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#39

Literature Paper 1 — Section A: Shakespeare essay

AQA English · Exam

What you need to know (teacher focus)

  • Build a clear argument (AO1) and support it with judicious quotes.
  • Don’t just memorise quotes — memorise what you’ll say about them.
    • Aim for 3 effect-comments per quote (AO2).
  • Weave AO3 into your AO1 argument (don’t bolt it on).

Common mistakes

  • Retelling the story instead of arguing a viewpoint (AO1).
  • Using long quotes with no analysis (AO2).
  • Naming a technique (“metaphor”, “semantic field”) but not explaining the effect.
  • Bolting on context as a separate paragraph (“In Jacobean times…”) with no link to the point (AO3).
  • Paragraphs that don’t track the question (you drift).

Self-check

  • I have a thesis that answers the question in one sentence.
  • Each paragraph starts with a point that links to the question.
  • I’ve embedded 1–2 short quotes per paragraph.
  • For each quote I’ve zoomed into at least one word/phrase and explained its effect.
  • I’ve used context only where it strengthens my interpretation.

Support videos

Practice