Top Ten Tips Paper One:Year 12 Literature Students are one month away from sitting Paper One. Here are there top ten tips to get a perfect score!

1. Plan for approximately 20 minutes, some people may need 15 some people may need 30. Use 5 minutes at the end for proofreading and checking time.

2. Justify the analysis using specific quotes from the text. Lines should be concise.

3. The chosen text should be read through 3 times to connect with it. First time for understanding; Second and third times for meaning and analysis.

4. Focus on three main arguments, make sure they flow together and are connected. Imagery, structure, setting.

5. Use a varied literary vocabulary to effectively express ideas. Use formal language, not contractions or colloquialisms. Joining words are important to help the argument flow. (emphasise, illustrates, highlights…)

6. The introduction is the essay in a nutshell. It should outline and introduce all of the ideas explored in the essay. Answers the

question: how does the author create meaning?

7. Must discuss the structure of the text.

8. Must make a comment on structure, language, style and technique.

9. You don’t have to include everything expressed in the text. It’s better to explore specific ideas in-depth than a multitude of ideas in a superficial manner.

9.5. Don’t choose the prose or poetry without reading both beforehand.

9.75. Make consistent reference to the author within the essay.

9.8. Make a clear and distinct conclusion, not just a rehash of the introduction. Take it bigger than just what is there, explore the ‘bigger picture’. Include societal comments, ‘profound human truths’.

10. How does the author create meaning?