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EnglandEnglish LiteratureQuick questions
Cross-component skills
Quick questions on Command words and question types: decoding what OCR is asking - OCR A-Level English Literature
6short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is read the command word for its real demand?Show answer
Command words carry precise demands, and the most misread is the whole-play view formula.
What is a model decoding?Show answer
"The question reads 'In the light of this view, explore Shakespeare's presentation of the protagonist in the play as a whole.' This is the whole-play essay, part (b): AO1 and AO5 equal, AO2 supporting. The command is interpretation-led, so I will test the view across the play, weighing support and resistance and exploring a credible alternative reading, and reach a judgement, not simply agree.
What is a weak approach upgraded?Show answer
A student might read the same question as 'do you agree the protagonist is X?' and write an agreeing essay, collapsing AO5. Upgraded, they decode it as an interpretation-led task, test the view with a credible alternative, and judge, earning the AO5 marks.
What is q1?Show answer
What does "Discuss the following passage, exploring language and dramatic effects" signal? [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
What does "In the light of this view" actually require? [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
For each H472 question type, name its dominant objective and what it requires. [15 marks]
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