Intro to Paper 2

What even is Paper 2? The Paper 2 exam consists of six essay questions, only one of which must be answered during the timed period. Essay must answer one question in relation to both literary texts that were studied for Part 3. Paper 2 tests your understanding of literature in context (cultural, social, political...). 1.5 hours to answer this essay question Although the questions will change from exam to exam, they will always focus on the connection between, style, form, author, purpose and audience. Paper 2 grade counts for 25% of the final grade.

What do I even need to do? Paper 2 exam is asking you to do three things. In fact, these correspond to the first three criteria. A) Be knowledgeable on the text and the context. B) Do not forget to answer the question. C) Remember to comment on the author's use of language, style and structure.

What even are the questions that we might see? Explain how the authors of at least two literary works have portrayed a social group in a particular way. How might the contexts of the authors have influenced their portrayal of these social groups? It is often said that literature is a voice for social commentary. How is this true of at least two works that you have read. To what extent can the meaning of a literary work change over time? How does this question apply to at least two works that you have read? To what degree are readers influenced by their culture and context. With regards to at least two literary works, explain how the setting both influences the characters and reflects the author's own context.

What even are the questions that we might see? Continued Explain how at least two works could be read differently depending on the culture of their audience.  'Coming of age' is a common theme in literary works. With regards to at least two literary works, explain how the author's own youth influenced their portrayal of this theme.  How are the characters from at least two literary works representational of people from the time and place in which they were written? Why might two of your Part 3 works be considered 'timeless'? How do two literary works both reflect and challenge the spirit of the times in which they were written?

Why “unpack” a question? Essay questions have several implications that aren’t immediately obvious. “Unpacking” the question can help you develop the main points of your essay.

Sample Paper 2 Question How are characters alienated from society in the works you have read? Today, we will practice how to consider the question and plan our response (including a thesis and topic sentences for the body paragraphs).

Spider Diagrams One of the best ways to unpack a question is by making a spider diagram. This process help you to pull apart the exam question, consider all the implications, and form a cohesive thesis and topic sentences.

Step One: Ask questions about the question. How are characters alienated from society in the works you have read? Is the character alienated from his family and friends?" "What does it mean to be alienated?" "Is a character literally exiled or emotionally shut out?" "Is the character alienated from his family and friends?" "What does it mean to be alienated?" "Is a character literally exiled or emotionally shut out?"

Step Two Next, you need to apply the implications of the question to the text: How are characters alienated from society in Persepolis? How are characters alienated from society in Brave New World? Marjane is alienated

Step Two: How are characters alienated from society in at least two of works you have read?

Step Three Once you have made a spider diagram and unpacked the question, it is time to write two or three sentences that very concisely and succinctly answer all implications of the question. These could form the basis for your thesis statement or the topic sentences of body paragraphs.

Step Three How are characters alienated from society in at least two of works you have read?