Key points
- Princess & The Hustler appears on AQA Paper 2: Modern Prose and Drama.
- There are a choice of two questions: one on a theme and one on a character.
- This part of the exam is Closed book means that a copy of the text is not provided in the exam..
Remember
As part of your revision, spend time practising planning answers and writing within the time limit.
This will help to build your confidence for the final exam.
GCSE exam-style question
The exam gives a choice of two questions. Usually, one will focus on character and the other on theme. Only answer one of the questions.
The question below is an example of a theme question.
Example question
How does Odimba present the importance of family in Princess & The Hustler?
Think about:
examples of family in the play
how Odimba presents the importance of family.
Exam Top Tip
When first reading the question, it is a good idea to highlight key words and ideas.
It is also useful to note down any contextual points that could be made which are relevant to the question.
Inspecting the question
Before you start writing your answer, make sure you understand the question properly by asking yourself:
Assessment Objectives
Your exam response will be marked using Assessment Objectives (AOs).
The ones for this question are below.
| What is the objective? | How do I do well? |
|---|---|
| AO1: The quality of your ideas, understanding of the text and use of supporting evidence | Stay focused on the question and show that you understand the text and the writer’s messages well. Use evidence clearly and carefully to support your answer. |
| AO2: Analysis of the writer’s methods and effects | Explain how the writer uses different tools to create meaning. Use the correct language to explain these techniques and their effects on the audience. |
| AO3: Use of contextual ideas to support your argument | When it’s relevant, refer to context points that support your answer. These can be social, historical or biographical. |
| AO4: Accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar. | Check your writing carefully for errors. Paragraph your work and try to make sure your meaning is clear. |
Structuring your answer
At the start of your answer, it is helpful to have a short introduction.
An effective introduction should give a summary of the ideas you are about to present, and link to the question and the writer’s message.
After your introduction, each paragraph should include:
A topic sentence, which uses some of the language of the question, to introduce your argument
Evidence that supports your argument
Analysis of the effects of language or dramatic techniques
A final sentence that acts as a mini-summary for that paragraph.
You could include a short conclusion to summarise your ideas at the end of your answer.
Remember
An awareness of the writer’s purpose is important.
You should include references to context when they are relevant to the point you are making.
Example answers
How does Odimba present the importance of family in Princess & The Hustler?
Think about:
- examples of family in the play
- how Odimba presents the importance of family.
Example Answer 1
Responses could include:
The theme of family is shown through Mavis's unconditional love for Princess. Odimba shows this when Mavis says “if anyone ever try to tell you any different you just show them your crown”. Odimba uses the pageant crown as a symbol for Princess’s beauty and uniqueness. Here we see Mavis trying to boost Princess's self-esteem by reminding her that she is special. This could link to the racial tensions at the time where beauty ideals were focused on white women and Princess was excluded from things like parties because of her skin colour.
Feedback
This response makes a relevant point, contains relevant evidence and mentions context. The point is clearly linked to the question.
Analysis of the quotation could be developed and use subject terminology, such as 'metaphor'.
The point about context could also be more developed and linked back to the theme of family in the question.
To improve further, the response should look at more than one example of family with the play and use a wider range of evidence.
Example answer 2
Odimba shows the theme of family through Mavis’s motherly, unconditional love for Princess. When Princess's self-esteem is low, Mavis says “Yes! And if anyone ever try to tell you any different you just show them your crown”. Mavis uses the pageant crown as a metaphor for strength and beauty. It is a symbol of how she wants her daughter to view herself; as special and unique. The short exclamation "Yes!" suggests that this line is said with enthusiasm and passion.
Mavis is encouraging Princess to love herself in a historical time setting where racism was more common in society. Princess experiences this first-hand throughout the play when she is not invited to a school party. When Mavis encourages Princess to love herself, no matter what others say, Odimba highlights the important role of the family in promoting self-love, particularly within children.
Feedback
Feedback:
This response is clearly linked to the question and theme of family.
A relevant quotation is given and analysed, with correct use of subject terminology.
The point about historical context is detailed, thoughtful and links back to the theme of family.
The response could be strengthened by including another quotation and exploring other ways in which family is shown in the play.
GCSE English literature revision podcasts. audio
Whether you're at home or on the go, listen to these podcasts by Bitesize and BBC Sounds to refresh your memory of key texts.
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