Literature: How to answer PB and essay questions in exams

· Read the question carefully and understand what is required.
· Do not simply tell the story, but be clear and to the point.
· Be well organised. In Lit, we write essays, and with all essays, you should have a clear introduction, body and conclusion. For PB qns, read the given passage --> read the qns --> re-read the passage and highlight the important sections that will be your evidence

1. Introduction
- Start with a statement which answers the questions, and state your stand. From the introduction, the reader should know direction you are going to take in your essay. For example, you could summarise the main points you will be discussing after stating your stand.

2. Body
- You should have a few paragraphs, usually one paragraph per point.
- your points should be well supported with textual evidence and interpretation. This means you should explain what the quote means to you and how it relates to your point.

- It is useful to follow the PEE technique - Point, Evidence, Elaboration.
· Point - state your point
· Evidence - provide the textual evidence in the form of quotes or a very specific action, speech or event which reveals the point, and
· Elaboration - explain the quote, and say what it shows. How does the quote/evidence support your point stated?

- Do not simply throw a quote and assume that the marker knows why you have used the quote.
- If you follow the above technique, you should be able to write one paragraph per point.

3. Conclusion
- re-state your stand
- summarise the main points of your essay