Balearic Islands PAU Dramatic Literature study plan

Read the complete prescribed reading for the first time, annotating passages where theme, structure, character or conflict are introduced or developed.

Identify and write a one-sentence statement of the central theme and two secondary themes, supporting each with a specific act, scene or page reference.

Map the play’s structure by dividing it into acts, scenes or dramatic units and labelling the function of each unit (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution).

List the main and secondary characters with a brief description of their dramatic function and one line of dialogue that exemplifies their role.

Define the central dramatic conflict in a short paragraph, distinguishing between internal and external conflict and naming the opposing forces.

Re-read key scenes and annotate at least ten examples of dialogue, monologue, aside and stage directions, explaining how each shapes dramatic conflict or character revelation.

Analyse the versification (metre, rhyme, stanza forms, prose versus verse) and write a short explanation of how formal choices reinforce theme or character.

Write a practice commentary on a short extract (20–30 lines) that integrates theme, structure, character, conflict and stylistic features.

Create a glossary of dramatic and rhetorical terms (e.g., aparte, monòleg, acotació, esticomitia, apart) with a brief definition and an example from the prescribed text.

Self-assess the practice commentary against a checklist of commentary criteria (thesis, evidence, structure, terminology) and note three areas for improvement.

Build a timeline of the author’s literary trajectory, noting major works, periods and relevant biographical or historical events that inform the prescribed play.

Summarise the main features of the period or movement (e.g., Realism, Modernisme, avant-garde, post-war theatre) and connect at least three features to specific elements of the prescribed work.

Compare the prescribed work with one other play by the same author or movement, identifying similarities and differences in genre and convention.

Define tragedy, comedy, tragicomedy, drama and farce, and classify the prescribed work with a justified argument that acknowledges hybrid or borderline features.

Write a short essay plan that uses contextual and genre information to answer a potential exam question on the work’s genre.

Analyse the stage directions for information about scenography, lighting, sound and props, and explain how they create meaning or atmosphere.

Examine the treatment of theatrical space (visible versus off-stage, interior versus exterior) and time (linear, fragmented, cyclical) and relate these to theme or conflict.

Describe the implied relationship with the audience (direct address, dramatic irony, alienation, empathy) using at least three textual examples.

Re-read the prescribed reading with a focus on performance choices, annotating passages that would require directorial or design decisions.

Draft a short staging proposal for one scene, justifying choices about space, time, scenography and audience address.

Write a full timed commentary (90 minutes) on an unseen extract from the prescribed work, covering theme, structure, character, conflict and style.

Revise the timed commentary for correct use of literary terminology, coherent argumentation and accurate written expression in the exam language.

Create a personal checklist of common expression errors (agreement, register, connectors, terminology) and apply it to the revised commentary.

Practise writing thesis statements and topic sentences for three different potential commentary prompts.

Peer-review or self-review the revised commentary against a model answer structure, noting strengths and two concrete improvements.

Re-analyse two key scenes for versification and dialogue strategies, explaining how form and staging interact (e.g., verse versus prose in moments of tension).

Compare the effect of monologue and aside in two different scenes, with close reference to audience positioning and dramatic irony.

Evaluate how stage directions and scenography support or complicate the play’s thematic conflicts.

Write a comparative analytical paragraph (250 words) on the use of dialogue and stage space in two scenes.

Update the terminology glossary with at least five staging and versification terms applied to the prescribed work.

Synthesise contextual, genre and prescribed-reading knowledge into a one-page revision sheet with key dates, movements, conventions and textual evidence.

Answer two essay questions under timed conditions (45 minutes each), one on context and one on genre, integrating evidence from the prescribed reading.

Self-mark the essays using a rubric that weights argumentation, terminology, contextual accuracy and textual evidence.

Identify and correct at least three weaknesses in the timed essays (e.g., vague context, unsupported genre claims, weak conclusions).

Recite from memory the key features of at least three genres and match each to a specific moment in the prescribed work.

Complete two full mock exams (commentary plus essay) under timed conditions, simulating the PAU format.

Review both mock exams against the official marking criteria, identifying recurring errors in content, structure, expression and terminology.

Create a final one-page synthesis of the prescribed work covering theme, structure, characters, conflict, style, context, genre and staging.

Practise a five-minute oral summary of the work’s key aspects to consolidate recall and argumentation.

Finalise a personal exam-day checklist covering time allocation, commentary structure, essay planning and terminology use.