Answer two questions on one drama text: one passage-based and one essay.

Component 2 – Drama (Paper 2)

1. What you need to know

• This paper tests your knowledge and analysis of **one set‑text drama**.
• You will answer **two questions** on the same play:
  • One Passage‑Based Question (PBQ)
  • One Essay Question (EQ)
• Each question is worth 25 marks (total 50 marks). Both answers must be written in the **same script**.
• All four Assessment Objectives (AO 1‑4) are **equally weighted** (25 % each). Your response must therefore address knowledge, analysis, evaluation and communication in every paragraph.

2. Set‑texts for Paper 2 (2026)

3. Assessment Objectives (AO) – Cambridge definition

• AO 1 – Knowledge & Understanding: accurate recall of plot, characters, setting and language.
• AO 2 – Interpretation: analyse how language, form and structure create meaning.
• AO 3 – Critical Appreciation: evaluate the writer’s techniques and their effect on the audience.
• AO 4 – Communication: communicate a sensitive and informed personal response using appropriate literary terminology, correct spelling, punctuation and a well‑structured layout.

4. How this paper fits into the whole IGCSE 0475 programme

5. Choosing and Preparing your drama

1. Read the play **twice**:
   • First reading – overall plot, characters, setting.
   • Second reading – focus on language, stage directions and dramatic techniques.
2. Create a **passage bank** of 4‑6 extracts that illustrate:
   • Key themes
   • Major character changes
   • Powerful stage directions or visual effects
3. Record the exact reference for each extract (Act, Scene, line numbers or page numbers). This saves time during the exam.

6. Exam requirements (Paper 2)

• Closed‑book – no notes, textbooks or electronic devices.
• Write in **present tense** (e.g., “He declares…”) throughout both answers.
• Both the PBQ and the essay must be written **in the same script** (same piece of paper).
• Word‑count guidance:
  • PBQ – about 150‑180 words
  • Essay – about 250‑300 words

7. Command‑word guide (Cambridge)

8. Passage‑Based Question (PBQ)

8.1 What the examiner looks for (mapped to AOs)

• AO 1: Identify speaker, situation and any stage directions.
• AO 2: Analyse language (diction, imagery, metaphor, rhetorical devices) and structure (punctuation, line breaks, stage directions).
• AO 3: Explain how these features develop character, theme or mood.
• AO 4: Use clear paragraphing, literary terminology, present‑tense writing and accurate quotation punctuation.

8.2 Step‑by‑step approach (with AO tags)

1. Read the extract carefully. Highlight unusual punctuation, stage directions, repeated words. (AO 1 & AO 2)
2. Identify speaker & context. Who is speaking? What has just happened? (AO 1)
3. Choose a focus. Decide whether language, structure or a combination best answers the question. (AO 2)
4. Plan a paragraph.
   • Topic sentence – directly answer the command word. (AO 4)
   • Evidence – embed a 1‑2 line quotation (include stage direction if relevant). (AO 1)
   • Analysis – show how the feature creates an effect (e.g., irony, tension). (AO 2 & AO 3)
   • Link – relate the effect back to the wider play (theme, character arc, plot). (AO 3 & AO 4)
5. Write. Keep quotations short, use present tense, vary sentence structure. (AO 4)
6. Proof‑read (2 min). Check spelling, punctuation, quotation marks and that every point answers the question. (AO 4)

8.3 Common pitfalls (PBQ)

• Retelling the plot instead of analysing language and structure.
• Quoting more than 2‑3 short lines or failing to punctuate quotes correctly.
• Omitting the link to the wider context of the play.
• Using past tense (“She said”) – the exam requires present tense.

9. Essay Question (EQ)

9.1 What the examiner looks for (mapped to AOs)

• AO 1: Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the whole play (plot, characters, setting).
• AO 2: Analyse a range of dramatic techniques – stage directions, irony, character contrast, soliloquy/aside, symbolism, pacing, climax and resolution.
• AO 3: Evaluate how these techniques develop the given theme, idea or character.
• AO 4: Present a logical, well‑structured response (intro, 2‑3 body paragraphs, conclusion) using appropriate terminology, present tense and accurate spelling/punctuation.

9.2 Planning the essay (with AO tags)

1. Decode the command word. “Discuss” = balanced argument; “Explore” = in‑depth investigation. (AO 4)
2. Brain‑storm. List all scenes, characters and techniques that relate to the theme. (AO 1 & AO 2)
3. Select 2‑3 main points. Each will become a body paragraph and should draw on **different parts** of the play. (AO 1 & AO 3)
4. Paragraph plan. For each point include:
   • Topic sentence – state the argument. (AO 4)
   • Evidence – quotation + stage direction (cite act/scene/line). (AO 1)
   • Analysis – discuss language, dramatic technique and its effect. (AO 2 & AO 3)
   • Link – tie back to the essay question. (AO 3 & AO 4)
5. Write the essay.
   • Introduction (≈30 words): Restate the question in your own words and outline the points you will discuss.
   • Body (≈180‑220 words): 2‑3 paragraphs following the plan.
   • Conclusion (≈30 words): Summarise the main arguments and reaffirm how the play develops the given idea.
   (AO 4)
6. Review (2 min). Verify that each paragraph contains a clear point, quotations are correctly punctuated, word‑count is within 250‑300 words and you have used present tense throughout. (AO 4)

9.3 Common pitfalls (EQ)

• Relying on a single scene – the essay must draw evidence from **different parts** of the play.
• Listing quotations without analysis or without linking them to the question.
• Using informal language or personal opinions that are not supported by textual evidence.
• Exceeding the word limit or writing in past tense.

10. Marking criteria overview (50 marks total)

11. Time‑management for a 1 hour 30 minute paper

1. Read both questions carefully – 2 min
2. Choose the drama you feel most confident with – 1 min
3. Plan the PBQ (topic sentence, evidence, analysis, link) – 4 min
4. Write the PBQ – 13 min
5. Plan the essay (outline points, select quotations) – 5 min
6. Write the essay – 13 min
7. Proof‑read both answers – 2 min

These steps total 40 minutes of active planning/writing; the remaining 10 minutes act as a buffer for any unforeseen delays.

12. Checklist before submitting

• Both questions answered in the same script.
• Each answer has a clear introduction (where appropriate) and a concise conclusion.
• All quotations are accurately punctuated, referenced (act/scene/line or page), and limited to 2‑3 short lines.
• Analysis consistently links back to the question and to the wider play.
• Present‑tense language throughout; no personal annotations.
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar are correct; literary terminology is used where relevant.
• Word count: PBQ ≈ 150‑180 words; Essay ≈ 250‑300 words.

13. Quick reference diagram (optional)

Suggested flowchart: Two parallel columns – one for PBQ, one for EQ – each showing “Read → Identify → Plan → Write → Proof‑read”. This visual can be sketched on a scrap of paper during the exam to keep the process on track.