Dos and Don'ts

select and name two specific art and design works by different artists and designers.
answer the question asked – this sounds obvious, but many students stray from the question and lose marks by writing about things which were not asked for.
consider making a structured response using sub-headings of the question prompts if you find it difficult to stay on track.
ensure that information you give is factually correct – it should show evidence that you have studied the artworks and designs.
use appropriate art and design terminology.
adapt your knowledge to the question asked. For example, if colour is an important aspect of an artwork you have studied, but you are not asked about this, your knowledge can be applied to other areas. If you are asked about materials and techniques, you could write about how colour was applied using particular materials and techniques, and the effect this gives. If you are asked about mood and atmosphere, you could write about how colour contributes to this.
explain the impact of social and cultural influences by explaining their impact on the specific artwork and design you have selected.

write about the artists and designers in general terms – your answer must focus on the artworks and designs selected.
give biographical information on the artists or designers unless this is related to an aspect of the work, for example, if an event in their life influenced the work you are writing about.
give a rote learned response which doesn’t answer the question.

select two questions from the Expressive art studies section and one question from the Design studies section.
look at all of the questions carefully before making your selection.
stick to the question asked.
make justified comments in response to the question asked – give clear explanations.
use appropriate art and design terminology.

make general, descriptive comments which lack detail and which do not show specialised knowledge and understanding.