How to Approach the Post-1914 Prose/Drama Question (WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature)

Revision Note

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. 

English literature exam question guide on "Lord of the Flies," advising students to analyze the novel's themes and characters in 45 minutes, with emphasis on language, form, and structure.

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 Tip

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 Tip

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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Kate has over 12 years of teaching experience as a Head of English and as a private tutor. Having also worked at the exam board AQA and in educational publishing, she's been writing educational resources to support learners in their exams throughout her career. She's passionate about helping students achieve their potential by developing their literacy and exam skills.