Last minute advice

Here’s some advice for actually doing the exam papers.

Firstly and most importantly

ANSWER THE BLOODY QUESTION.

EVERY TIME.

THROUGHOUT YOUR ANSWER NOT JUST @ THE BEGINNING & THE END.

Right now that I’ve got that off my chest, some other things to consider:

If you want to do badly, ignore your timing and leave out a section.

If you want to do well, stick to your timing and complete every section.

Pay attention to how many marks each section is worth in Paper One.

If one comprehension Q is worth 10marks and another is worth 20marks, then the 20mark answer needs to be twice as long as the 10mark answer. D’oh!

Question B is worth 50, the essay is worth 100, so the essay should be twice as long as your Question B. Not 3 pages for each. 2 for QB, 4 – 5 for your essay/story. OK?

If you want to do badly, tell the story of Macbeth. In case the examiner’s never heard it before!

If you want to do well, plan your answer. Structure into paragraphs. Focus on answering the question throughout. Include quotes.

If you want to do badly, keep writing that comparative no matter how much time it’s taking you, because you’ve prepared it God damn it and you’re going to get it written no matter what!

If you want to do well, make sure you answer the question. Comparisons are vital – it’s called comparative studies for a reason. If you’re running out of time for comparative, STOP where you are. Write a conclusion. Move on to the next section.

If you want to do badly, keep writing that poetry answer no matter how much time it’s taking you, because you’ve prepared it God damn it and you’re going to get it written no matter what!

If you want to do well, make sure you answer the question. If you’re running out of time for studied poetry, STOP where you are. Write a conclusion. Move on to the next section.

If you want to do badly, leave out unseen poetry.

If you want to do well, give it the time it deserves. Easiest 20 marks you’ll ever get.

Your timing is as follows:

Paper 1

Comprehension: 45 minutes

Question B: 45 minutes

Composing / Essay: 1hr 20minutes

Paper 2

Single Text / Macbeth: 1hr

Comparative: 1hr 10 minutes

Studied poetry: 50 minutes

Unseen poetry: 20 minutes

All that’s left for me to say is good luck, keep the head. May the force be with you 😉

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