The 8 Mark Question

Success Criteria Learning Intention To understand how to structure the final question for the Scottish set texts. To be able to structure your own answer to an unseen question. To be able to choose relevant material from the seen and unseen poems. Success Criteria

How to answer the Q… All questions are worth 8 marks and should be structured using bullet points and headings. Use the headings: General Comment (2 marks) Exam poem (2 marks) Other poem (4 marks)

(1) General Comment Write a sentence for each poem to show how it ties in with the question. Example: Show how “Valentine” and another of Duffy’s poems explores an important theme. “Valentine” and “Havisham” explore the theme of love. In “Valentine” we see the speaker discuss the truth about love and acknowledge that it has a good and bad side. In “Havisham” we see the effect that love can have on someone when it goes wrong but that the feelings can be hard to get rid of.

(2) Exam Poem Quote a relevant example from your exam poem. Pick out the techniques used in the quote. Explain what they show us and link this back to what the question is asking. NOTE: Try to avoid using examples that you have covered in the textual analysis questions earlier.

(3) Other Poem Do exactly the same as Primary text but do it twice. You can focus on one or two other poems. NOTE: Remember to always link back to the question at the end of each bullet point.

Last Year’s Question POEM: “Valentine” The theme of relationships is important in this poem. With close textual reference, show how this theme is explored in this poem and in at least one other poem you have read by Duffy.(8 marks)

My Answer General Comment * The theme of relationships in “Valentine” is unconventional as they believe it is important to see the good and bad in relationships. * The theme of relationships in “Havisham” is shown to be negative as the relationship she had with her lover has ruined her life and made her desperate for revenge.

Exam Poem * “I am trying to be truthful.” This Single sentence stanza reflects the speaker ’s desire to remain honest and keep things simple and realistic. This is important because they believe that this is the key to a pure and long lasting relationship built on truth.

Other Poem * “Beloved sweetheart bastard” The poet's use of oxymoron shows how the speaker’s feelings are confused. She hates the man who jilted her but cannot forget the love that existed in this relationship. So it shows that relationships can be confusing. * “Don’t think it’s only the heart that b-b-b-breaks.” Threat to end the poem - plosives to create harsh tone. She could be either angry or breaking down emotionally at the end. Instability is emphasised showing that when relationships go wrong they can destroy lives.

Example Question Try the one on your sheet Then answer the one below Using close textual reference, show how the presentation of the main character in War Photographer is similar or different to the presentation of the main character in another poem or poems by Duffy which you have read.