Critical response and essay craft: building an argument, selecting evidence, quoting and commenting on language, organising extended writing
Critical response and essay craft: building an argument, selecting evidence, quoting and commenting on language, organising extended writing
This domain tests how you turn close reading into a sustained argument. The exam rewards a clear thesis, well-chosen evidence, precise comment on language and a structure that guides the reader. It does not reward plot summary or a list of devices.
Core rules
- Build an argument: answer the exact question. State a thesis that takes a position, then signpost the stages of your argument. A good thesis is arguable and text-specific.
- Select evidence: choose three to five precise moments rather than many vague ones. Embed short quotations in your sentence. If you cannot remember the exact words, refer closely to a phrase or image.
- Comment on language: quote a word or short phrase, then explain its connotation, effect and link to character, theme or tone. Use terminology accurately but sparingly.
- Organise extended writing: a short introduction; paragraphs that make a claim, give evidence, analyse and link; a conclusion that evaluates the argument rather than repeats it.
- Keep the question visible: every paragraph should return to the terms of the question.
Worked example
Question: 'How does the writer present a moment of decision?' A paragraph might begin: 'The decision is presented as physical rather than verbal.' Evidence: 'He put his hand on the door.' Reasoning: the verb 'put' is deliberate and restrained; the door is a threshold between choices. The absence of speech suggests internal conflict. The paragraph then links this moment to the text's wider theme of hesitation. Notice that the quotation is short, embedded and followed by analysis of a single verb.
Traps that cost marks
Summarising the text instead of answering; quote-dumping; feature-spotting; writing an introduction with no thesis; ignoring the question's key words; ending with a summary instead of an evaluation.
Key points
- Answer the exact question with an arguable thesis.
- Select a few precise quotations and embed them.
- Analyse individual words, not just whole quotations.
- Structure paragraphs as claim, evidence, analysis, link.
- Use a conclusion to evaluate, not repeat.