The essay question was extremely difficult for students who did The Crucible. Arguments to the contrary assume that we should thoroughly analyse trivialities within the text. I essentially argued that belonging to place resulted in a superficial sense of belonging that compromised individual identity and therefore mitigated self belonging, whereas not belonging to place facilitated a sense of identity and self-belonging. Obviously that is excessively contrived but I really don't think I could have argued anything else. I am very doubtful that they will align our marks, but it is certainly inequitable for those of us who had to do The Crucible or Dickinson's poetry.
I also thought there may be a move toward making the creative section less predictable in order to dissuade students from preparing responses, however clearly the BoS doesn't care all too much about it. Everybody who had their tutor prepare a story for them will be pleased. A lot of people have been speculating that Paper 2 will contain a feature article or other alternative text type, but from what I saw in the test today, I doubt they will. At least ONE related material was another example of how they are making sure they cater for everyone's prepared responses.
Section I is section I.