1. Unit 2: English Literature
(Heros&An Inspector Calls)
How to answer the 20 mark Extract Question:
In the exam, you will be expected to answer two questions on each text, the
second of which will be an essay style question responding to a character or
theme. Today we will focus on how you answer these types of questions.
1. READ the question andPLAN
Identify 4-5 key points/ideas and recall any quotations or references to
the text that might apply
2. REFLECT
What is the question asking you to do? Do your notes reflect this?
3. WRITE an INTRODUCTION
Focus on the question; share an overview of the text with the examiner.
Keep it brief (5 sentences max commenting on plot, context, character &
theme)
4. WRITE your MAIN IDEAS
- Approx 4/5 points/ideas relating to the question
-POINT linked to the Q
- EVIDENCE: quotation/paraphrase/reference to the text
- ANALYSIS: comment on EVENTS, CONTEXT (AIC ONLY), CHARACTER,
THEME, RELATIONSHIPS & READERS/AUDIENCE ATTITUDES
- LINK back to the question
5.CONCLUDE your ESSAY
- Emphasise your most important/significant point
- Offer personal response
REMEMBER:
 Link to the question
 Audience/reader reaction views
 Link the specific to the overall bigger picture
 Comment on the significance of the context and explain influences on the text/society (AIC only)
USE THE WRITER’S NAMEOR PLAYWRIGHT/AUTHOR
MAKE LINKS TO THE REST OF THE TEXT.