Exam-style question
Try this first
Which answer best distinguishes AO4 from AO5 in Power, powerlessness and conflict? Focus: AO4 connections across texts.
- A.Use AO4 to connect texts directly and AO5 to explore different evidence-supported interpretations of the literary text.
- B.Use AO4 for spelling and AO5 for personal preference about the characters.
- C.Write about each text separately for AO4 and add an unsupported opinion for AO5.
- D.Treat context, comparison and criticism as interchangeable evidence.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The correct answer is Use AO4 to connect texts directly and AO5 to explore different evidence-supported interpretations of the literary text.
Explanation
Why this works
Use AO4 to connect texts directly and AO5 to explore different evidence-supported interpretations of the literary text. This is correct because for A-Level 7717, AO4 is connection across texts and AO5 is engagement with different interpretations.
It supports the approved objective "Compare the behaviour of those with power and those without it." while avoiding invented quotations, plot summary, option mixing and unsupported interpretation.
Common mistake
Power, powerlessness and conflict literary-analysis mistake 1
Treating Compare the behaviour of those with power and those without it. as plot summary, unsupported opinion or a place to invent quotations, while blurring connected comparison vs two separate mini-essays.
Make an AO1 claim, use accurate textual evidence, analyse a method for AO2, add relevant AO3 context, connect texts for AO4 and test interpretations for AO5 only where the task requires them.