Short Story reminder sheet

Please also refer to the specifications for English Literature Poetry and Prose and for English Unit 2, which you have in your files.

Used for English and English Literature. Remember that in English Unit 2 you use the second six stories only. In English Literature you use all the stories.

Both English and English Literature want you to explore how an idea/ theme/ situation/ relationship is developed in two stories. Both may expect you to show perception about the cultural difference as shown in stories. This needs to be integrated into your analysis of the stories.

English - 35 minutes - Choice of two questions

The questions expect you to demonstrate awareness of 'distinctive aspects of texts from different cultures and traditions by exploring the ways in which writers use language and structure to create character/ setting/ theme.' i.e. culture tends to be implicit or explicit in the question.

English Literature: 40-45 minutes - Choice of three questions

The questions expect you to make 'comment, criticism [= discussion of how rather than judgement] and analysis [and] will invite reference to relevant contextual features' - i.e. opportunity to demonstrate that you've understood the significant features of this different society.

In both papers there will be a passage-based question. Read the question carefully to see whether your whole essay should focus just on the passages or whether wider reference is needed. You may find opportunities to make passing references to other parts of the story, so long as they are relevant and you don't just tell the story. Avoiding narrative/ description is most important. Always focus on what idea you are wanting to present.

5-point approach to initial thinking and planning

1 theme/ topic - how central is it? does it relate to other themes in story?

2 how do the characters show it?

3 what is the importance of setting (including cultural setting)

4 language - description/ dialogue/ authorial comment/ thoughts - how do they make the theme (or whatever the essay question wanted) evident?

5 what does comparison of the stories reveal (about question topic)