How to improve short answer responses? Tips + Advice? (1 Viewer)

emilios

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I usually get 12-13/15 in this section but I think it has the potential to be the easiest section to improve on. I almost always get 4/5 for the last question. How much should I be writing 2 mark question? How many techniques?

inb4 'Practice'.
 

rumbleroar

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I go by the rule 1 mark = 1 adequately explained technique that backs up my insight.

As for the last question, it's about developing a really good insight into the texts and being about to link them together well.

You also get better with practice so don't think just because you list 2 techniques you're going to get 2/2


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I usually get 12-13/15 in this section but I think it has the potential to be the easiest section to improve on. I almost always get 4/5 for the last question. How much should I be writing 2 mark question? How many techniques?

inb4 'Practice'.
I'm in the same boat as you. Very frustrating!
 

emilios

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I go by the rule 1 mark = 1 adequately explained technique that backs up my insight.

As for the last question, it's about developing a really good insight into the texts and being about to link them together well.

You also get better with practice so don't think just because you list 2 techniques you're going to get 2/2


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Oh believe me I overload on techniques AND explain them AND then go onto answer the question. I'll see if I can find my trial paper.
 

britaker

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1. State the purpose of the composer. Like "Dickinson exposes the ephemeral nature of an individual's belonging to nature"
2. (Using 2 techniques per mark) prove your thesis w/ analysis
3. Effect on reader/viewer/audience...

Make your answer SPECIFIC to the form - always mention whether it's an image (and thus talk about image composition, etc.), novel, poem, etc. Why did the composer select this form?

Always make sure to answer the question.

Um that's all I do and it's gotten 15/15 each time :)
 

emilios

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1. State the purpose of the composer. Like "Dickinson exposes the ephemeral nature of an individual's belonging to nature"
2. (Using 2 techniques per mark) prove your thesis w/ analysis
3. Effect on reader/viewer/audience...

Make your answer SPECIFIC to the form - always mention whether it's an image (and thus talk about image composition, etc.), novel, poem, etc. Why did the composer select this form?

Always make sure to answer the question.

Um that's all I do and it's gotten 15/15 each time :)
Hm that's actually quite insightful. Thanks a lot!
 

mreditor16

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1. State the purpose of the composer. Like "Dickinson exposes the ephemeral nature of an individual's belonging to nature"
2. (Using 2 techniques per mark) prove your thesis w/ analysis
3. Effect on reader/viewer/audience...

Make your answer SPECIFIC to the form - always mention whether it's an image (and thus talk about image composition, etc.), novel, poem, etc. Why did the composer select this form?
bolded part pretty much guarantees you the marks, but it takes a lot of time - essentially close to double the time....... so, imo, stick to fleshing out one technique per mark with well elaborated effect and link back to Q/thesis
 

lpodtouch

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I usually get 12-13/15 in this section but I think it has the potential to be the easiest section to improve on. I almost always get 4/5 for the last question. How much should I be writing 2 mark question? How many techniques?

inb4 'Practice'.
As rumbleroar stated, follow the one sufficiently elaborated technique per mark, providing linkage toward the question in fulfilling the criteria of a two mark question. Otherwise, you're imprudently allotting your time given how you will have to answer the onslaught of three markers, culminating toward the five mark question.

For the five mark response, my English teacher stated that it was an essay that gauged a clear, synthesised understanding and analysis of the two selected texts, directly addressing the question (~2 pages, however can vary depending on booklet/handwriting/etc.)
 

britaker

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bolded part pretty much guarantees you the marks, but it takes a lot of time - essentially close to double the time....... so, imo, stick to fleshing out one technique per mark with well elaborated effect and link back to Q/thesis
Shouldn't take that long. I always use the reading time to pick out 1 or 2 techniques per text :)
 

mreditor16

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Shouldn't take that long. I always use the reading time to pick out 1 or 2 techniques per text :)
ofc, I agree = use reading time to find techniques

and also if you find enough substance to answer the particular question for that text, and say you decide in reading time not to use that particular text for the 5 marker - then only read enough to find enough techniques/quotes, don't waste time reading through the rest of it (esp. if it like a long 2 page feature article for example) if you're not going to reap anything from the rest of it.

time management as always is key.
 

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