English Literature A/S and A Level Othello

A/S exams Component 1: Love Through the Ages: Shakespeare and Poetry (1hr 30 mins examination worth 50%) Section A: A passage-based question with linked essay on a Shakespeare play studied in class. (closed book) Section B: A comparative poetry essay based on a poem studied in class. Component 2: Love Through the Ages: Prose (1hr 30 mins examination worth 50%) Section A: An essay on an unseen prose extract. Section B: A comparative essay on two prose texts studied in class.

A level assessment: One 3 hour examination worth 40%, one 2 ½ hour examination worth 40% and one 2500 coursework essay worth 20%. Component 1: Love Through the Ages (3hr examination worth 40%) Section A: A passage-based question on a Shakespeare play studied in class. Section B: An essay on two unseen poems. Section C: An essay question linking one poetry and one prose text studied in class.

A level examinations continued… Component 2: Texts in Shared Contexts (2hr 30min examination worth 40%) Students will focus on one of two study options: WW1 and its Aftermath or Modern Times: Literature from 1945 to Present Day. Section A: An essay question on one text studied in class. Section B: An essay based on an unseen extract of literary prose. Section C: An essay question linking two texts studied in class.

What do these texts have in common? Have you read any of them?

A level coursework: Component 3: Independent Critical Study: Texts Across Time (Non-Examined Assessment worth 20%) Students will write a comparative 2500 word essay on two texts studied in class (one written before 1900) on a topic of their choice.

Do you recognise any of these? These are some of the texts you may study for the non- examined assessment..

Write down the following on the post its. On post it one: Two books that you would definitely recommend to others. On post it two: One book that you wouldn’t recommend.

Walk around the room with your post its – if you bump into someone you must twirl. When I say stop – explain to the person next to you your two good and one bad choice and then listen to theirs.

Return to your seat, and in groups, create a list of book recommendations and book avoidances with brief reasons.

Read the extract from The Great Gatsby. What’s happening in the extract? How does Daisy feel and how do you know? How does Gatsby feel and how do you know?

Watch the extract as it appeared in the 2013 adaptation of The Great Gatsby. How do the actors who play Daisy and Gatsby convey the awkwardness of their reunion? (Note for teacher – show from time to on dvd)

Now annotate the extract to answer the question: ‘Examine the view that Scott Fitzgerald presents reunions as disappointing in this extract. Make close reference to the writer’s methods in your response.’ Find examples of: Language (the words that are chosen) Form (the style in which the text is written – e.g. description or direct speech, using a simile or a metaphor etc.) Structure (the way the text is organised – e.g. short, medium or long sentences and where they come in the extract, use of paragraphing etc.)

In groups, share your ideas. You will be given a key focus to feed back on – either language, structure or form. Feedback your ideas and add to your annotations.

Summer holiday work: 1) Read as many as you can of the following texts: Othello by William Shakespeare The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald Atonement by Ian McEwan Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte 2) Write an answer to the question on the Great Gatsby extract in an essay style form. Ensure you explain your answers fully and include quotation to justify your opinions. (Use point, evidence, explain technique)