How to Write a Grade 9 19th-Century Prose Essay
The Conceptual Thesis: Start with a clear statement that addresses the 'why' of the question, linking the character or theme to a broader societal issue.
Extract Analysis: Use the provided extract for 'micro-analysis,' zooming in on specific word choices, metaphors, or structural shifts (e.g., a sudden change in tone).
Whole-Text Evidence: Support points with specific references or paraphrased quotes from other parts of the novel to show a comprehensive understanding of the narrative.
Seamless Context: Context should be woven into the analysis of language. Instead of stating a historical fact, explain how that fact influenced the author's choice of a specific word or character trait.
| Feature | Grade 5/6 Approach | Grade 9 Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis | Simple answer to the prompt | Conceptual argument about the human condition |
| Context | 'Bolt-on' historical facts at the end of paragraphs | Context used to explain the author's specific choices |
| Language | Identifying techniques (feature spotting) | Analyzing the effect of language on the reader |
| Structure | Retelling the plot chronologically | Analyzing how the novel's structure reinforces its themes |
Planning (5 Minutes): Spend time mapping out a thesis and selecting 3-4 key moments from the whole text that complement the provided extract.
The 'Extract as a Springboard': Use the extract to find your initial evidence, but quickly pivot to how those ideas are mirrored or subverted elsewhere in the novel.
Timing (45 Minutes): Aim for 3-4 high-quality, dense paragraphs rather than 6 shallow ones. Quality of insight always trumps quantity of writing.
Check for Balance: Ensure that AO1, AO2, and AO3 are present in every main body paragraph to maximize marks across all assessment objectives.
Narrative Summary: The most common mistake is retelling the story. If you find yourself writing 'and then this happens,' you are summarizing, not analyzing.
The 'Bolt-on' Context: Avoid writing a paragraph about the Victorian era that doesn't mention the book. Context must always serve the analysis of the text.
Ignoring the Extract: Some students get so caught up in the whole novel that they forget to analyze the specific language in the provided extract, losing easy AO2 marks.