Writing Tips (when answering questions on poetry, drama and fiction)
Things to Remember:
Write full sentences.
Be sure about your ideas – it is necessary to plan your exercise before commencing.
Use paragraphs (each paragraph should have a particular point). See below about forming an argument.
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, where possible).
Answer the specific question asked.
Do you use words unless you are certain of their meaning.
Avoid writing too informally – avoid slang and clichés.
Forming an Argument - each paragraph should have the following structure:
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.
Breakdown:
Statement: I think Timothy shows great kindness towards Phillip throughout the book.
Example 1: 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.
Example 2: 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.
Conclude: 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.
Be sure about your ideas – it is necessary to plan your exercise before commencing.
Use paragraphs (each paragraph should have a particular point). See below about forming an argument.
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, where possible).
Answer the specific question asked.
Do you use words unless you are certain of their meaning.
Avoid writing too informally – avoid slang and clichés.
Forming an Argument - each paragraph should have the following structure:
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.
Breakdown:
Statement: I think Timothy shows great kindness towards Phillip throughout the book.
Example 1: 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.
Example 2: 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.
Conclude: 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.