What Is Feature Spotting And Why Do Examiners Hate It?
August 24, 2025 |
Subject Terminology
Let us have a little chat about something that might already be sneaking into your essays without you even realising it: feature spotting.
So, What Is Feature Spotting?
Feature spotting is when you list techniques without actually explaining them.
It looks like this:
“This is a metaphor.”
“This is a verb.”
“This is personification.”
“This is a rhetorical question.”
And… stop.
You never say what effect those features have. You never link them to the question. You never explain how the reader is supposed to respond. You just… spot the feature and move on.
In short, you are naming techniques without analysing them.
Classic Mistakes with Feature Spotting
Mismatching technique and analysis:You say it is alliteration… but then analyse the meaning of the words rather than the sound pattern.
Using fancy terminology to look clever (looking at you, polysyndeton!) but not actually analysing that term/mismatching your analysis
Defining the term rather than analysing: This is a metaphor because the character is not really a mouse.
Why Do Examiners Hate It?
Because English GCSE is about analysis, not ticking off a shopping list.
The mark schemes are very clear: simply identifying techniques will not get you many marks. You need to show:
How do you stop feature spotting?
Analysis! Improving your analytical skill will make the biggest difference to your marks in English essays and will help you to stop feature spotting altogether. Have a look at my videos on how to analyse (and how to analyse to a GCSE Grade 9 standard) if you need some more tips and help in this area.
So, What Is Feature Spotting?
Feature spotting is when you list techniques without actually explaining them.
It looks like this:
“This is a metaphor.”
“This is a verb.”
“This is personification.”
“This is a rhetorical question.”
And… stop.
You never say what effect those features have. You never link them to the question. You never explain how the reader is supposed to respond. You just… spot the feature and move on.
In short, you are naming techniques without analysing them.
Classic Mistakes with Feature Spotting
Mismatching technique and analysis:You say it is alliteration… but then analyse the meaning of the words rather than the sound pattern.
Using fancy terminology to look clever (looking at you, polysyndeton!) but not actually analysing that term/mismatching your analysis
Defining the term rather than analysing: This is a metaphor because the character is not really a mouse.
Why Do Examiners Hate It?
Because English GCSE is about analysis, not ticking off a shopping list.
The mark schemes are very clear: simply identifying techniques will not get you many marks. You need to show:
- How the technique works
- Why the writer used it
- What effect it has on the reader
- How it links back to the question
How do you stop feature spotting?
Analysis! Improving your analytical skill will make the biggest difference to your marks in English essays and will help you to stop feature spotting altogether. Have a look at my videos on how to analyse (and how to analyse to a GCSE Grade 9 standard) if you need some more tips and help in this area.
