Examiner's assessment
Mid
The examiner assessed this answer as a Mid Level.
Now read the comments below to understand why this level was given.
The examiner also provides tips on how the answer might be improved.
Comment
AO1 The material covered is broadly relevant but sometimes it is left to the reader to work out why. A tendency to narrate the story rather than relate it to the question.
AO2 Has a grasp of some comic theory and applies it, e.g. the discussion of the correction of Katherina. Some well chosen quotations. Some grasp of the visual comic potential and an evident engagement with the play. Slightly clumsy discussion of the ending to conclude the answer, which needs to be made more directly relevant to this extract.
AO3 Attempts to put the play in its historical context. Identifies Biblical source for a speech and talks in broad terms about marriage in the period.
AO4 Does not really mention other comic texts for comparison.
AO5 Does not cite critical perspectives on the text, but does show awareness that different interpretations are possible.
To improve the answer:
- Focus on commentary rather than narration. Explain the relevance of some of the points, e.g. the discussion of Bianca, which could be made into a discussion of contrasts rather than a point about her character. (AO1)
- Make more use of the text to offer specific examples, including closer analysis of the extract, e.g. develop the comment on Katherina’s use of proverbs. (AO2)
- Develop more complex sense of context – it would help to see the play as part of a debate in its era rather than expressing a single point of view. (AO3)
- Examine another comic text for useful comparison, for example Much Ado About Nothing. (AO4)
- Include some critical perspectives and consider different points of view. (AO5)
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