This is a cross-post from my Relationships blog; I thought it might be helpful to know how to tackle each question. My timings are slightly amended from 2 years ago!
Unseen Question - 45 mins
- Write a 2 sentence introduction: What is the poem about? On a deeper level, what's it really about?
- I suggest 2 paragraphs on language (minimum 2 quotes in each) - PQCDQCD is a good structure to follow!
- Write a minimum of one paragraph on structure - This could cover rhyme, rhythm, stanza lengths, enjambment, organisation of the text...
- Write a short conclusion - one sentence should be fine.
Question 2a - 25 to 30 mins
- Write a 1 or 2 sentence introdiction.
- Write 3 PQCDs
- For an A*, add an "on the other hand" sentence to each paragraph.
- Write a short conclusion - one sentence should be fine.
Question 2b i or ii - 30 to 35 mins
Now it is essential here that you realise that you must only answer one of the question options given to you for 2b! Either compare the two poems they give you or choose one of your own to compare with it.- Write a 2 sentence introduction, mentioning the two poems and what general thing they have in common
- 3 paragraphs structured as follows:
- POINT about both poems
- QUOTE from poem 1
- COMMENT/DEVELOP on poem 1
- CONNECTIVE then QUOTE from poem 2
- COMMENT/DEVELOP on poem 2
- Then have a linking sentence which concludes how they are similar or different
- Short conclusion at the end - Try and make a really clever comment here about what they have in common or differences.
Post any questions below!
