How to answer the essay question | A-Level Spanish Paper 2!

Summary

This video offers essential tips for A-Level Spanish students tackling the 40-mark literature question in Paper 2, focusing on the analysis of texts like 'La Casa de Bernarda Alba'. It outlines the AQA and Edexcel mark schemes, emphasizing the importance of language accuracy (AO3) and content knowledge (AO4). Key strategies include effective planning, concise writing, using complex structures, and avoiding unnecessary context or lengthy introductions. The video also highlights common student mistakes and offers practical advice for improving exam performance, such as quoting accurately and proofreading your work. Ideal for students seeking to improve their exam techniques and boost their marks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Write approximately 300 words per essay, but it's common to write closer to 450 words. There is no strict word limit, but aim to stay within the recommended range.
• 😀 Spend 5 minutes planning, 45 minutes writing, and 10 minutes proofreading your essay during the exam.
• 😀 The 40 marks are divided into two sections: 20 marks for language and grammar (AO3) and 20 marks for content (AO4).
• 😀 For AO3, aim for high accuracy with complex language, including subordinate clauses, the subjunctive tense, and correct use of irregular and reflexive verbs.
• 😀 For AO4, demonstrate excellent knowledge of the text, justify your opinions, and provide ample evidence to support your arguments.
• 😀 Planning is key: break down your essay into distinct paragraphs, and list key quotes and words you plan to use. Always write your plan in Spanish.
• 😀 Avoid long introductions and get straight to the point in your essay. A short, focused introduction is sufficient.
• 😀 When writing your conclusion, summarize key arguments and end with a strong, persuasive statement.
• 😀 Avoid discussing irrelevant context or author biography unless it directly supports your analysis of the text.
• 😀 Use short, accurate quotations rather than long excerpts. Only include quotations when they are completely correct.
• 😀 Learn from past student mistakes: don't overuse complex phrases, avoid paraphrasing quotations, and proofread your work for errors before submitting.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on providing tips for answering the 40-mark literature question in the A-Level Spanish exam, specifically for the AQA and Edexcel exam boards. It covers the mark scheme and strategies for structuring your answer effectively.

How many words are students advised to write for the 40-mark question?

Students are advised to write approximately 300 words for the essay. However, it's common to write closer to 450 words, as there is no strict word limit.

What is the recommended time allocation for the exam?

The recommended time allocation for each 40-mark question is 1 hour. This includes 5 minutes for planning, 45 minutes for writing, and 10 minutes for proofreading.

How is the 40-mark question split between AO3 and AO4?

The 40 marks are split evenly, with 20 marks for AO3 (Language and Grammar) and 20 marks for AO4 (Content and Argumentation).

What does AO3 focus on in the exam?

AO3 focuses on language and grammar. To achieve high marks, students need to demonstrate accuracy, use complex language, and incorporate a wide range of vocabulary.

What are examples of complex language that should be used in the exam?

Examples of complex language include subordinate clauses, the subjunctive tense, and the correct conjugation of irregular and reflexive verbs.

What does AO4 assess in the 40-mark essay?

AO4 assesses the content of the essay, including the depth of knowledge about the text, the ability to provide justified opinions, and the inclusion of appropriate evidence to support arguments.

What advice did the examiners give regarding planning?

Examiners strongly recommend planning your essay. A well-structured plan helps organize your thoughts, and students should divide their plan into paragraphs, noting key points and quotes to include.

Why is it important to write the plan entirely in Spanish?

Writing the plan entirely in Spanish helps reduce mistakes when writing the essay and ensures that the language used is consistent throughout.

What are common mistakes that students make, according to the examiner reports?

Common mistakes include paraphrasing quotations incorrectly, making irrelevant comments about the author or historical context, and using complex phrases that don't fit the argument.

What is the recommendation for using quotations in the essay?

It is recommended to use only short, accurate quotations. Overusing or paraphrasing quotes incorrectly can negatively impact the quality of the essay.

How should the introduction and conclusion be structured?

The introduction should be concise and directly relevant to the question, without unnecessary context. Similarly, the conclusion should summarize key points and provide a persuasive statement, not simply restating the introduction.