Contemporary literature Paper 2a – Section B Contemporary Prose Paper 2b – Section A Contemporary Drama Heroes About a Boy Blood Brothers A View from the Bridge

What am I being assessed on? AO1  Respond to texts critically and imaginatively; select and evaluate relevant textual detail to illustrate and support interpretations 1/3 AO2  Explain how language, structure and form contribute to writers’ presentation of ideas, themes and settings 2/3

What am I being assessed on? C grade: Detailed reference Some probing of subtext (what’s going on & why – message to reader) Extended discussion of how themes/ characters/ relationships presented Explain effect of specific words and phrases/ structure/ form A grade: Assured selection of key areas (right evidence) Speculate/ offer judgements (argue point of view) Evaluate – what do you think? Does it work? Effective? Assured explanation effect of specific words and phrases/ structure/ form – e.g. more than one comment on phrase

SAY WHAT YOU THINK AND PROVE IT! What am I being assessed on? A* grade: Consistently handle text with confidence Overview – specific to general SAY WHAT YOU THINK AND PROVE IT!

Essay structure Idea of Brilliance – a viewpoint/ opinion that must be supported to stop the roof crashing down and killing hundreds of innocent victims! Pillars of evidence – six specific examples to support your view, backed up with quotations and analysis of effect. Conclusion of security – the foundation to keep it all stable. Says WHY the author has done what they’ve done and so sums up your argument.

What do you think of __________________? Character questions What do you think of __________________? How is the character of __________________ presented? …how do they relate to the novel as a whole? OVERVIEW– what DO you think? NOT “important because without them there would be no plot” TRACK specific examples – key words and phrases Link to theme/ plot/ structure What do you think of…? YOUR OPINION – back it up Analyse effect of specific words and phrases Theme – used to present loneliness/ parenthood etc Plot – integral to key events Structure – help to reveal other characters/ give us key information etc.

How does ______________ present the theme of _____________? Theme questions How does ______________ present the theme of _____________? OVERVIEW– what DO you think? TRACK through novel – key events Eliminate pointless ideas – keep focus Obvious technique? (e.g. use of outsiders for loneliness/ flashbacks for war/ dual narrative) Main idea - supported with specifics. Analyse effect of specific words and phrases If obvious technique used to present theme (e.g. use of outsiders for loneliness/ flashbacks for war/ dual narrative), main idea will be on that, supported with specifics.

Opinion questions To what extent is it possible to feel sympathy for _____________? Do you agree that…? Might be lots of evidence to support but you might not agree Come at it from your own viewpoint – support with evidence OVERVIEW– what DO you think? TRACK through novel – key events Analyse effect of specific words and phrases

“War has a lasting effect on those who fight in it” How does Cormier present this in Heroes?

“War has a lasting effect on those who fight in it” How does Cormier present this in Heroes?

About a Boy is about the power of friendship About a Boy is about the power of friendship. To what extent do you agree with this?

About a Boy is about the power of friendship About a Boy is about the power of friendship. To what extent do you agree with this?

How does Russell present the contrast between Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons as mothers?

How does Russell present the contrast between Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons as mothers?

Give advice to the actor playing the character of Alfieri on how he should present the character to the audience. In your advice, remember to include detailed reference to the play’s events, characters and themes.

Give advice to the actor playing the character of Alfieri on how he should present the character to the audience. In your advice, remember to include detailed reference to the play’s events, characters and themes.