English Literature 5110 考试技巧

常见错误

1. 1high涉及分数: 6Set novel and set drama essays

   Essays on the novel and the drama text retell what happens in the story instead of building an argument around the question's own terms.

   如何避免: State your position on the question in your opening paragraph, then use language, structure and form as evidence for that position. If a sentence could be replaced with 'and then this happens', cut it.
2. 2high涉及分数: 4Language and structure analysis (AO2)

   A metaphor, a stage direction or a piece of alliteration gets named without any explanation of what it actually does to tone, character or audience understanding.

   如何避免: Attach a 'which does what' clause to every device you name. Naming it earns very little; explaining its effect is where the AO2 marks sit.
3. 3high涉及分数: 5Comparative poetry essay

   The poetry comparison in Unit 2 Section B is written as two separate essays, one on the named poem and one on the chosen poem, placed side by side instead of genuinely compared.

   如何避免: Weave the comparison through your paragraphs: after each point about the named poem, say directly how the second poem handles the same idea, whether it agrees, contrasts, or shifts the emphasis.
4. 4medium涉及分数: 4Set drama text essays

   Drama answers discuss characters purely as if they were people in a novel, leaving out stage directions, entrances and exits, pacing and the audience's perspective.

   如何避免: Bring at least one dramatic element, staging, silence, an exit, a change of pace, into your answer wherever it supports the point you are making, not as an afterthought paragraph.
5. 5high涉及分数: 4Evaluative essay questions

   Candidates believe a 'how far do you agree' question needs full agreement with the statement, so they write one-sided essays that avoid counter-evidence.

   如何避免: Higher marks come from balance. Present the case for the statement, then the case against it, and reach your own judgement in the conclusion rather than simply confirming the statement.
6. 6medium涉及分数: 3Assessment objective coverage by unit

   Context is added to Unit 1 prose answers as background information, when Unit 1 is marked purely on AO1 and AO2 and does not assess context at all.

   如何避免: Save context entirely for Unit 2 Section B and Shakespeare units, where AO4 is actually assessed. In Unit 1, put that time into closer textual analysis instead.
7. 7medium涉及分数: 4Comparative poetry essay

   In the poetry comparison, the named poem gets detailed analysis while the second, self-chosen poem receives only a brief mention near the end.

   如何避免: Give both poems genuinely equal space and equal depth of analysis. Plan both poems side by side before you start writing so the balance is built into your structure.
8. 8medium涉及分数: 3Unseen prose commentary

   The 15-minute reading period for the Unit 1 Section B unseen extract is skipped or rushed, leading to a hurried, underdeveloped commentary.

   如何避免: Use the full 15 minutes to read and annotate the extract for language, structure and tone before you write a single sentence of your answer.