Drama

How to achieve an A/A*on the written paper

The Basics:

· Excellent attendance to lessons

· Attendance to at least 6 after school revision sessions

· Writing to time (45 mins section A / 45 mins section B)

· Focus

· Determination

· It’s ok to get it wrong – it is knowing how to put it right that matters!!

The Nitty – Gritty:

Section A:

4 Questions = 10 marks EACH.

You need to be scoring 9 or 10 on EACH of these questions.

In order to do this you must;

· Section A is for your DEVISED WORK ONLY – Thematic or Improvisation.

·  Learn the formula (What / How / Why etc) You have this in your revisions packs!!

· Focus on YOU. The examiner isn’t interested in details about others. (Others can be MENTIONED if the question / your focus scene requires you to do so. Only MENTION them, do not give details).

· Re read and check what you have written. The words ‘VERY CLEAR’ are used in Band 1 of the mark scheme (9/10 marks)

·  Revise the key words of the questions; DESCRIBE, EXPLAIN, ANALYSE, EVALUATE.

· Revise key terminology – know what you are talking about!! (These are in your revision pack ‘Key Word Bingo’)

Section B:

2 Questions = 20 marks EACH

You need to be scoring 17 – 20 on EACH of these questions.

Make sure you answer the 2 questions that require you to write about your skill as an ACTOR.

In order to do this you must;

·         You MUST write about your SCRIPTED piece.

·         You MUST mention the title, playwright and extract you performed.

· Give as many examples as it asks for. The question will state how many you need to give, this is USUALLY 2 or 3. (An example is, your acting skills or, more specifically, physical or vocal. You need to read the question carefully to ensure that you know this)

·  In order to achieve band one (17-20 marks) your writing must be ‘VERY CLEAR’ – (re-read and check!!).

·   Your writing also needs to be ‘PURPOSEFUL’ – this means that any example that you give has had an impact on the rehearsal or performance.