CONTEXT PIECE; writing from a highly philosophical and/or psychological view

[pas0005]

I was wondering if anyone could help me with an issue I am currently having. When it comes to context pieces I almost always connect the prompt to a philosophical or psychological issue or phenomena which is relevant. My teacher,however, thinks that my writing should "avoid the overly academic influence"( as she puts it) whilst my tutor thinks that I should do the opposite and use it as my strength. Should I follow my teacher and use more historical or literature based content or should I play to my strengths and use psychology and philosophy(which may I add I enjoy thoroughly) ? Obviously I want to do what will get me the best marks on the exam, but I don't know whose advise to take.

Please help!

[teacher28]

Your response must suit the intended audience, so the degree of intellectualism you can get away with varies.

For example if you were writing a report on Blanche by her psychiatrist then you would definitely "play to [your] strengths" and use psychology and philosophy.

If, however, you were simply writing an expository essay suitable for publication in a city broadsheet weekend lift-out it would be better to take a position that favours the intellectual approach yet includes material accessible to the general readers.

Additionally, what your teacher marks should be what the teacher wants!

I'll always prefer the clever response as long as it is elegant and lucid as well as erudite.

[Surgeon]

For SACs, always do what your teacher wants you to do since she's going to mark it. On the exam however, it's upto you.