Below is some information about the exam. I have spoken to a few of you and it seems it would be useful to clarify what the examiner is looking for. I have also broken down the Assessment Objectives in italics. I hope this is useful.
Remember, most of you do the AOs naturally, so don't deliberate over them, or lose sleep, just be aware of them...
Mode of Assessment
Assessment will be by one written paper of 2 hours’ duration. There will be two sections to the paper, Section
A and Section B. Candidates will be required to answer one question from each section. Each question will be
marked out of 42, giving an overall maximum mark for the paper of 84 marks.
Section A will have one question on each of the set texts, each question having two parts. Candidates will
answer one question on one text. Each question will require candidates to:
• comment in detail on the narrative method of an extract
• relate this extract to wider concerns within the text as a whole.
Section B will have two questions. Both questions will require candidates to compare aspects of narrative
across three texts that they have studied. Candidates will answer one question. The three texts written about
must not include the text referred to in Section A.
Candidates are permitted to take their texts into the examination. This allows candidates to be pointed to
sections of texts in Section A, and to refresh their memories of the form and structure of texts for Section B.
It must be stressed that the open book format does not remove from candidates the requirement that they
know the texts well and can refer to them in detail.
Texts taken into the examination must be clean, that is, free from annotation.
AO1 Articulate creative, informed and relevant responses to literary texts, using appropriate terminology and concepts, and coherent, accurate written expression.
You need to write fluently, structuring your essay carefully. You should guide your reader through a clear line of argument, using sophisticated vocabulary and critical terminology. You need to show a knowledge of the whole text and embed quotations frequently.
AO2 Demonstrate detailed critical understanding in analysing the ways in which structure, form and language shape meanings in literary texts.
To ensure you are prepared for this you should practise writing in analytical sentences. Follow this formula for practise, but find your own way too: write an analytical sentences, embedding a quotation or close reference and analyse how the author uses the feature in question, and evaluate it.
AO3 Explore connections and comparisons between different literary texts, informed by interpretations of other readers.
If you are making connections or comparisons, don't make generic ones, be specific. Make sure you focus on the connections and comparisons and make them clear; the question will usually give you a focus, if choosing a Section B question. You have to appreciate difference and similarity between texts and recognise other interpretations. For example, you might look at critical views, or what others have said in lessons. For The Great Gatsby, you might suggest that it is ironic that Nick might have totally misread the whole story. Instead of Gatsby being the tragic hero of a romantic love story, he might just be a victim of a criminal world he didn't quite master.
AO4 Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received.
You need to show you know the context of production and reception. Know what went on before the text was written, and how people responded to the text. You should also know about the writers of the texts you have studied. Read over your notes and do some further research if necessary.
For example, for The Great Gatsby, awareness of the First World War and its impact on the American Economy and the American psyche is essential. You need to show you understand the American Dream and the significance of the symbolism of East and West America. Know what men's attitudes towards women were.
NB: You have done loads of this in early lessons.
If there is anything that you find confusing, use what is above to make some notes; I am happy to look over them and give feedback.
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