Part B: What The Question Is Asking (OCR A Level English Literature)

What The Question Is Asking

The examination requires you to write about a Shakespeare play from a set list of six texts. They are:

• Coriolanus

• Hamlet 

• Measure for Measure

• Richard III

• The Tempest 

• Twelfth Night

In part (b) you will be asked to respond to an essay question and to explore ways in which the chosen play is/has been interpreted by different audiences, including changes to these interpretations over time. This is a closed-book examination, meaning you will not have access to a copy of the text in the exam. 

The guide below will enable you to approach part (b) of the Shakespeare question with confidence. This is divided into:

• Overview

• Breaking down the question

• Top tips

Overview

Component 1 requires you to answer three questions in 2 hours 30 minutes. You are required to answer one question in Section 1 and one in Section 2. All questions in Section 1 have two parts, (a) and (b), and you need to answer both parts of the question on the text you have studied. You should spend about 1 hour 15 minutes to plan, write and check your response for Section 1 and also for Section 2. Each section is worth 30 marks.

In part (b) you are required to develop your argument by offering alternative views about a proposition. You are assessed on two main assessment objectives: AO1 (developing an argument) and AO5 (considering different interpretations of the play).

You will be given a proposition about the play and you are expected to:

• Cite a range of critical views and stage/film interpretations:

  • By citing multiple critics you can prеsеnt a morе comprehensive and balanced analysis

  • It demonstrates the different range of perspectives and interpretations surrounding the play

• Make reference to the interpretations of other audiences and readers (AO5), which may include a discussion of changing critical views of the play over time

• Explore a variety of interpretations simply by phrases such as “An alternative interpretation of this scene might suggest…”

• Be creative, informed and relevant (AO1) and support your response with textual references 

The suggested timings for part (b) are:

Breaking down the question

For this question, you will always be asked to explore ways in which your chosen play is/has been interpreted by different audiences over time. Regardless of the focus, the most common mistake students make in exams is not thoroughly understanding the question. By paying close attention to the question and understanding it thoroughly, you can significantly enhance your exam performance.

Below is an example of this task from the Shakespeare section:

Top tips

• You are more likely to perform well on the paper if you keep in mind the assessment objectives for each part:

  • For part (b) this is AO1 and AO5

  • The assessment objective weightings indicate the knowledge and understanding that you should use to drive forward and support your response

• You should try to respond flexibly and imaginatively to the demands of the questions set:

  • Ensure you are answering the question, rather than what you think is being asked

• Always try to offer a personal response to the question posed rather than simply repeating pre-prepared material

• You should attempt to take a firm view in response to the ideas being prompted in the question

• Try to engage with a wide range of critical and performance material in this part of the paper:

  • By citing multiple critics you can prеsеnt a morе comprehensive and balanced analysis

  • It demonstrates the different range of perspectives and interpretations surrounding the play

  • However, a “personal response” can cover a very wide range of approaches and there is no expectation that a long list of named critics and/or specific performances should feature in your response

  • Aim to do this in a lively and personal way

• The answer is in itself a response to a critical view, but may make reference to the interpretations of other audiences and readers (AO5):

  • This may include a discussion of changing critical views of the play over time, which may include both historic and contemporary performances of the play

• Examining various productions of your Shakespeare play will enable you to appreciate different interpretations of the characters and themes:

  • It will also enable you to explore how they may have evolved over time, rеflеcting shifts in sociеty and culturе

• You should also be able to explore a variety of interpretations simply by phrases such as “An alternative interpretation of this scene might suggest…”

• Avoid lengthy narrations about the plot:

  • This is not analysis and will severely limit your marks

• Your approach to this part of the paper can be quite different from that for the Shakespeare context question in part (a):

  • You need a structured and developed argument 

  • Repetition of material used in your response to part (a) should be avoided

• ‘Think more; write less!’ is a good maxim to follow:

  • Use your time to ‘think, read, plan and check’ your work 

  • You are not expected to write as much as you possibly can in the time available

• Write with reasonable care and accuracy:

  • Time spent reading, planning and checking is always well spent

  • The accuracy and legibility of your answer can make a substantial difference