Many people believe that it’s a waste of time, but it really is important to plan your essay. Spending 5 or 6 minutes at the start of writing, gives you a chance to develop your initial ideas to the question. You should use the time to make 3-6 points related to the question. Chose your quotations carefully and show an understanding of the whole play. Remember the assessment objectives:
AO1 – respond to texts critically and imaginatively; select and evaluate relevant textual detail to illustrate and support interpretations.
AO2 – explain how language, structure and form contribute to writers’ presentation of ideas, themes and settings.
Here is a generic essay plan that could be used for planning responses to past questions: (You can click to enlarge)
Here are some completed examples, for essay questions about Abigail and John:
TOP TIP! If a question seems very broad, you can contextualise it yourself. In the examples above, they have chosen to show specific aspects of each character; Abigail in Act 1 and John’s relationships with women.
REVISION ACTIVITIES:
Can you think of other approaches to a question about John or Abigail – what else could you focus on?
Use the planning format to plan a response to one of these questions:
- How do you respond to Miller’s presentation of Reverend Parris?
- How does Arthur Miller create a sense of hysteria and panic in the play?
- How do you respond to Miller’s presentation of Elizabeth?
- How does Arthur Miller portray ideas about truth and justice in the play?
- How do you respond to Arthur Miller’s presentation of Mary Warren?
- How does Arthur Miller portray Puritan life and values in the play?
Miss Ryan's GCSE English & Media 