Exam-style question
Try this first
Which answer best distinguishes AO4 from AO5 in Contexts of writing and reception? Focus: AO3 literary contexts.
- 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 "Explain how contexts influence the writing and reception of literary texts." while avoiding invented quotations, plot summary, option mixing and unsupported interpretation.
Common mistake
Contexts of writing and reception literary-analysis mistake 1
Treating Explain how contexts influence the writing and reception of literary texts. as plot summary, unsupported opinion or a place to invent quotations, while blurring literary context vs biography or criticism.
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.