Writing Tips (when answering questions on poetry, drama and fiction)
Things to Remember:
Write full sentences.
Keep your sentences and choice of words simple. You should vary the length of your sentences, if possible.
Be sure about your ideas – it is necessary to plan your exercise before commencing.
Use paragraphs (each paragraph should have a particular point). You should
vary the length of your paragraphs, if possible.
When answering questions about poetry, drama or literature, always back up what you say with evidence from the text (i.e. quotes and/or references to the text).
Vary your use of language - Do not constantly repeat phrases or words (e.g. I think . . . ; In my opinion . . . ; It is generally considered that . . . , etc.).
Do not shift tenses (i.e. always write in the present tense, wherepossible).
Answer the specific question asked.
Be sure about your ideas.
Do you use words unless you are certain of their meaning.
Avoid writing too informally – avoid slang and clichés
Useful Phrases:
It is clear from what the author is saying that . . .
The writer suggests . . .
The poet grabs our attention with the words / phrase . . .
Phrases such as . . . help us to understand . . .
The text / passage portrays / shows / illustrates …
The passage is impressive because . . .
The author compares / contrasts . . . to . . .
One can imagine / picture . . .
It is possible to imagine . . .
It seems that . . .
Perhaps (Maybe) . . .
The poem contains images / aspects / elements / points that show us / the reader ...
We can see from the text that the narrator is …
Forming an Argument:
1. MAKE A STATEMENT
2. BACK IT UP WITH EXAMPLES
3. CONCLUDE YOUR POINT OF VIEW
Note: At the start of every essay you must name the poem / novel / drama that you are using and the name of the author
Sample Paragraph:
I think Timothy shows great kindness towards Phillip throughout the book. When Phillip falls off the raft into the shark-infested sea, Timothy is quick to pull him back on to the raft. In this way, Timothy saves Phillip’s life. Later, Timothy shows Phillip how to survive
on the island by teaching him how to fish, using fishing hooks that Timothy makes for him, and by encouraging him to weave a sleeping mat. Timothy never asks for thanks from Phillip, although he does so much for him, and in this way, Timothy proves that he is a kind man.
Write full sentences.
Keep your sentences and choice of words simple. You should vary the length of your sentences, if possible.
Be sure about your ideas – it is necessary to plan your exercise before commencing.
Use paragraphs (each paragraph should have a particular point). You should
vary the length of your paragraphs, if possible.
When answering questions about poetry, drama or literature, always back up what you say with evidence from the text (i.e. quotes and/or references to the text).
Vary your use of language - Do not constantly repeat phrases or words (e.g. I think . . . ; In my opinion . . . ; It is generally considered that . . . , etc.).
Do not shift tenses (i.e. always write in the present tense, wherepossible).
Answer the specific question asked.
Be sure about your ideas.
Do you use words unless you are certain of their meaning.
Avoid writing too informally – avoid slang and clichés
Useful Phrases:
It is clear from what the author is saying that . . .
The writer suggests . . .
The poet grabs our attention with the words / phrase . . .
Phrases such as . . . help us to understand . . .
The text / passage portrays / shows / illustrates …
The passage is impressive because . . .
The author compares / contrasts . . . to . . .
One can imagine / picture . . .
It is possible to imagine . . .
It seems that . . .
Perhaps (Maybe) . . .
The poem contains images / aspects / elements / points that show us / the reader ...
We can see from the text that the narrator is …
Forming an Argument:
1. MAKE A STATEMENT
2. BACK IT UP WITH EXAMPLES
3. CONCLUDE YOUR POINT OF VIEW
Note: At the start of every essay you must name the poem / novel / drama that you are using and the name of the author
Sample Paragraph:
I think Timothy shows great kindness towards Phillip throughout the book. When Phillip falls off the raft into the shark-infested sea, Timothy is quick to pull him back on to the raft. In this way, Timothy saves Phillip’s life. Later, Timothy shows Phillip how to survive
on the island by teaching him how to fish, using fishing hooks that Timothy makes for him, and by encouraging him to weave a sleeping mat. Timothy never asks for thanks from Phillip, although he does so much for him, and in this way, Timothy proves that he is a kind man.