WJEC GCE English Language and Literature Unit 2

WJEC GCE English Language and Literature Unit 2

Overview of Unit Section A—Post 1900 Drama 2 questions— 1 extract based, 1 whole play Section B—Non-Literary Texts 1 essay question from a choice of 2

Organisation • Section A Part (i)—Extract—AO 1 (5) AO 2 (20) • 25 minutes— 5 reading and planning, 20 writing • Section A Part (ii)—Whole Play—AO 1 (10) AO 2 (10) AO 3 (15) • 35 minutes— 2 episodes from whole play • Section B—Whole text—AO 1 (20) AO 2 (15) AO 3 (25) • Candidates should aim for 3 -4 episodes

Issues from 2017 Section A • Only discuss the set extract in part (i) • Avoid discussing the set extract in part (ii) • Linguistic and literary terminology must go beyond identification of sentence mood • Specify the terminology being discussed • Context should be integrated throughout the essay in part (ii) and avoided in part (i).

Section A: Post-1900 Drama • Main concern is choice of ‘Episodes’ for part (ii) • Must enable candidate to discuss issues at heart of question in detail and address context • Only need to discuss 2 episodes • Avoid discussion extract from Part (i)

Section A Part (ii) 2016 Tennessee Williams: A Streetcar Named Desire (EXPLODE THE QUESTION) Either, 1. (i) Re-read Scene 1, page 13 from “BLANCHE [drawing involuntarily back from his stare]: You must be Stanley. I’m Blanche” to the end of Scene 1 on page 15 “[Her head falls on her arms. ] Using linguistic and literary approaches, discuss the presentation of Blanche and Stanley in this extract. [25] (ii) Explore how Williams presents loneliness in 1940 s America in at least two other episodes from A Streetcar Named Desire. [35]

Section A Part (ii) 2016 • Analysis of the extract in Part (i) should highlight the issues being addressed in Part (ii)—either character or theme • Candidates should have 6 -8 ‘key’ episodes from whole play at their fingertips • Selection of these is important

Episode Selection Activity! ü Be the question setter ü Select up to 8 episodes from your text ü Decide on 1 to use as an extract question with a clear focus for close analysis ü Then select the 3 most relevant episodes from your list ü Discard 1 of them—do these 2 provide candidates the opportunity to address all of the AOs?

Issues from 2017 Section B • Spend a short period of time selecting the most effective episodes for discussion • Avoid narrating/describing the text. Follow S/E/A and include at least one term for each quotation • Ensure that context is used in a meaningful and productive manner, and is not over-generalised • Technical accuracy and correct spelling is essential, as is the use of standard English • Aim for sufficient coverage of the whole text.

Section B: Non-Literary Texts • Contextual opening • Springboard into essay • Umbrella/Helicopter overview • Covering/Hovering over issues or episodes to be considered in essay

Example 1 ‘George Orwell’s presentation of attitudes towards class in the early twentieth century permeates throughout the entire memoir ‘Down and Out in Paris and London’, in a way of protest by Orwell, against the prominent class system of the 1920 s to 30 s which, as a socialist, he hated profoundly. ’

Example 2 ‘Throughout ‘Once in a House on Fire’, Ashworth presents teenage life in the 1980 s atypically. Instead of going out with friends, getting an education and generally enjoying her youth, Andrea’s life is engulfed by family issues, poverty and domestic violence, all three of which were never properly dealt within the 1908 s. However, Andrea, often at times, conquers these hardships and does live a fulfilled teenage life full of friends, but also abuse. ’

Example 3 ‘During this time the death penalty was highly used within America, however within Kansas, they never fully agreed or believed that it was the correct punishment as suggested where they brought it in and abolished it several times. Crime and mystery movies were becoming popular within the box office. Violence within [A]merica was on the rise with teenagers becoming more rebellious and also due to economic downfall. ’

Example 4 ‘In Eggers’ post-modernist memoir, his role as substitute father to Toph is shown to progress throughout the text. ‘A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius’ utilises a stream of consciousness style of writing in order to allow Eggers to convey his insecurities in his new role as a father. Even though wholly unprepared for the task, he approaches the role lovingly and with gusto, and is shown to care for Toph entirely. ’

Overview Opening • Do these act as a ‘springboard’ into the essay? • Do they suggest possible episodes or approaches? • Have they addressed context where possible? • Think of a theme from your text and which episodes might be worthwhile discussing—try to write your own overview opening

Cwestiynau? | Any Questions? Cysylltwch â’n Swyddogion Pwnc arbenigol a thîm cefnogaeth weinyddol eich pwnc os oes gennych unrhyw gwestiynau. gceenglish@wjec. co. uk @wjec_cbac @cbac_wjec cbac. co. uk wjec. co. uk Contact our specialist Subject Officers and administrative support team for your subject with any queries.