Paper 2 sets high expectations for students.  They must not only answer a specific question and demonstrate their knowledge of the texts through their answer, but they must also connect their response to the context of the texts, however broadly defined, while still making sure to show an appreciation of the writer's choices.  Doing so while using a sophisticated, but not pretentious register, helps as well. 

In the May 2016 exam, question number six asked students “how is ‘home’ depicted in at least two of the works you have studied and what is its significance.”

Defining "home" wil be important.  "How" implies the writer's choices.  Finally, they will have to connect their response to the significance of it all.  This series of posts will demonstrate how different students answered this question using the same two works: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen. 

There is a good chance your students will not have studied either of these texts.  And that’s okay.  Instead of focusing on the content, you can focus on the writing when using these exemplars in your classroom.  What did student A do that was different from student B?  How did that help or hurt them?  A look at introductions makes sense here since it lays out the argumentative thread.  You can also use the InThinking "Paper 2: Writing Effective Introductory Paragraphs" to support you and your students as you work through this series of posts. 

Assessment Criteria

Sample Essay

Examiner's Comments