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A2 Unit 4: Shakespeare

2 dot points across 2 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you answer the WJEC A2 Unit 4 Section A extract-based Shakespeare question, analysing a printed passage as dramatic verse under closed-book conditions?

Shakespeare extract analysis (A2 Unit 4 Section A): the closed-book analysis of a printed passage from the set Shakespeare play, reading it as dramatic verse and staged action (AO2), with relevant context (AO3) and an argued reading of how the moment works in the play.
How to answer the WJEC A2 Unit 4 Section A extract-based Shakespeare question. Covers reading a printed passage as dramatic verse and staged action (AO2), analysing language, structure and stagecraft, using context (AO3), and arguing how the moment works in the play under closed-book conditions.
14 min answer →

How do you write a top-band WJEC A2 Unit 4 Section B whole-play Shakespeare essay, arguing a reading shaped by different critical interpretations under closed-book conditions?

The Shakespeare whole-play essay (A2 Unit 4 Section B): the closed-book essay on the same set play, arguing a thematic reading supported by dramatic method (AO2), context (AO3) and different critical interpretations (AO5).
How to answer the WJEC A2 Unit 4 Section B whole-play Shakespeare essay. Covers arguing a thematic reading of the set play, supporting it with dramatic method (AO2) and context (AO3), and engaging different critical interpretations (AO5) under closed-book conditions rather than narrating the plot.
14 min answer →