Understanding the different types of Paper 2 prompts is crucial because it allows you to approach the exam with a clear strategy. Each prompt demands a specific focus and recognizing these distinctions and your strengths in advance enables you to select the prompt that aligns best with your analytical skills and familiarity with the texts. Being aware of the main focus of the prompt will maximize your chances of demonstrating deep understanding and critical thinking under timed conditions.
1. Authorial Technique Questions
Prompts focusing on formal and stylistic elements typically require you to base your analysis on a specific authorial choice, examining how it shapes meaning and influences the reader's experience.
Examples of such prompts include:
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“To what effect is contrast and/or juxtaposition used in the two works you have studied?”
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“Analyze the role non-human elements play in the two works you have studied.”
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“How do the authors use symbolism to convey their messages in the two works you have studied?”
2. Theme or Philosophical/Moral Questions
Prompts focusing on themes and concepts typically explore the underlying ideas or messages within the texts. These prompts often include keywords such as "justice," "identity," "conflict," or "power."
Examples of such prompts include:
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“Discuss the ways in which philosophical or aesthetic ideas are represented in the two works you have studied.”
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"Explore the theme of power and corruption in the two works you have studied."
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“Discuss the pursuit of happiness in the two works you have studied.”
3. Contextual Questions
Prompts focusing on context typically ask how historical, cultural, or social contexts of the author or in which the text was written influence the themes, characters, and overall message of the texts.
Examples of such prompts include:
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“Context —historical, cultural or social— can have an influence on the way literary works are written or received. Discuss with reference to the work you have studied.”
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“Explain how the authors of at least two literary works have portrayed a social group in a particular way. How might the contexts of the authors have influenced their portrayal of these social groups?”
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““Working together” or “standing on your own two feet” – how do either or both of these ways of behaving reflect the cultural contexts of the two works you have studied?”
Regardless of the type of prompt chosen—whether it focuses on themes and philosophical questions, authorial techniques, or contextual influences—the essay must consistently analyze the author’s choices and intentions. This exploration of how the author conveys meaning is essential to crafting a strong, insightful response.