An epitome (perfect example)?
A microcosm (smaller version of a bigger idea)?
Part of an allegory (story with a hidden meaning)?
Example:
In Romeo and Juliet, Romeo acts as the epitome (perfect example) of impetuous (acting without thinking) desire through his rash pursuit of Juliet despite the deadly family feud.
A – Amplify
Think about:
Does this moment reflect something earlier or later in the text?
Does it contrast with another character or idea?
Is there a mirror (reflection) or a foil (an opposite)?
Example:
In A Christmas Carol, Fred acts as a foil to Scrooge. His jovial (happy) spirit at the beginning sharply contrasts with Scrooge’s misanthropic (people-hating) attitude.
D – Develop
Look for:
Does the character change?
Do they progress (move forward), stagnate (stay the same), or regress (move backward)?
Example:
In An Inspector Calls, Mrs Birling stagnates, refusing to accept responsibility for her treatment of Eva Smith and showing no meaningful development throughout the play.
🌟 Introducing WOW: The Finishing Touch to Your Paragraph
Alongside RAD, you’ll also see a WOW idea in your key quote document.
So... What’s WOW?
WOW stands for a "Wow-Worthy" scholarly or structural idea that takes your analysis to the top level.
These are the kinds of original insights and interpretations that really impress examiners.
For every key quote, we’ll include:
💡 A reminder of what the WOW idea is
💡 A clear definition
💡 A model example sentence showing you how to weave it into your paragraph
🌍 What About Other Exam Boards?
Even if you’re not studying with AQA or Edexcel, RAD and WOW are a universal technique.
All GCSE examiners reward students who:
✅ Explore wider meanings and symbolism
✅ Analyse structure and character relationships
✅ Track character development across the text
✅ Apply ambitious, scholarly thinking
No matter your exam board, RAD and WOW will help you build brilliant, insightful answers every single time!
🎯 Now You're Ready to RAD and WOW Your Way to Success!
Use RAD and WOW every time you revise key quotes with Spin the Wheel and watch your analysis skills skyrocket.
Happy revising! 🌟