Evaluating texts critically

    OCR
    GCSE

    Critical evaluation requires candidates to exercise independent judgement regarding a text's efficacy in achieving specific effects on the reader. Candidates must construct a coherent argument, validating their perspective through the judicious selection of textual references and the analysis of the writer's methods. Success relies on the ability to maintain critical distance while exploring the nuances of a provided statement or prompt, moving beyond simple assertion to substantiate *how* and *why* a text succeeds.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for a sustained, critical evaluation of the text's effectiveness in relation to the statement
    • Credit responses that select a range of judicious textual references to support the argument
    • Look for an understanding of how the writer's choices (methods) contribute to the overall impact
    • Reward a convincing, personal voice that engages directly with the 'how far do you agree' prompt

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for a sustained, critical evaluation of the text's effectiveness in relation to the statement
    • Credit responses that select a range of judicious textual references to support the argument
    • Look for an understanding of how the writer's choices (methods) contribute to the overall impact
    • Reward a convincing, personal voice that engages directly with the 'how far do you agree' prompt

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Start your response by explicitly stating your stance on the prompt (e.g., 'I largely agree, although...')
    • 💡Use evaluative adverbs (e.g., 'successfully', 'harrowingly', 'subtly') to signal AO4 focus
    • 💡Ensure every paragraph links the writer's method back to the statement provided in the question
    • 💡Select evidence that allows for discussion of the writer's intent, not just plot points

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Providing a linguistic analysis (AO2) of metaphors/similes without linking to the evaluative statement
    • Summarising the plot or content rather than evaluating the writer's craft
    • Asserting an opinion ('I agree') without providing specific textual evidence
    • Failing to address the counter-argument or nuance, leading to a one-sided, simplistic response

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Evaluate how effectively...
    How far do you agree...
    To what extent...
    Give your own views...
    Explore how...

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