Responding to Questions

    OCR
    GCSE

    Candidates must demonstrate the ability to deconstruct examination prompts to identify the specific Assessment Objective being targeted, distinguishing between requirements to analyze, evaluate, compare, or synthesize. Success relies on the precise selection of textual evidence and the deployment of subject-specific terminology to construct a coherent response aligned strictly with the command word. In writing tasks, candidates must pivot to the conscious manipulation of linguistic devices, adapting tone, register, and form to meet the specific demands of audience and purpose.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for the synthesis of evidence from both texts that demonstrates a conceptual understanding of similarities and differences (AO1/AO3)
    • Credit analysis that deconstructs the specific effect of language features (e.g., metaphor, hyperbole) rather than merely identifying them (AO2)
    • Reward critical evaluation that substantiates a personal judgement with precise, judicious textual references and explores the success of the writer's methods (AO4)
    • Assess writing for the conscious crafting of vocabulary and sentence structures to establish a compelling voice and tone appropriate to the specific form and audience (AO5/AO6)

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for the synthesis of evidence from both texts that demonstrates a conceptual understanding of similarities and differences (AO1/AO3)
    • Credit analysis that deconstructs the specific effect of language features (e.g., metaphor, hyperbole) rather than merely identifying them (AO2)
    • Reward critical evaluation that substantiates a personal judgement with precise, judicious textual references and explores the success of the writer's methods (AO4)
    • Assess writing for the conscious crafting of vocabulary and sentence structures to establish a compelling voice and tone appropriate to the specific form and audience (AO5/AO6)

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Allocate 5 minutes to planning the comparison response; identify three distinct conceptual links before writing to ensure integrated analysis
    • 💡Use the 'What-How-Why' structure for analysis: state the writer's method, quote it, and explain the specific impact on the reader
    • 💡For the evaluation question, focus on the 'how far you agree' statement; explicitly critique the success of the writer's methods rather than just summarising the text
    • 💡Reserve 5 minutes at the end of the writing section specifically to check for homophone errors and punctuation faults to secure AO6 marks

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Listing language features (feature-spotting) without explaining their specific function or effect in context
    • Treating the comparison question (AO3) as two separate analyses rather than an integrated discussion of perspectives
    • Offering generic evaluation comments (e.g., 'it creates a vivid picture') without analysing how the writer achieves this
    • Comma splicing and run-on sentences in the writing section, limiting the AO6 mark for grammatical control

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Critical Reading: Evaluation and Comparison of Texts
    Linguistic Analysis: Deconstructing Writer's Methods and Effects
    Transactional Writing: Adapting Tone, Style, and Register for Audience
    Creative Writing: Narrative Structure and Descriptive Imagery

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Synthesise
    Explore
    Compare
    Evaluate
    Write

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