1. Higher Critical Essay Writing

2. Higher Critical Essays
Understanding – you must know the text well; this is shown through the evidence you choose
Analysis – you must insightfully explain the techniques you have chosen
Evaluation – you must be able to give a response to the play and show how the essay question fits the play

3. Example Essay Read the example essay.
Note down anything you think has been done well.
Note down anything you think you could improve.
Give it a mark out of 20.

4. The Exam Paper
You are looking for the ‘Drama’ section. There will be three questions to choose from.

5. The Question
Two parts. The first sentence is a hook; it should immediately let you know if you can tackle the question using your text. The second part tells you how to answer the question.

6. Choose a play in which a character displays a serious flaw
Choose a play in which a character displays a serious flaw. Is this suitable? Yes. Flaw = unchecked ambition. Briefly explain the nature of this flaw and discuss how the dramatist’s presentation of this feature enhances your understanding of the text as a whole. Line of thought = good person at first but allows ambition to win; increasing ruthlessness/bloodiness of Macbeth to fulfil ambition; caused his own downfall through bloody ambition.

7. Task Look at the following four questions on drama.
Decide which questions would apply to Macbeth.
Write a brief note for each suitable question explaining what you might talk about.

8. Choose a play in which a character displays a serious flaw
Choose a play in which a character displays a serious flaw. Is this suitable? Yes. Flaw = unchecked ambition. Briefly explain the nature of this flaw and discuss how the dramatist’s presentation of this feature enhances your understanding of the text as a whole. Line of thought = good person at first but allows ambition to win; increasing ruthlessness/bloodiness of Macbeth to fulfil ambition; caused his own downfall through bloody ambition.

9. Planning – Line of Thought
Introduction Paragraph 1 – establish Macbeth’s previous good character, eg tempted but conscience prevails/LM’s opinion Paragraph 2 – succumbs to ambition – kills Duncan. Easily kills guards. Paragraph 3 – being King not enough. Ambition to secure throne for descendants – Banquo’s murder. Paragraph 4 – totally corrupted by ambition. Deaths of the Macduffs, destruction of Scotland. Paragraph 5 – leads to his destruction; realises ambition got him nothing but trouble. Conclusion.

10. Critical Terminology
You will see this at the top of the ‘Drama’ section: Answers to questions on Drama should refer to the text and to such relevant features as characterisation, key scene(s), structure, climax, theme, plot, conflict, setting Think about the terminology you will use before you even start writing.

11. Critical Terminology
The language you use to analyse and evaluate is important. Avoid ‘shows’. You have a list of alternatives on your plan. Using evaluative words is concise and skilful; it shows that you are responding to the text all the time. Eg The harrowing decision to murder Lady MacDuff and her child… The gripping climactic scene…

12. Using Quotations DON’TS Do not begin a sentence with a quotation.
Do not leave a quotation hanging as a sentence on its own.
Do not use a quotation which simply reiterates exactly what you just said.

13. Using Quotations DO’S Embed quotations (shorter phrases)
Take a new line and indent for long quotations
Examples – Embedded Quotations
Macbeth’s despondency is clear when he describes life as a ‘tale told by an idiot’, emphasising how pointless he now finds his life.

14. Example – Longer Quotations
Macbeth’s incapacity for murder is further highlighted by Lady Macbeth’s description of his nature: ‘Thou wouldst be great, Art not without ambition, but without The illness should attend it.’ Her mention of an ‘illness’ attendant on ambition foreshadows the madness…

15. Introduction
Include title of play, playwright, and wording from the question
A brief summary of the play
A clear idea of how you will answer the question

16. Opening Sentences
Basic (and totally acceptable): A play in which a character displays a serious flaw is ‘Macbeth’ by William Shakespeare. (You must then explain who the character/what the flaw is.) More stylish: Although successful in securing him the throne, Macbeth’s murderous ambition eventually proves the flaw which will cause his downfall.

17. Paragraph Structure
P – point E – evidence E – explanation R – response Using ‘response’ at the end should help you remember to tie each paragraph back to the question.