Using passages as the basis of a discussion

[derivativex]

So I've been doing pretty well in lit this year, my last sac was 40/40 (on Harwood's poetry) and all the others have been pretty good too.

But today in a trial exam I had a massive failure in terms of understanding the task.  I understood all the poems and saw thematic links, and I could understand how they could be interpreted collectively as a whole text, but I could hardly write a thing.

I barely wrote 250 words per essay, and the words I wrote were total crap.  Total writers (analysis) block.  Maybe I'm just exhausted who knows.

So, given that I don't lack an understanding of the texts (Hamlet and Harwood's poetry are the one's I've selected)  I figure it must be a lack of understanding of the specific demands of the lit exam.

Should I be carrying out something like a poetry analysis on the passages given?
Should I be approaching the passages with a set of ideas which I try to link them with?

I have read examiners reports but still feel a tad sketchy.

ANY ADVICE WOULD BE MASSIVELY APPRECIATED!

Daniel

[EvangelionZeta]

You basically want to take a hardass analytical approach - try and scan through the given passage almost line by line, drawing out and analysing the language and imagery whilst linking it to interpretation.  You should have sufficient material to get more than 1000 words if you do it right.  What I'd recommend at this stage is to get some practice passages and write argued readings on them without a time limitation so that you get the feel for the style before you actually try practice exams.

[iamdan08]

Yeah i think the most important thing you can do is practice without a time limit. Just write as much as you can about the passages, get your teacher to mark it, and perhaps ask to have a look at a high scoring example response. It will just take some practice. Once you get a feel for what you're supposed to be doing, then focus on time limits.

[derivativex]

Thanks guys, even just going over stuff I know seems to help a bit.
 I think I just need to go in with drive and motivation , 'cause I really love the subject.

Anyway I've got a VATE lecture on it tomorrow so hopefully I'll come out of that with some good ideas.

Daniel