GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE
J360
UNIT A662 – MODERN DRAMA
A662 – Modern Drama Paper
Assessment Objectives:
AO1 Respond to texts critically and imaginatively; select and
evaluate relevant textual detail to illustrate and support
interpretations
When answering the question you must select relevant material
from the play to comment on and quote, thus supporting your
ideas.
AO2 Explain how language, structure and form contribute to
writers’ presentation of ideas, themes and settings
You must incorporate comments on how the playwright uses
language and structure to enhance/explore character, themes
and ideas in the play.
Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar
(SPaG) in A662
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An additional 5% of marks are now awarded in English
Literature for spelling, punctuation and grammar. This is
assessed in Unit A662 Modern Drama only.
Foundation Tier
• There are now 6 additional marks for spelling, punctuation and
grammar, which are indicated with a pencil.
• The total number of marks for the foundation tier paper is now
33.
Higher Tier
• There are now 9 additional marks for spelling, punctuation and
grammar, which are indicated with a pencil.
• The total number of marks for the higher tier paper is now 49.
SPaG Foundation Tier Assessment Grid
High performance 6 marks
Candidates spell, punctuate and use rules of grammar with consistent
accuracy and effective control of meaning in the context of the
demands of the question. Where required, they use a wide range of
specialist terms adeptly and with precision.
Intermediate performance 3-5 marks
Candidates spell, punctuate and use rules of grammar with
considerable accuracy and general control of meaning in the context of
the demands of the question. Where required, they use a good range of
specialist terms with facility.
Threshold performance 1-2 marks
Candidates spell, punctuate and use rules of grammar with reasonable
accuracy in the context of the demands of the question. Any errors do
not hinder meaning in the response. Where required, they use a limited
range of specialist terms appropriately.
SPaG Higher Tier Assessment Grid
High performance 7-9 marks
Candidates spell, punctuate and use rules of grammar with consistent
accuracy and effective control of meaning in the context of the
demands of the question. Where required, they use a wide range of
specialist terms adeptly and with precision.
Intermediate performance 4-6 marks
Candidates spell, punctuate and use rules of grammar with
considerable accuracy and general control of meaning in the context of
the demands of the question. Where required, they use a good range of
specialist terms with facility.
Threshold performance 1-3 marks
Candidates spell, punctuate and use rules of grammar with reasonable
accuracy in the context of the demands of the question. Any errors do
not hinder meaning in the response. Where required, they use a limited
range of specialist terms appropriately.
Band Descriptors
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Band 5 (some straightforward comments, a little support, a
little response to language....)
Band 4 (reasonably organised, some relevant support,
understanding of some features of language....)
Band 3 (developed personal response, use of appropriate
support, understanding some features of language...)
Band 2 (clear and well developed critical response, clear
evaluation of supporting material, critical understanding of
language. . .)
Band 1 (sophisticated critical perception, cogent and
precise evaluation, sensitive understanding of language....)
Preparing for the exam
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Know your text – you will not have time in the exam to keep
referring to your clean copy of the play.
Revise pre-taught material but be prepared to adapt it to
focus on the question set.
Remember that you are studying the original text, not a
filmed or stage version of it. However, you should refer to
the ‘audience’ not the reader in your responses.
Choice of questions
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In the exam you will have the choice between the ‘extract
based’ question and a general question.
Choose your question carefully – do the one that you feel
most confident about.
Only answer ONE question – remember the extract is only
set for the first question.
Extract Based Questions
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In an extract based question, you must stay focused on the
extract set - devote at least two thirds of your answer to
discussing, quoting from and commenting on the extract
itself.
References to the wider play should be firmly rooted in your
comments on the extract.
You must quote from the extract briefly and frequently to
support your points.
You must answer the question set – do not just write a
general analysis of the passage.
Extract Based Questions
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Do not spend much time putting the extract ‘in context’, but
do so briefly in your opening paragraph.
Devote at least two thirds of your answer to discussing,
quoting from and commenting on the extract itself.
Begin your essay by briefly locating the extract in the
context of the whole play and establish the dramatic context
for the characters and audience.
Pay close attention to the build up of dramatic detail in the
extract.
General/Discursive Questions
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You must focus on the question set – make sure you
understand what it is asking.
You must select relevant sections of the play to look at –
how well you do this will have an impact on your mark.
You must use brief and frequent quotes to support your
points.
Show a sharp awareness of audience response at key
moments.
Conclude strongly but don’t repeat points in your
conclusion.
Don’t......
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Produce generalised answers, failing to look at the extract,
or act as though you don’t know the rest of the play.
Fail to quote.
Ignore the question.
Only comment on one part of the play in a general question.
Ignore one strand in a two-stranded question.
Completely lose focus on the question.
Include pre-taught material with no relevance to the
question set.
Do.....
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See yourself as a member of an audience, not a reader.
See stage directions as part of the dramatic action
Pay attention to the wording of the question, especially in
your opening paragraph.
Integrate brief frequent quotations.
Avoid pre-planned answers – use your knowledge to
answer the question.
Keep focused on the question.