1. Literature Paper 2 – Modern texts and Poetry
Time management across the paper is good
Task focus has improved significantly
Structure of responses was more purposeful with introductions framing the answer – thesis driving the argument
References in a variety of forms helps students shape their personal response (not only direct quotations)
The central idea in the task is being focused on more, rather than one quotations paragraphs
Students focusing on the writer as the maker of the text helped students achieve AO2 marks
The focus on the key words in the question enabled students to achieve a much better focus on context and the ‘bold on’ context was in decline

2. Literature Paper 2 Animal Farm Engaged thoroughly with the question
Context as an embedded seamless part of the essay was still difficult
Best answers explored the relevance of author’s intentions as well as relevance to modern day
Anthology
Text comparison choice either helped or hindered students – overly complicated choice made it difficult to answer the question well
Idea led analysis provided better quality answers than method led analysis
Subject terms not linked to meaning were still embedded in responses, therefore avoid leading with terminology
Meaning and ideas focused responses were better
Rigid essay structures hinder students – avoid shaping essays round language/structure/form as this proved too difficult
Focus on the question made it easier to embed context

3. Literature Paper 2 Unseen Poetry
Students simply responding to the poems did well
Timing of the exam accurately was useful in the Unseen section
Meaning and methods were analysed effectively
In the comparison: students who read the question carefully did well
Narrative focus was less successful
Students who focused on 2 or 3 methods to create meaning did well
Time management is paramount in this final question
Lessons from Paper 2:
Timing for Unseen a must, meaning, idea, theme driven responses with context embedded work best, no set structure for the essays, thesis introductions that drive the argument work best, focus on ideas and avoid feature spotting, avoid squeezing in obscure context instead focus on the key idea in the task.