Eduqas GCSE Drama | How To Get Good Marks On The Written Exam | Short Questions 2025

Summary

This video offers practical tips for students preparing for the GCSE Drama exam, specifically focusing on Section A short answer questions. It highlights the importance of reading questions carefully, using efficient time management, and tackling shorter questions first to get into a rhythm. The video provides examples of typical exam questions, such as rehearsal techniques, proxemics, and costume design, offering concise strategies for answering them to maximize marks. Emphasizing the value of simplicity and clarity, the presenter encourages students to trust their knowledge and avoid panic during the exam.

Takeaways

• 😀 Review the Educas exam walkthroughs available on the website to familiarize yourself with the exam format and structure.
• 😀 Always read all the questions first before beginning to ensure you understand what is being asked and avoid repeating answers.
• 😀 Use a highlighter or pen to mark key terms and commands in the questions to help you stay focused on what to answer.
• 😀 Start with the shorter, lower-mark questions to build confidence and get into the flow of the exam before tackling longer questions.
• 😀 Avoid spending too much time on one question. Manage your time wisely based on the suggested timings for each section.
• 😀 For rehearsal technique questions, be concise. Just state the techniques and explain how they benefit the actor’s preparation.
• 😀 In questions about proxemics or character relationships, always tie your answers to specific moments or lines from the extract.
• 😀 For costume questions, consider the character's emotions, the time period, and how costume choices can reflect their state of mind.
• 😀 In questions with multiple parts, make sure you don’t accidentally repeat yourself by reading ahead and understanding the full question set.
• 😀 Don’t over-explain your answers. Keep responses focused on the key points to save time and ensure clarity.
• 😀 If you panic during the exam, take a deep breath and remember your preparation. Visualize yourself in the drama studio to regain your focus.

Q & A

What should you do before answering questions on the GCSE drama exam paper?

You should read through all the questions first before attempting to answer them. Highlight key words or commands to ensure you're addressing the right aspects in each question.

How should you approach the shorter questions in section A of the exam?

It is recommended to start with the shorter questions, as they are there to get you into the right headspace and allow you to quickly gain marks before tackling the longer, more complex questions.

What is the difference in the exam paper for GCSE drama from 2025 onwards?

Starting in 2025, an extract from your set text will be printed directly in the exam paper, whereas in previous years, students had to bring in a clean copy of the text.

Why is it important to read the questions carefully during the exam?

Reading the questions carefully ensures that you don't repeat yourself and that you're addressing each part of the question correctly. Some questions are grouped together, so understanding all parts prevents mistakes.

What is the common mistake students make when answering rehearsal technique questions?

A common mistake is giving an answer to a rehearsal technique question that actually belongs to a follow-up question asking for an explanation of how the techniques help prepare the actor for the role.

How do you effectively answer a question about the use of proxemics in a scene?

To answer such a question, you need to link the use of proxemics to the relationship between characters. Provide clear examples from the extract and ensure you use the term 'proxemics' in your answer.

How should you structure your answer when asked to describe a character’s relationship with another character?

For a two-mark question asking to describe the relationship, give two concise points that describe the relationship, supported by evidence from the extract or your understanding of the scene.

What do you need to include when explaining how a line in the extract illustrates a character's relationship with another character?

For a three-mark question, you should give the line itself and then provide two explanations of how the line demonstrates the relationship between the characters. Ensure each explanation is backed by a clear point.

What should you consider when suggesting a costume for a character in the scene?

When suggesting a costume, you should describe the clothing from head to toe, considering aspects such as color, texture, material, and era. You should also explain how the costume relates to the character's feelings or role in the scene.

How can vocabulary be embedded effectively into answers for the drama exam?

Vocabulary should be embedded by using specific terms related to the drama techniques and concepts mentioned in the question. The video advises watching additional content to better integrate this specialized vocabulary into your writing.