How do I answer a question that starts with 'In light of this view'?

This opening is one of a few standard question stems that exam boards use when phrasing questions. Other question stems may include 'How far do you agree', or 'Discuss how...' etc. To answer a question that begins with 'In light of this view', the exam board is really asking you to interrogate and examine the critical perspective offered in the question. This question stem will always be accompanied by a quote so it's important you understand what the quote is suggesting about the text and what critical standpoint it's coming from. Once you've got to grips with the quote- and you can outline what viewpoint the quote suggests in your introduction/opening paragraph- you can formulate your own argument in response to the quote. It's important you plan and write your essay in response to the viewpoint- whether you agree or disagree. It's helpful to make it clear that you are directly responding to the critical standpoint by referring to and directly referencing the quote in your answer, perhaps as a way to conclude each paragraph and most definitely in your final conclusion.

RT

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