How to Approach the Post-1914 Prose/Drama Question (WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature)
Revision Note
Written by: Nick Redgrove
Reviewed by: Kate Lee
How to Approach the Post-1914 Prose and Drama Question
In Component 2, Section A of your Eduqas GCSE English Literature exam, you will answer a 40-mark essay question analysing the ways in which writers use language, form and structure to create effects.
The question will be based on one of the ten prescribed texts:
Lord of the Flies by William Golding | The Woman in Black by Susan Hill |
Anita and Me by Meera Syal | Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson |
Boys Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman | Leave Taking by Winsome Pinnock |
An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley | The History Boys by Alan Bennett |
Blood Brothers by Willy Russell | The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (play script) by Simon Stephens |
You can approach the question in Section A with confidence by learning more about the exam question:
Section A: Post-1914 Prose/Drama question overview
Understanding the exam question
Understanding the assessment objectives
Top tips for a Grade 9
Section A: Post-1914 Prose/Drama question overview
In Section A you will answer one question on your chosen post-1914 prose or drama text. You will be asked to comment on an extract from the text and to comment on the text as a whole. The question will also test your accuracy in spelling, punctuation and the ambition in your use of vocabulary and sentence structures.
Here is an overview:
Exam question | Post-1914 Prose/Drama question |
Time that you should spend on the question | 45 minutes |
Number of marks | 40 marks |
How much you should write | Approx. 3–4 paragraphs |
This is a closed-book examination which means you are not allowed to bring a copy of the text into the examination.
Understanding the exam question
Below are some recent examples of exam questions from Eduqas GCSE English Literature past papers.
Look at the wording of the questions and the question structure and themes. Are there any exam questions that you might struggle to answer?
GCSE Edexcel English Literature Post-1914 Prose/Drama questions, May 2017
| |||
Lord of the Flies | Anita and Me | The Woman in Black | Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit |
Write about the relationship between Ralph and Piggy and how it is presented at different points in the novel | Write about friendship and how it is presented in the novel | Write about how Susan Hill creates fear and tension at different points in the novel | Write about Jeanette’s mother, Mrs Winterson, and how she is presented at different points in the novel |
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time | An Inspector Calls | The History Boys | Blood Brothers |
Write about Ed and how he is presented in the play | Write about Mr Birling and how he is presented at different points in the play | Write about Hector and how he is presented at different points in the play | Write about the relationship between Linda and Edward and how it is presented at different points in the play |
You can significantly improve your exam performance by paying close attention to the question and understanding it thoroughly. Underlining the key words of the question can also help.
In Section A, there are three assessment objectives:
AO1 |
Demonstrate a close knowledge and understanding of texts, maintaining a critical style and presenting an informed personal response |
AO2 |
Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects, using relevant subject terminology where appropriate |
AO4 | Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Context (AO3) is not assessed in Section A. Therefore contextual details should only really be included if they are directly relevant to the question and any discussion of context must always be closely tied to discussion of the characters, events and details.
For example, Priestley’s own political beliefs could be explored in an answer on An Inspector Calls, but any discussion of this must be closely linked to the discussion of the play and the focus of the question. Too often, students make confusing and general statements about context in their answers. For example, “During the 1960s, or the Industrial Revolution, women were considered failures if they did not stay at home and have children”. These points are not particularly helpful, relevant or accurate and will not gain you any marks in the exam.
Top tips for a Grade 9
Keep in mind the dominant assessment objectives for each section in Component 1:
For Section A, this is AO1 and AO2
AO4 is also assessed in the essay question and is worth 5 marks
You should keep the question focus in mind at all times and refer to it frequently throughout your answer:
Underline any key words and phrases that will support the points you want to make
Focus on the bullet points built into the start of every question and use them to shape your response
Remember you must always discuss events and characters in any given question
Carefully select quotations which fully support the point being made:
The shorter the quotations the better, but you should try to select from across the extract and the text: its beginning, middle and end
Textual references do not have to be quotations, but if you do not make use of them, it will be more difficult to address AO2:
Always learn a range of key quotations as these will be extremely beneficial
Jot down a few key events from across the whole of the text:
Four or five carefully chosen points should ensure enough coverage
Use the extract in any way that you find useful:
You might decide to take an integrated approach by dipping in and out of the extract to make links across the whole text
Alternatively you could focus on the extract and then move on to discuss the text as a whole
Remember, there is no requirement to analyse the extract in detail:
Instead, use it as a springboard for a wider discussion, with a few key words or images explored that can then be broadened out to show knowledge and understanding of the whole text
Place the extract in the context of the rest of the text:
Consider its location to the preceding and subsequent action in the text
Context is not assessed in Section A, so be wary of wasting time on contextual details as you may not be awarded any marks
Proofread your writing to avoid technical errors:
Forgetting to use capital letters for character names, neglecting punctuation or abbreviating character names will only lose you AO4 marks
Using convoluted sentence structures and an informal register are also cited by examiners as negative aspects of student responses:
Remember, try to not lose formality in your writing in an attempt to save a few seconds of time in the exam
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember, spelling, punctuation and grammar is worth 5 marks. Common errors that students generally make include misspelling character, author and playwright names (it’s Priestley, not Priestly, for example).
Run-on sentences, missed capital letters, apostrophe misuse and the quality of vocabulary and expression will also affect your AO4 marks. It is therefore crucial to write your response carefully and reserve some time at the end to correct any mistakes.
Find out more about how you can write a Grade 9 Post-1914 Prose/Drama answer.
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