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AS and A Level: Shakespeare

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I.m struggling to get top marks in my Shakespeare essays for A level English literature. What can I do?

Read, read and re-read the question. Underline the key points and make sure to keep reading the question throughout the essay to keep it focused.

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2,165 AS and A Level Shakespeare essays

Marked by Teachers essays 52
Peer Reviewed essays 9

'Cleopatra is often interpreted as the designing woman who brings down a worthy soldier and ruler, but this view is simplistic.' How do you, in the 21st century, respond to Shakespeare's dramatic presentation of Cleopatra?

5 star(s)

It is evident here how a thoughtful title can help to give an essay structure and direction. The writer has given a lively and sophisticated response to a well-phrased question.…
- Essay length: 1718 words
- Submitted: 02/01/2009
- Marked by teacher: Val Shore 25/02/2012
- Reviewed by: 01/07/2012
Discuss how Iago manipulates language to achieve his aims

5 star(s)

This is an excellent analytical essay that shows a good understanding of the text and an excellent understanding of the character. There is a full range of points that show…
- Essay length: 2291 words
- Submitted: 07/08/2008
- Marked by teacher: Laura Gater 22/12/1999
How effective is the Prologue as an introduction to Romeo and Juliet?

5 star(s)

This is a very good essay which supplies an analytical and detailed close reading of the prologue, while at the same time making effective textual links with the rest of…
- Essay length: 1720 words
- Submitted: 05/12/2007
- Marked by teacher: Katie Dixon 07/03/2012
In "Much Ado about Nothing", Shakespeare presents us with a conventional and unconventional heroine in Hero and Beatrice. Which do you prefer?

5 star(s)

After a slightly uncertain beginning, the essay gets into its stride and offers a very well-written argument. The style is concise yet includes sufficient textual detail and quotation to support…
- Essay length: 1805 words
- Submitted: 21/10/2003
- Marked by teacher: Val Shore 27/03/2012
Explore the ways Shakespeare presents the concept of authority in Antony and Cleopatra

4 star(s)

The essay has many strengths. It is generally well-expressed and offers insights which are well-grounded in textual detail. The writer is also willing to reflect on different ways in which…
- Essay length: 2067 words
- Submitted: 31/03/2006
- Marked by teacher: Val Shore 25/02/2012
- Reviewed by: 25/06/2012
How does Shakespeare present ideas of disorder, corruption and decay in Act 1 of Hamlet?

4 star(s)

This essay explores Act One in detail and relates much of the analysis to the question. The essay would demonstrate a higher level of analytical skill if points were linked…
- Essay length: 1128 words
- Submitted: 07/02/2012
- Marked by teacher: Laura Gater 26/04/2013
Discuss the dramatic significance of Hamlet Scene 1 Act 1

4 star(s)

This is a very good essay and shows a very good understanding of 'Hamlet'. The writing successfully addresses language, structure and form and supports all the points made with direct…
- Essay length: 1416 words
- Submitted: 02/11/2011
- Marked by teacher: Laura Gater 26/04/2013
It is not only the heros character that feeds into the construction of a tragedy; external events also play a part. Does either one of these components have, in your opinion, an overriding influence on Macbeth, or do they make an equal contr

4 star(s)

A generally well-structured essay which tackles the question effectively and guides the reader through the argument. The writer shows the ability to comment perceptively on the play as a whole,…
- Essay length: 1795 words
- Submitted: 01/08/2011
- Marked by teacher: Val Shore 27/02/2012
Discuss the significance of the ghost in Act 1

4 star(s)

The writer has a good knowledge of the text but should ensure that the question is addressed more analytically and less descriptively. Context is used effectively and much of the…
- Essay length: 1519 words
- Submitted: 01/11/2010
- Marked by teacher: Karen Reader 08/03/2012
How effectively does Shakespeare present Lear's loss of power in the play?

4 star(s)

This is a thoughtful essay, which explores the range of linguistic and dramatic techniques Shakespeare employs to convey Lear's loss of power.
The writer moves confidently around the play,…
- Essay length: 2822 words
- Submitted: 26/05/2009
- Marked by teacher: Val Shore 26/09/2012