Depth of exploration in the exam

[kyzoo]

I'm kind of confused with how deep you need go with your ideas with context and text response. Like, there isn't really enough time in the exam to explore every relevant example or address every implication that you can find embedded within the topic/prompt (right now I write way too much for my pieces >.<), so therefore you have to be selective in what you explore.

Kind of wondering would this kind of format work
~ Introduction = Full exploration of topic/prompt
~ Body paragraphs, only select 3 implications/major ideas out of the many that you have "listed" in your introduction and then address one per paragraph

Is it ok to leave points mentioned in the introduction unexpanded upon in the body?

[brightsky]

What do you mean when you say "full exploration of topic"?

[kyzoo]

Like address all the major implications embedded within the topic/prompt

[werdna]

If you don't tackle the whole prompt... you're doomed! :S

[shinny]

I don't think it's OK. Your introduction introduces what you're going to talk about in the rest of your essay. You shouldn't have stray points there. Obviously the time limit is taken into account by examiners. Just be selective about your points and choose good ones to achieve this full exploration, rather than needing to mention everything because it's really not needed. Examiners know it's not possible, so just choose a few points from what you have available to give the examiner the impression that you have quality ideas which cover the scope of the topic. Generally I'd spend two body paragraphs on the 'obvious' ideas which cover the ideas which are most supported by the text. Next I'd always spend at least one body paragraph on something more abstract which typically challenges the view provided in the topic (if it's one of those do you agree questions that is).

[werdna]

Hang on shinny, would you do a 'however', challenging kind of paragraph when the prompt is a "discuss" one as well?

[kyzoo]

So would it be just like language analysis? Like, you just choose a few examples of language usages available which encompass the writer's persuasive efforts?

I think I ahve the problem where I feel I have to include every single point and evidence that I come up with =(

[werdna]

No... don't go on listing the techniques! Just briefly allude to the contention, tone, context (if you want), and maybe a final intended impact - how the reader is positioned after reading the piece.

[brightsky]

So would it be just like language analysis? Like, you just choose a few examples of language usages available which encompass the writer's persuasive efforts?

I think I ahve the problem where I feel I have to include every single point and evidence that I come up with =(

Channelling one of my English teachers, less is more. Just like selecting jewellery; one really good piece of jewellery would look dazzling, but having 20 of them on you would just look stupid.

[werdna]

So would it be just like language analysis? Like, you just choose a few examples of language usages available which encompass the writer's persuasive efforts?

I think I ahve the problem where I feel I have to include every single point and evidence that I come up with =(

Channelling one of my English teachers, less is more. Just like selecting jewellery; one really good piece of jewellery would look dazzling, but having 20 of them on you would just look stupid.

100% agree.

[shinny]

Hang on shinny, would you do a 'however', challenging kind of paragraph when the prompt is a "discuss" one as well?

Discussion questions are far more restrictive. It'd really depend on how far I am deviating from the topic and as a general rule, I wouldn't go for a direct opposition and would obviously avoid listing factors outside the scope of the topic. The only exception is if the topic is worded as an absolute. For example, if the topic was that a certain trait in a character was the only factor that led to his downfall, I would then say other traits were involved which is kind of like a challenge I guess. However, if it wasn't worded as an absolute, this wouldn't be possible. In such cases, I'd try to showoff by either using more unique evidence, or taking a unique perspective on the topic by analysing its key words and perhaps challenging some of them. For example, if a topic says something like 'For the characters in this book, their selfishness ultimately led to their downfall', I'd attempt to challenge the phrase 'the characters' by finding certain characters which are an exception to this rule. It's very difficult to give you a definitive answer of what I'd accept as a legitimate challenge in a discuss question and what's not, but I hope these few examples helps to show roughly what I'd consider legit.

[kyzoo]

So would it be just like language analysis? Like, you just choose a few examples of language usages available which encompass the writer's persuasive efforts?

I think I ahve the problem where I feel I have to include every single point and evidence that I come up with =(

Channelling one of my English teachers, less is more. Just like selecting jewellery; one really good piece of jewellery would look dazzling, but having 20 of them on you would just look stupid.

I see...xD so I'm going to have to intentionally omit some evidence/points when I do my planning