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How do I demonstrate good close reading in an exam?

The key to good close reading is understanding the text: read the passage through slowly and carefully, and make sure you understand what’s happening. If it’s a poem, what is the poet trying to say? Or what ...
CC
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What is the best way to structure a one hour exam essay on Shakespeare?

There is no single way to write an exam essay! You seek to produce something creative and individual. However, there are some helpful points to remember to help you write a clear and clever answer:a) An essa...
BS
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'What dire Offence from am'rous Causes springs, /What mighty Contests rise from trivial Things,' In what ways does Alexander Pope subvert the classical epic motifs in the opening lines of his mock-heroic poem 'The Rape of the Lock'?

Traditional epic poetry usual begins in medias res which is the Latin for 'in the middle things', this is usual accompanied with an invocation of the muse whereby the author deems him/herself unworthy to rea...
SS
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What makes good analysis of an unseen passage?

In terms of general advice, when faced with an extract it is best to go through it line by line, reading it slowly. Try to analyse each line of the extract if possible, then select your best analysis for you...
ZF
8068 Views

How do I plan an essay question on a poetry collection?

As you will know, an essay question on a collection of poems will require at least two poems to be mentioned - it will end up being a more comparative-style essay than GCSEs. Therefore, planning out a tight ...
AH
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