• Check the front cover grid for the overall profile of performance on this piece of work
• Identify your strengths and maintain them
• Use the information given in this supplementary grid to help you focus on specific points or areas which need improvement

For attention	Tick	Suggested action
Structure a) Opening paragraph makes no direct mention of the demands of the question		• Practise writing out opening paragraphs from sample questions • The title + the writer + each aspect of the question must be included
b) Argument is weakened by the lack of an obvious paragraph plan		Always spend 3 or 4 minutes before you start the essay on mapping an outline plan in line with your strong opening paragraph
c) There is little or poor linkage between paragraphs creating a disjointed /uncontrolled effect		• Work on compiling a list of connectives and practise using them • Be aware of the function of topic sentences
Content
a) A thin grasp of the text has been displayed		• Don’t skimp on your reading – when necessary, re-read the text • Don’t suffer puzzlement in silence: ask if you don’t get the gist of something
b) Insufficient references or quotation • Discipline yourself to avoid ever retelling in your own words • Use what you know; select • See advice above on structure		• Prepare and memorise a short quotation bank (5 items) • Prepare lists of 3 or 5 bullet points on the main character(s) / setting / theme(s) / techniques c) Too much reliance on narrative account