English Literature - Extract Questions

Extract Questions (20 minutes, 10 marks)

You will have a short part of the text reprinted for you on the exam paper. This will test your reading skills.

Here's the sort of thing you could be asked to do:

• Character based questions.

Read the extract, then with close reference to the text...

• What does this extract reveal about character's name?
• Show how the writer demonstrates character's name thoughts and feelings here.
• What does this extract reveal about the relationship between character's name and character's name?
• Look at how character's name is presented here. How does it affect your feelings towards him/her.

So, What does this extract reveal about Lennie?

Or, What does this extract reveal about Gerald Croft?

Or, Show how the writer demonstrates Curley's thoughts and feelings here.

Or, What does the extract reveal about the relationship between Sheila Birling and Mrs. Birling?

Think about:

• what the character says
• how the character speaks and behaves
• how the other characters react
• why does the character behave as they do
• how the character is feeling and why
• what their body language reveals
• how relationships change

• Style/Structure/Atmosphere/ Reader or Audience Response.

Read the extract, then with close reference to the text...

• Show how the writer creates mood and atmosphere in this extract.
• How does this extract influence the reader's attitude about given situation?
• How would the audience respond to this part of the play?
• How would the reader feel about the events in this extract?

Remember: a novel such as 'Of Mice and Men' has a reader. A play such as 'An Inspector Calls' has an audience.

Whether the question is about a play or a novel will affect how it is worded and the sort of things you would include in your answer.

Think about:

• what is the setting of the extract?
• how do the characters behave and interact?
• how is dialogue used?
• how is descriptive narrative used? (novel)
• what happens of importance?
• what are your thoughts and feelings about the extract?
• do your thoughts and feelings change? Why?

General Advice - Whatever the extract:

• Read it carefully.
• Use quotations to prove your points.
• Where possible explain the key words in your chosen quotations.
• Refer often to the question.
• Aim for about one A4 side (depending on your handwriting)

To revise, select your own brief passages from the text. Set yourself a question based on the ones above. Write your answer in 20 minutes.