Year 10 English Semester 2 Exam Revision Thursday 12 November 2015 KWC 8:30-10:45am

Format Time : 2 hours plus 15 minutes reading time    There are two sections to the examination : Section A: Text response (Two Hands) Section B: Passage Analysis (Macbeth) Section A is worth 20 marks…spend 60 minutes on this task Section B is worth 20 marks…spend 60 minutes on this task Total: 40 marks (to be converted to a letter grade)

Section A: Text response Two Hands Respond to only one of the prompts. Your text response must be a detailed response to the topic (prompt) and be supported by textual evidence (quotes) and a sophisticated reading of the text. You are expected to write an introduction, at least three body paragraphs and a conclusion.

Things to bring to the exam You must bring a dictionary. You should bring an adequate supply of pens and highlighters (do not write your answers in pencil). You are not permitted notes or other materials. Leave your phone in your locker.

Section B: Passage Analysis (or language analysis) Macbeth You will be required to select one passage from the three provided on Macbeth. The passages will be printed in the exam and you will need to analyse only one of the passages. Your response will compose of a minimum of four paragraphs. You must refer directly to and quote from the passage to support your views.

What you will write about:  What is the context of the passage? (What happens before or after?) Examine the reactions of those characters in the passage What key concerns of the play are highlighted in this passage? Comment on Shakespeare’s use of language (How does Shakespeare use language, imagery, symbolism…etc to help us understand the deeper meanings of the play.)

How to revise for the analysis What is the context of the passage? (What happens before or after?) You will need to have a comprehensive understanding what happens in each act to be able to pinpoint where the passage is located in the play. Read the play again before the exam. Examine the reactions of those characters in the passage. Make sure you know each of the characters, their motivations and their personalities. What key concerns of the play are highlighted in this passage? Revise the key concerns (themes/ideas) of the play. Comment on Shakespeare’s use of language. Look carefully at the words chosen, does Shakespeare use language that moves away from literal meanings? What is Shakespeare trying to achieve by doing this?

General tips Do the practice exam (on the STL Link) under timed conditions. Memorise some quotes from Two Hands. Build word banks of essential vocabulary for Two Hands. Write some practice essays on Two Hands. Revise the plot of Macbeth. Revise your class notes and essays on Macbeth

Bring on the exams…