How to construct an A* response
Hi, I was just wondering what you would have to include in an answer to hit the top grade? I am currently studying WJEC English Literature
Answers
Should have mentioned it is A-Level
15 March 2015
Hi, I don't teach the WJEC specification, but if you can give me a bit more of an idea of the topic and type of question and I can give you some advice on how to achieve the top grades?
18 March 2015
If you can tell me a bit about the topic you are required to write about then I can go about giving you some pointers about how to aim for the top marks?
09 April 2015
Good morning. An A* answer is focused on answering the question and demonstrates this from beginning to end. You can't talk generally about the topic, you need to plan in detail and construct the essay so that the answer is focused. An A* essay also shows insight to the topic discussed - making interesting and 'different' points - not just the run of the mill points that most other essays will make. You need to show your understanding of the text, not just what you have learned in class or from a study guide. Good luck!
10 April 2015
Good morning. An A* answer is focused on answering the question and demonstrates this from beginning to end. You can't talk generally about the topic, you need to plan in detail and construct the essay so that the answer is focused. An A* essay also shows insight to the topic discussed - making interesting and 'different' points - not just the run of the mill points that most other essays will make. You need to show your understanding of the text, not just what you have learned in class or from a study guide. Good luck!
10 April 2015
Hello Megan,It seems as though you've been given some sound advice by Heather. I would suggest you also look very closely at the 'Qualification Specification' and the 'Assessment Criteria and Objectives'. This should help you to determine the qualities of top grade responses. If you haven't already got this you should be able to download it from the WJEC website.If you would like further support don't hesitate to contact me directly. All the best with your studies!
10 April 2015
Hi Megan! It looks like you have had some great advice here, but I may also add some tips. To put you in the top band, exam markers need you to hit a few key targets. One being a good knowledge of the whole text, so talk about a variety of elements from all parts of the text, not just one chapter for example! Another being context: make sure you link your answer to history, to show that you are aware of when the text was written and how it was affected by what was going on in society, or vice versa. The next element is critical commentary, give some colour to your answer by forming arguments that are informed my both negative and positive commentary- jstor is a great place to find examples. Hope this helps!
21 July 2015
You just need to analyse as much of the passages as possible you want to talk about, language, structure and different meanings. If you want to hit the top grade boundaries then you need to know text really well. Also try knowing some quotes that can be easily used in any topic.Hope this helps.Jess
10 December 2015
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