Question Breakdown

Question 1

Discuss

Answer 1

Identify issues and provide points for and/or against: explore the different aspects that constitute the Q’s topic.

Question 2

Explain

Answer 2

Relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things evident; provide why and/or how: clear instruction to show how I arrive at overall thesis - demonstrate train of thought and analysis that leads to conclusion.

Question 3

Compare

Answer 3

Show how things are similar and different: evaluate the similarities and differences between, for example, two texts.

Question 4

Consider

Answer 4

Reflect on and make a judgement/evaluation: the instruction may follow a statement/quotation that I will be asked to reflect on, or may be asked to consider whether something is true of a particular text; think carefully and offer an opinion.

Question 5

Argue

Answer 5

Make a case, based on appropriate evidence, for and/or against some given POV: requires more persuasive response, make a case for the particular thesis with evidence.

Question 6

Analyse

Answer 6

Identify components and the relationship between them; draw out and relate implications: instruction to offer close textual analysis.

Question 7

Evaluate

Answer 7

To ascertain the value or amount of; appraise carefully: judge some quality of something, such as a text, or to evaluate the extent to which you agree with a statement.

Question 8

Respond

Answer 8

Provide an answer; reply: may follow a statement, such as a quote about the nature of poetry, which you are asked to respond to based on your own experience with Literature.

Question 9

Conceptual Words

Answer 9

Words/Phrases connecting with the syllabus concepts. Some obvious, some not, e.g. ‘representation of people’ explicit, ‘literary texts can offer voices of resistance’ - reflection of cultural identity and ideology aspects (Unit 3) / Identify and consider words and phrases, then link to syllabus concepts.

Question 10

Conditional Words

Answer 10

Set response parameters, to discuss the topic in regards to a studied text / May be asked to discuss topic with reference to two texts. Most specific parameters are the genre-specific questions > must meet condition to be considered to have answered the Q correctly.

Question 11

Critical Words

Answer 11

Attend to the meaning of the words. Ex. ‘Literary response is a dynamic process’ and ‘Representing controversial aspects of a nation’s past’ - incorporate the meaning and wording in analysis.