How would you structure and answer the essay section of the exam?

Firstly, I advise that you spend a minimum of 40 minutes on this section. This will allow you enough time to make sure that you have answered all other questions and also give you time to plan and write your response. In this 40 minutes, you should spend a maximum of 5 minutes planning, you may get marks for your plan if you have mentioned a good example that you have not had time to write about, it will also give you time to gather your thoughts and structure your answer. You will not need an introduction or conclusion as these will not get you marks and take up your writing time. A good answer will talk about a range of topics related to the question so it is important to think of around 5 or 6 examples to write about. An answer that gains top marks will include examples that are not on the specification, only a few sentences can gain you extra marks so I suggest that you read around the topics that you find interesting. It is also important that you relate back to the question in each paragraph as it will help you to stay on topic and may help you pick up more marks. Again, for high marks, try linking your paragraphs together so that they flow nicely. Finally, the most important thing you can do is practice. If you practice you can really get to grips with the types of questions asked and also how long you will need to write your answer in the exam.