What is the best way to approach an extract question?

There are many different ways of approaching extract questions and some will work better for some more than others. However, there are steps that you can follow which will help to ensure that all the AO`s are met in your response. Firstly, it is very important that you take the time to read through the question and highlight the key words within it. This will help you to understand exactly what it is examiners are looking for in your response and will also allow you to keep in mind the key elements of the question when you begin writing your response. It is also important to thoroughly read through the extract. When reading through, interrogate the text, ask questions such as “What is occurring in this scene? Where is it`s place in the plot? Who are the crucial characters in this scene? What secondary criticism and research links to this scene? The answers to these questions will help you to build the bones of your argument and will also allow you to consider the relevance of the extract to the text as a whole. Secondly, highlight and analyse key quotes within the extract that you can use to provide evidence for your argument. I would recommend making brief annotations as you highlight and read through the extract. This may seem time consuming but it can be very useful. It not only helps you to establish a clear argument and provides evidence for it, but it also means that if you experience a mind blank during the exam (which happens to the best of us) you can refer back and remind yourself  of your argument and the key quotes that helped to shape it. One of the great things about extract questions is that you have part of the text at your disposal. So remember to utilise this as much as you can. Lastly, don`t panic! Keep calm, take time to read and gather your thoughts. The beauty of extract questions is that the crux of your response is given to you, it lies within the extract and this combined with your subject knowledge of the text as a whole and secondary research will all contribute to a well-rounded response.