Hey, I know its QUALITY OVER QUANTITY but how many words would you recommend writing on the exam for example: text response? The general word count I've heard is 800 words, currently i only ever manage to get 500-600. Can anyone give me advice on how to be more thorough or expand on my topics? The general formula for text response is usually 3 contentions, should i provide 4 contentions? Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!
Hey!
I'd recommend 800-1000. You want to get enough depth in your essay and develop a nunanced discussion of the prompt. In terms of expansion, I'd recommend that you really try and challenge the prompt by asking yourself a whole range of questions. In this sense, you're more likely to tease out any latent/subtle implications.
Eg. 'Medea' is a play about pride.
- Is it about pride for all or only one?
- Can pride and justice ever coexist?
- Why is pride necessary? --->relevant context necessary
- How does one achieve pride?
- Does pride necessarily fulfil one? Do people still yearn for something more?
- Is one's search for pride selfish?
^^ These are only some of the possible questions you could ask yourself. But as you can see, there are multiple directions that you can take a prompt after brainstorming some simple questions. I'd also recommend that you look up synonyms for key words in a prompt. This may spark a new idea or route.
When you say 3 contentions, do you mean topic sentences? Definitely devise one contention only! You don't want contradictions. Topic sentences should only justify your overarching contention.