1. Scottish Text Final Question – Structure a)2 marks can be awarded for identifying things that the poem has in common with Duffy’s other work, as identified in the question. b)2 marks can be awarded for references to the text provided in the question paper. c)6 marks can be awarded for discussion of similar references to at least one other text by the writer.

2. Final Question – Structure a)2 marks can be awarded for identifying things that the two poems have in common, as identified in the question. Make two clear points about the areas of commonality between the poem you are given and Duffy’s other work. Don’t just paraphrase the question. Be specific in your identification of areas of commonality. – Both poems use imagery to convey the speakers attitude to romantic love. – In Valentine, the speaker wants to impress upon the reader the importance of honesty, truthfulness, sincerity in a Valentine gift to reflect the genuine nature of her feelings. (1) – In Havisham the imagery conveys the speaker’s hatred towards her ex-lover and desire for vengeance. (1)

3. Final Question – Structure b)2 marks can be awarded for reference to the text provided in the question paper. The most rewarding approach is to identify two separate language features, and explain their impact. It is possible to gain two marks by analysing one language feature, but it is much harder to gain both marks by doing so. “it will blind you with tears” – just as the strong scent of an onion can make us cry, the strong emotions associated with love will often cause upset, which in turn can make us cry. (1) “its scent will cling to your fingers” – just as the smell of an onion stays on our hands long after we have finished handling it, the strong emotions associated with love will creat powerful memories which will remain with us long after a romantic relationship has ended. (1)

4. Final Question – Structure c)6 marks can be awarded for discussion of similar references to at least one other text by the writer. The most rewarding approach is to identify six separate language features, and explain their impact. It is possible to gain six marks by analysing three language features, but it is much harder to gain both marks by doing so. “dark green pebbles for eyes”: Just as pebbles are hard, this indicates the hardening of Havisham’s emotions over time, as she becomes embittered by her lover deserting her (1). The colour “dark green” is commonly associated with jealousy, indicating the feelings of envy Havisham feels towards the lovers who have replaced her (1). “a red balloon bursting in my face” Just as a balloon bursting is sudden and surprising, the event of Havisham’s lover leaving her on her wedding day was shocking, surprising and caused her a great deal of distress, which gave rise to her hatred. (1) This is reinforced by the fact that balloons are commonly associated with celebration, that the bursting of the ballon indicating an abrupt end to the celebration Havisham believed she would experience with her lover. (1) “ropes on the back of my hands I could strangle with” Just as ropes are long coils of tough material, Havisham’s veins stand out on the backs of her hands due to the anger and distress that she experiences. (1) This also indicates the violent hatred that she directs towards her ex-lover, as indicated through her desire to choke him to death. (1)

5. Final Question – General Advice Read the question carefully. By referring to the poem, and at least one other by Carol Ann Duffy, discuss her use of striking and unusual imagery. Know your texts. Don’t overdo your analysis of the focus text – you can’t gain more than two marks for it. Remember that you can focus on more than one poem. “I hold him in the casket of my widow’s head” Just as a casket is used to hold the physical remains of someone who has died, Hathaway’s head holds the remains of Shakespeare, as it contains her memories of him and they love that they shared together. (1) However, make it clear when you are moving on to focus on a new poem.