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The extract question aims to show off your close-reading skills by zooming in on the extract they've given you. You should spend no more than twenty minutes on your response.
The extract question aims to show off your close-reading skills by zooming in on the extract they've given you. You should spend no more than twenty minutes on your response.
In your extract response, you will be required to:
In your extract response, you will be required to:
- Respond to texts critically and imaginatively; select and evaluate relevant textual detail to illustrate and support interpretations;
- Explain how language, structure and form contribute to writers’ presentation of ideas, themes and settings.
It is usually based on one of the following topics:
It is usually based on one of the following topics:
How to approach the extract question:
How to approach the extract question:
Read and explode the question using a highlighter.
Read and explode the question using a highlighter.
For example:
Next, read the extract and complete the following:
Next, read the extract and complete the following:
- Identify where in the novel the extract comes from;
- Think why was this extract chosen?;
- Highlight and annotate key parts that answer the question's focus.
Start writing your response:
Start writing your response:
- Always begin by saying where in the novel the extract can be found.
- Embed at least 8 quotations with "...".
- Write at least one side of A4.
Example Questions
Example Questions
Example Answers
Example Answers
This responds to the final example question above.
This responds to the final example question above.
This extract appears during the early stages of the play. Arthur Birling is lecturing his family on his perspective on current affairs, including war, economy and strike action. His family listens attentively as he delivers his verdict on the current political climate.
This extract appears during the early stages of the play. Arthur Birling is lecturing his family on his perspective on current affairs, including war, economy and strike action. His family listens attentively as he delivers his verdict on the current political climate.
To begin, Priestley uses the stage direction 'rather heavily' to direct Arthur Birling's speech delivery. The use of 'heavily' suggests he addresses his company in a domineering and aggressive tone, telling the audience that he believes what he has to say is of great importance and must be listened to carefully. Moreover, it could also imply that he almost forces his opinions onto those around him, resembling a metaphorical heavy load being placed on an object. This pejoratively connotes narrow-mindedness, telling the audience that he will remain a static character throughout the duration of the play.
To begin, Priestley uses the stage direction 'rather heavily' to direct Arthur Birling's speech delivery. The use of 'heavily' suggests he addresses his company in a domineering and aggressive tone, telling the audience that he believes what he has to say is of great importance and must be listened to carefully. Moreover, it could also imply that he almost forces his opinions onto those around him, resembling a metaphorical heavy load being placed on an object. This pejoratively connotes narrow-mindedness, telling the audience that he will remain a static character throughout the duration of the play.
Additionally, Birling's later stage direction indicates further personality traits of the businessman. Despite being surrounded by an energetic dinner party, Arthur notices that his daughter is 'still admiring her ring'. As Birling tries to obtain the attention of all present, he becomes frustrated as Sheila is obviously preoccupied. Her 'ring' symbolises her transition into matrimonial life and adulthood, as she has vowed to give her hand in marriage to Gerald. Arthur struggles with the looming loss of his adolescent daughter as he questions "are you listening, Sheila?" This need for patriarchal power and dominance tells the audience that he is experiencing grief as his only daughter moves on to dote on another man.
Additionally, Birling's later stage direction indicates further personality traits of the businessman. Despite being surrounded by an energetic dinner party, Arthur notices that his daughter is 'still admiring her ring'. As Birling tries to obtain the attention of all present, he becomes frustrated as Sheila is obviously preoccupied. Her 'ring' symbolises her transition into matrimonial life and adulthood, as she has vowed to give her hand in marriage to Gerald. Arthur struggles with the looming loss of his adolescent daughter as he questions "are you listening, Sheila?" This need for patriarchal power and dominance tells the audience that he is experiencing grief as his only daughter moves on to dote on another man.
This is only part of the response. Can you complete the rest?
This is only part of the response. Can you complete the rest?
WJEC bears no responsibility for the example answers to questions taken from its past question papers which are contained in this publication.
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