Home > Subjects > English > English level 3 > 3.4 Visual or oral text > Subject content > How to answer a question
- Subject: English
- AS: 90723
- Level: 3
- Credits: 3
- External
3.4 Respond critically to oral or visual text studied
How to answer a question
Questions will be set by genre, and will include opportunities to discuss aspects of intertextuality across different genres. If you choose a question discussing intertextuality you will need to relate your knowledge of texts to aspects of genre.
What will the questions sound like?
- 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(s) 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. See 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 a challenging question. Brainstorm five 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 4–5 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 form question
- explanation – expanding the idea through discussion of evidence and detail. Quotations examples, and details to illustrate the idea should be woven into your sentence.
- link back to the question by using keywords to answer the question.
Self review
Use a checklist such as:
- have I answered both parts of the question?
- How well does my evidence support my point of view?
- Is my personal response meaningful and relevant?
How to write an essay in an exam
