1. Analytical interpretation of a text
Section A Revision
Analytical interpretation of a text

2. Criteria 1
Knowledge and understanding of the text, and the ideas and issues it explores
Knowledge of ideas and issues within the text
Detailed knowledge of the plot, structure, setting and characters, as well as the text’s main ideas.
Understanding of how the texts are presented, such as the author’s use of literary features (setting, characters, language, structure, style, devices, film techniques.) Link these to the text’s wider ideas.

3. Criteria 2 Development of a coherent analysis in response to the topic
How clearly and effectively you respond to the question, quality of analysis
Relevance of your analysis
Analyse, don’t summarise. Examine the choices made by the author with regard to its construction and the effects of these choices
Express ideas clearly and in a logical sequence
Consistent contention
Use of appropriate connecting words and phrases. Links between paragraphs and writing is cohesive and fluent.

4. Criteria 3 Use of textual evidence to support the interpretation
Evidence should be carefully selected. You won’t have space to include every piece of evidence you can think of so choose the most relevant pieces
Analyse/explain your evidence so that it’s clear how it supports each argument
Quotes should be short and sharp (three to eight words only)

5. Criteria 4
Control and effectiveness of language use, as appropriate to the task
Effective selection of metalanguage and vocabulary and the fluency of your writing
Use appropriate metalanguage such as ‘characterisation’, ‘protagonist’ and ‘narrative structure’, and vocabulary appropriate to the text type (novel or play)
Avoid overly complex language, especially if you are unsure of the meaning f a word. Use a variety of synonyms

6. Introductions
Your introduction will give your assessor a first impression of your essay
It does not need to be really long but needs to contain the following:
The text’s title, author/director and the text type
Your main contention and 3 main arguments
Use the author/director’s full name the first time you refer to them (intro), then refer to them using just their surname
Use synonyms for key words in the essay topic

7. Conclusions
You don’t need to spend a lot of time on your conclusion but you must have one
You should:
Reiterate your main contention, using synonyms for key words
Summarise your main points and evidence
Do not introduce any new content

8. Planning
Suggested time: 5 min planning, 50 min writing, 5 min proofreading
Check the type of question, paying attention to words such as ‘do you agree?’ or ‘discuss’
Remember that if a question includes a statement and you are asked if you agree or disagree, you may choose to partially agree. This will allow you to include an alternate interpretation.
Complete a brainstorm
Decide on your contention and 3 supporting arguments
Select your evidence

9. Practice Planning
Now we’re going to go through some essay questions and I will time 5 minutes for each one
In that time, you need to complete a plan including all necessary information:
Sentence that states your contention
Arguments
Evidence
You have the option of The White Tiger OR No Sugar, so choose one

10. Essay Question 1 The White Tiger
Although Balram’s actions are corrupt, one can’t help but understand them. Discuss how Aravind Adiga positions the reader to relate to Balram. OR
No Sugar
In No Sugar, Jack Davis shows that it is the female characters who hold the most strength. Do you agree or disagree?

11. Essay Question 2 The White Tiger
‘In the end, the reader sees Balram as neither entirely good nor completely bad.’ Discuss. OR
No Sugar
The key idea in No Sugar is the misuse of power and how this impacts people. Discuss.

12. Essay Question 3 The White Tiger
Although Balram is different and is named ‘The White Tiger’, this does not guarantee his success. Do you agree or disagree? OR
No Sugar
Jimmy Munday’s fight for independence is doomed to fail.’ Discuss.