Unit 3: Fiction F. Answering Questions on Fiction


1. Types of Exam Questions Questions can take various formats but you may be specifically asked to:


l Comment on characters. Be able to form impressions about the characters, their relationships and their motives from reading what is said about them, what they say about themselves or others and, most importantly, what they do. Pay special attention to any dialogue.


l Comment on setting. You might be asked how the setting affects the passage given in the unseen extract or how it affects the novel or short stories you have studied.


l Comment on theme. From your reading of the narrative, what main idea or ideas are driving the plot? Be prepared to give evidence to support your views.


l Comment on atmosphere and how it is created. Tis is a style question.


l Comment on a key moment. Tis could be any event leading up to the climax or be the actual climax of the narrative.


l Comment on the opening or the closing sections in studied fiction. You will be expected to have opinions about these sections or chapters and be able to discuss the effect they had on you as a reader.


l Imagine that you are one of the characters and write a diary entry or a letter. You might be asked to recount events from the point of view of a particular character.


2. Answering on Unseen Fiction


l Read the unseen fiction extract very carefully and analyse any tasks or questions before you write your response.


l If there is an introduction to the extract, read it carefully. Tis will give you a general idea of the setting.


l Now read the questions very carefully. Highlight the important words in each question and make sure that you do not leave out any part of the questions.


l Beginning with the first question, read over the extract again marking off any words or phrases which you think will be useful as support for your response. Keep asking yourself questions. For example, if you are asked what impression you got of a person or a relationship, ask yourself why you got that impression, what words created it, why did the writer pick certain words, etc. Tis will help to give your response a sharp focus.


l Write your answer. Answers will vary in length, but they must be relevant to the question asked. If you find yourself telling the story to the reader – STOP! You are probably moving away from the question. Check again to see what the question asked you to do. Now continue your answer, keeping an eye on exactly what you have been asked.


l Some questions might require you to support your points with quotation from, or reference to, the extract. Choose quotations carefully. It may be that a few words or a short phrase will illustrate the point you are making. Avoid writing out big chunks of the text.


l If you are asked for your opinion, or to form an impression, make sure that you respond personally when answering and that you explain your reasons for your opinion or impression.


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