Recommended Reading
My advice to all students is to "paint a very clear visual picture". For example if you are reviewing a play explain exactly what happened on stage in order to make you "laugh" "cry" "think" "make cultural connections" and so on. It is not good enough to write "the actor was very effective". You must explain what he/she did and the effect it had on you and the audience. For example "The actor (Alan White) playing Mr Griggs moved very slowly downstage towards the audience. His eyes were unmoving, his face unreadable and looking straight ahead. His hands were behind his back as though hiding something This combined with the chilling music absolutely terrified the audience. We were all on the edge of our seats and you could hear a pin drop...... When you read your work try and decide if the examiner will be able to "visualise" why the actor/scene had a particular impact on you.
If you are discussing how you would direct/act/stage a character or scene. It is the SAME recipe. DON'T say " I/she would be angry". You must explain HOW in facial, vocal and physical terms. You must quote the line and then justify that decision to show your understanding of the character/scene. For example "Maria's line "I love standing in the pouring rain" should be spoken in a sarcastic tone, her body language should be closed with folded arms, head lowered. She would have her back to Hugh to show her irritation at his inability to find a taxi. This would also hint further at the breakdown of their relationship which is a central theme in the play.......
for set text answers always write in the future tense
for reviews always write in the past tense
So students - detail, detail, DETAIL!!!
