Paper 2 Review

What is the suggested structure for your introduction of both papers?

• • Hook with an eye on the topic

  • Identification of text, text type, author, and audience

  • Clear thesis statement with the language of the GQ and rich idea(s)

• • Clear topic sentences with a rich idea that echos ideas from the thesis

  • Precise textual references and authorial choices

  • Clear and accurate labeling of authorial choices

  • Explanation of how authorial choices shape meaning for the reader

  • Inferences, implications, or conclusions the reader can draw from “reading between the lines”

  • Evaluation of the effectiveness of authorial choices with respect to authorial purpose

• • Transition words between ideas within paragraphs

  • Transitional phrases between ideas between paragraphs

  • Concluding sentences the link to the language of the GQ and rich ideas from the thesis

• • Restate the thesis in a new and insightful way

  • Synthesize - not summarize - the main ideas of each body paragraph 

  • Final thought that links out to further implications of the text

Which phrase(s) best refers to authorial choices and their effect?

• The reader can deduce that…

• While not stated, the author hints that ...

• The author uses personification throughout her text.

• Figurative language, such as metaphor, simile and anaphora is used throughout the graphic novel.

How many questions can you choose from in Paper 2 and how much time are you going to have for the exam?

• 3, 1h 15 ins

• 6, 1h 45 mins

• 4, 1h 15 mins

• 4, 1h 45 mins

Which of these tips is the most crucial when answering a Paper 2 question in your opinion?

• “In response to the question” is all over the rubric. It is all about breaking down the question, understanding what is being asked and then really exploring BOTH texts in response to that question. The question is the glue! (or the backbone!)

• We need to be experts and have details and information that go way beyond being able to summarize the plot. We need contextual knowledge, thematic knowledge and more importantly we need to provide clear and specific references to specific moments within our texts in response to the question.

• We must remember to think about the author’s choices and how their use of language helps to present themes and ideas and influence the reader. It is critical to think about these choices in relation to the question that is being asked. We also need to think about the genre and choose features that are frequently seen in this genre (poetry, novel, drama, non-fiction). 
  

• This is the only assessment where comparison is expected and built into the assessment rubric so you better have a CLOSE EYE on both the similarities and differences. We like comparative thesis statements and comparative topic sentences and integrated comparisons throughout the paper. Use the language of comparison!

Write down at least 3 major moments in the two books you have selected for your Paper 2.

“Literature brings into the open important issues of the time.” How have authors presented “important issues” in works you have studied? 

Brainstorm the similarities and differences in the two works you have studied using the guiding question above.

Which of these two methods are you recommended to use in your Paper 2 analysis?

• The Alternating Method: This is where you discuss one comparative point for Text A and B and then move on to your next comparative point for Text A and B and so on. You have clear comparisons running through all paragraphs.

• The Block Method: This is where you discuss your key comparative points for Text A in subsequent paragraphs (see diagram on next page) Then you discuss the same comparative points in Text B in several paragraphs with clear comparisons to Text B.

Which of these are phrases to describe similarities of the two works studied?

• in the same way by the same token similarly
  likewise
  in similar fashion just as
  like

• while,
  however
  though
  in contrast to
  on the other hand at the same time although

• To conclude, To sum up, Based on what is stated above, Last but not least

• For instance, This can be illustrated by, The author conveys this by ...., This is evoked by ...

Which of these are NOT more academic synonyms to "effectively":

• powerfully

• wisely

• skillfully

• sensibly

• energetically

Give constructive feedback on the following essay introduction:

There is no doubt that Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby primarily serves as a critical insight into the life of American high society of the Jazz Age. Yet despite the fact that its representatives portray all the corruption penetrating the class, they are in fact pitiful personalities. The hypocrisy and pretence of the upper class covers the deep dissatisfaction with their lives or identities and eases them to face not only the prying society, yet their own conscience as well.