Home > Subjects > English > English level 3 > 3.3 Shakespeare > Subject content > How to answer a question
- Subject: English
- AS: 90722
- Level: 3
- Credits: 3
- External
3.3 Respond critically to Shakespearean drama studied
How to answer a question
What will the questions sound like?
You will have a choice of two types of essay questions. Option (a) an analysis of a passage from a Shakespearean text or option (b) an analysis of selected aspect(s) of a Shakespearean text.
Option (a)
The question will be in two parts: read the extract and then link this to a question requiring a detailed discussion of key ideas and/or characters from the play.
- Close read the extract highlighting key features, such as themes, characters, conflicts, language, and tone.
- Put extract into context by referring to the plot and emotional stage of the play.
- Make clear links between the content of the extract and the play as a whole by using quotations, theme, and character development from other parts of the play.
See Importance of the extract in the play as a whole.
Option (b)
Usually the questions have two parts, however, some questions may only have one part. The first part may be a quotation, statement, or question asking you to analyse, describe or show how techniques or methods are used to present an aspect of the text. Try to form an argument around the quotation or statement so you focus on the question. The second part usually asks you to form an argument or detailed discussion giving reasons as to why this aspect is effective or important to the text as a whole. Take special note of words such as 'how much' or 'to what extent' that ask you to evaluate or measure the impact of something. You must treat all parts of the question equally.
Answering a question:
- Choose a question that suits the text and targets what you have studied.
- Underline keywords – these words will point to the sections of your study notes you need to use in your answer. Think of other words that mean the same so you have a group of useful words to use in your answer. Know your question.
Plan – brainstorm and organise evidence
Brainstorm your main ideas using the keywords from the question to get your main idea. Sum up your angle or point of view in a statement or as a challenging question. Brainstorm five or six solid points to help expand on your main idea. Select relevant material to support each point and develop your argument.
Outline of an essay plan
- Begin with a quotation, question, thesis statement, or opinion to sum up the question.
- Focus on a 5–6 key points.
- Develop a logical argument or explanation for each point.
- Conclude by reinforcing a main idea from your thesis statement.
Paragraphs
A standard paragraph will organise your thoughts and have these things:
- topic sentence – stating the main idea to be developed within the paragraph – use keyword from the question
- explanation – expanding the idea through discussion of evidence and detail
- link back to the question by using keywords to answer the question.
Self review
Use a checklist such as:
- Have I answered all parts of the question?
- How well does my evidence support my point of view?
- Is my personal response meaningful?
- Does my essay show analysis of specific parts of the text that can be linked to the purpose of the entire text?
To present Shakespeare quotations you write in brackets after the quotation the ACT, scene, line reference of the quote. See Quotations for more advice.
