Paper 2: Examination Knowledge

Question 1

How do we answer a Section A question?

Answer 1

• Engage with contextualising paragraph first, highlight key context
• Read extract and find 3 key moments to talk about, ignore the rest
• AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4, AO5

Introduction, 3/4 paragraphs

Question 2

How do we answer a Section B question?

Answer 2

• Identify hinge words/phrases in the question
• Identify 3/4 moments/characters which are relevant to the question
• Janus-faced sentences throughout the paragraphs to increase fluency

Introduction, 3/4 Paragraphs

Question 3

How do we answer a Section C question?

Answer 3

• Introduction: Write about both texts + exemplify which aspects of texts you will use in relation to question focus
• 4 Paragraphs, try write evenly about both texts (at least 2 Blake poems)
• Conclusion: Summarize how examples from each text convey the writers intentions regarding your question focus

Remember, Paper 2 Section C is a ‘explore the significant’ style question, not a ‘to what extent do you agree’ so no hinge words.

Question 4

Kite Runner Symbols & Motifs [3]

Answer 4

• Cleft Lip
• Kites
• Lambs

Question 5

Themes of Kite Runner [7]

Answer 5

• Search for Redemption
• Love & Tension between father & sons
• Intersection of private & political spheres
• The persistence of the past
• Male friendship – Rahim Khan & Hassan
• Religion – Amir’s lack of religion allowing him to accept Soraya, Assef’s extremism
• Racism & Ethnicity – Hazara’s described as dogs, education system discriminates them, Amir later rejecting public racism with Sohrab

Question 6

Themes of Handmaid’s Tale [6]

Answer 6

• Women’s bodies as political instruments
• Language as a tool of power: ‘Unwomen’, ‘Children of Ham’, colonies, no words aside from ‘FAITH’ pillow, symbols to buy from shops
• Causes of complacency: sexual gratification from Offred’s relationship with Nick, Moiria’s conformity
• Complicity: Offred & Serena Joy
• The Male Gaze: “To be seen is to be- penetrated”
• Reproduction: reflect rise of religious New Right in 20th Century

Question 7

“The Personal is Political”

Answer 7

Carol Hanisch
“Women are messed over, not messed up!”
Atwood’s speculative fiction is “all plausable”

Question 8

Blake Key Themes [4]

Answer 8

• Romanticism
• Pastoral
• Defying Industrialisation
• Defying Institutionalized Religion

Question 9

Blake as a Revolutionary

Answer 9

• Took part in the Gordon Riots

- He “donned the bonnet rogue”

Question 10

Rosseau - Blake

Answer 10

Believed by removing adult restriction children would be free to learn by experience; everyone would flourish.

Question 11

What are Blake’s poems?

Answer 11

Blake’s Dialectic: “Without contraries there is no progression”

Question 12

Section A: Introduction [4]

Answer 12

• Explore what methods the author uses to explore political/social protest e.g. language
• Highlight the themes of political/social protest
• Significance of setting
• Author’s tone