Fran Compán & Robin Wallis
The first challenge when taking a literature exam is selecting which essay question to answer. This requires the candidate to have an accurate understanding of what a given question is specifically demanding before committing to an essay plan.
Essay questions vary in style.
The two-factor question: in June 2022 AQA asked students of Como agua para chocolate, ‘Analiza el uso del realismo mágico en la novela y el impacto que tiene en el lector’. The candidate would need to address the first part of the question by defining what is meant by realismo mágico, with examples; and then give roughly equal coverage to the impacto side of the question, which invites analysis of why the author deploys this technique.
Single-focus analysis: in that same 2022 exam, students of Crónica de una muerte anunciada were offered ‘Analiza cómo se presenta a la Iglesia en la novela’. Analysis is key to answering this question, citing examples of the way the Church is presented, and then why the author took that approach.
The critic quote: in 2022 AQA candidates writing on La casa de los espíritus were presented with ‘“Muchos personajes de la novela se rebelan contra algo”. ¿Hasta qué punto estás de acuerdo con esta afirmación? Justifica tus ideas.’ This phrasing requires the candidate to analyse a key aspect of the text (in this case, rebellion) and then agree or disagree with the quote, citing evidence from the novel by way of ‘justificación’.
Ensuring one answers the question fully requires a thorough plan that must be followed through. It is not uncommon to read essays with some essential points missing, despite the candidate having included them in their plan.
Selecting the most significant pieces of evidence from the novel is essential to answer the question fully, supported by relevant quotations. A fully answered question requires the candidate to give a convincing interpretation and connect each piece of evidence presented back to the essay question, ensuring the analysis is sustained throughout. What sets candidates apart is the effectiveness of their evaluation.
Candidates must at all costs avoid narrative. It may be comforting for some to regurgitate their factual knowledge of the text, but knowledge without analysis severely compromises the ‘critical analysis’ mark. No examiner will be inspired by reading a synopsis of a text they know thoroughly. The three main exam boards actively discourage candidates from falling into the narrative trap. Whilst Edexcel and WJEC use the term “descriptive” and “descriptive rather than critical”, respectively, in the lower grade bands, emphasises the importance of demonstrating “excellent evaluation of the issues” to access the top band.
Bulletin of Advanced Spanish 