How to respond to an extract question (GSCE English Literature)

You'll have to answer 30 mark extract questions in your exams on Shakespeare, the 19th-century novel, and on modern texts. Whilst these questions might seem intimidating, don't worry - they're manageable if you approach your answer in a clear and straightforward way. 

Firstly, read the extract thoroughly, taking time to notice the language and punctuation. Then, read the question and consider what it is asking you. Often a question will be phrased as such - 'how does Dickens present the redeemed character of Scrooge?', or 'how far you think Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth as a powerful woman?'

These questions are not only asking us to look at what is happening in the extract, but also what is happening in the wider novel or play. As a result, you should now reread the extract with these two things in mind, namely 1) how is the question addressed in this specific extract, and 2) how is the question addressed more broadly by the play/novel as a whole. As you read, highlight any keywords, themes, or instances of speech that can demonstrate your answer. So, if you were to answer the question 'how does Dickens present the redeemed character of Scrooge?', you would be looking out for words, or literary devices Dickens has used to describe Scrooge, as well as instances of speech and behaviour from Scrooge. Once you've identified a few, you can begin to plan your answer. Keep your plan clear and concise, for example, along the lines of the five points below: 

Introduction - how is the theme or character presented in this extract?Point 1 - the way the character is behaving (using quotes from the extract)Point 2 - what the character is saying or how they speak (with quotes from the extract)Point 3 - how this compares to the character in the wider story - is it similar? is it different? Conclusion - summarise your points.

This is generally the clearest way to respond to an extract question - you can now start writing!