Aim: to understand how to interpret the question that you are provided with correctly
Interpreting a question correctly will make the difference between not only passing and failing, but also getting an average mark or a top mark. The questions that need to go through your head are:
- Which unit and topic am I being asked about? Some topics share similar ideas, so make sure you get the right one for the question.
- Where is the ‘balance point’ of the question? You need to figure out how to create (at least) two sides of an argument for your answer. Where do two opposing sides naturally come from in the question? This will make up your argument.
- Where is the emphasis of the question? Is the question assuming anything? Is it asking an opinion on a specific idea? Look for something specific that you will be discussing.
- What is the question asking me to do? This is not just the command word, but also what idea you are being asked about – it may be familiar, it may not be.
- What will I need to answer it? Once you have your argument, you need facts to back it up. This will be your content.
Stage 1: Follow the five stages above for the following question: To what extent is soup a better lunch choice than salad?
Stage 2: Follow the five stages for the following questions, or questions you have been set:
- To what extent is it possible to achieve the greatest good to the greatest number? (40)
- Assess the belief that we cannot say anything positive about God (40)
- “St Augustine’s interpretation of human nature is too pessimistic”. Discuss. (40)
Stage 3: Plan an answer for your own question of your choice from the options above
Follow up: Plan an answer for your next class essay following these stages.
Then: watch the video on interpreting essay questions (https://youtu.be/FIqRPMXMN2k), pick some past questions, and plan how you would break the question, what content would be needed, and what argument would be needed, and arrange into PEACE plans (5 bullet points, one per letter)
Stuck? Go to https://youtu.be/nMbE6m83cio