First 4 Marks: Commonality and Extract

This page details how to approach the first 4 marks of the question, focusing on commonality and extract analysis.

For Commonality (2 marks):

• Make a link between the question, the extract, and the rest of the play

For Extract (2 marks):

• Use a P-E-E-L structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link)
• Identify a technique or example from the extract that links to the question

Example: In analyzing "The Slab Boys," you might discuss how the extract demonstrates frustrated ambition through Phil's art portfolio discovery.

6 Mark Section: Elsewhere

This section explains how to approach the 6 mark "Elsewhere" portion of the question.

Key points:

• Marks are likely awarded in three pairs of two
• All examples must come from parts of the text not in the printed extract
• Use a P-E-E-L structure for each set of 2 marks
• Repeat the process three times for full marks

Highlight: This section is crucial for demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of the text in Higher English RUAE practice papers.

Example Question

The page presents an example question for the 10 mark analysis:

"By referring to this extract and elsewhere in the play, discuss how the theme of frustrated ambition is developed in the text."

Highlight: This type of question is common in Old Higher English past papers and requires a thorough understanding of the text and theme.

Commonality Section

This page focuses on the Commonality section of the answer, worth 2 marks.

Key points:

• Identify a link between the extract and at least one other part of the play
• Discuss how frustrated ambition is a key theme linked to social class
• Mention characters' desires to escape or better their situations

Example: In "The Slab Boys," Phil's ambition to attend art school and Hector and Spanky's desire for promotion illustrate the theme of frustrated ambition.

Commonality Example

This page provides a detailed example of a Commonality answer for "The Slab Boys."

Key points:

• Frustrated ambition is linked to characters' social class
• The extract highlights Phil's talent and ambition through his art folio
• Throughout the play, characters reveal desires to escape or improve their situations
• Ambitions are frustrated by authority figures, meaningless processes, or the class system

Quote: "Each of these characters ambition is to move on to better things. They are frustrated as they feel they are being held back by authority figures, meaningless time consuming processes or a class system which is preventing them from achieving their aspirations."

Extract Analysis

This section explains how to analyze the extract for the remaining 2 marks of the first 4.

Key points:

• Identify an aspect of frustrated ambition in the printed extract
• Comment on how it develops the theme
• Use a P-E-E-L structure for your analysis

Highlight: Mastering extract analysis is crucial for success in the SQA Higher English folio.

Extract Analysis Example

This page provides an example of extract analysis for "The Slab Boys."

Key points:

• Alan's remarks on Phil's artwork quality
• Suggestion that Phil is wasting his talent in the slab room
• Analysis of Alan's ability to critique Phil's work despite their enmity

Quote: "Anyone can see they're rather good. He's wasting his time in here..."

Elsewhere Section Example 1

This page demonstrates how to approach the "Elsewhere" section, focusing on Phil's character.

Key points:

• Phil's reaction to not getting into Art School
• Use of quotes to illustrate his frustration and shock
• Analysis of Phil's final comment suggesting resilience

Quote: "Giotto was a slab boy!"

Highlight: This type of analysis is essential when answering the question "How do you answer a 10 mark question?" in Higher English.

Elsewhere Section Example 2

This page continues the "Elsewhere" section, focusing on Spanky's character.

Key points:

• Spanky's more modest ambitions compared to Phil
• His frustration at still being in the same position at the end of the play
• Analysis of Spanky's attitude towards waiting for his opportunity

Quote: "Wait till I get my desk...just wait!"

Elsewhere Section Example 3

The final page provides examples for the "Elsewhere" section, focusing on Hector and Sadie.

Key points:

• Hector's frustrated ambition to take Lucille to the staff dance
• Lucille's dismissive reaction to Hector
• Sadie's more domestic ambitions and dreams of escaping her marriage

Quote: "I've seen better hanging from a Christmas tree! Hector! Don't make me laugh!"

Highlight: Understanding how to analyze multiple characters is crucial when considering "How to do an 8 mark question in English?" or "How to do a 5 mark question in higher English?".