The final aspect of the English Paper 2 exam includes a reflection statement. This statement can range anywhere between 5 to 10 marks (out of 20), so it is crucial that students understand and complete this component to the best of their abilities. Reflection statements seek to provide analytical explanation behind students’ writing, and rationalise the creative choices made in conjunction with the exam stimulus. A reflection takes place after students complete their imaginative, discursive or persuasive writing.

Below are TutorTime’s essential components to writing a Band 6 reflection:

1.     Rationale behind storyline and isolation of key techniques

Your reflection should begin with a brief explanation of why you chose the storyline of your piece. For example, if you complete an imaginative writing piece, your reflection could begin with: “I chose to write from the perspective of a teenage boy to interrogate the subconscious familial tensions that emerge when parents divorce”. However, do not spend too much time analysing your piece, and instead focus on the techniques that you included. For example, if your imaginative has a motif, you should mention this to the marker and explain why you chose to do so. Do not be afraid to quote your piece in your reflection.

2.     Response to stimulus

Reflections must clearly outline how your writing piece thoroughly responds to the exam stimuli. For example, if the exam stimulus was a picture of a chessboard, you may want to write about how you used the technique of stichomythic dialogue to emulate the fast-moving discussion of a game of chess, or how the motif of ‘moves and countermoves’ was repeated throughout your writing. You must inform the marker that you have acknowledge and responded to the stimuli given. Do not be subtle in your inclusion of the stimulus.  

3.     Integration of Mod C text/s

Finally, your reflection should include the ways in which your writing has drawn from your Module C texts. For example, you may have been inspired by Nam Le’s conversational tone and use of flashbacks, or Margaret Atwood’s use of satire and intertextuality. Make it obvious to the marker that the ‘Craft of Writing’ prescribed texts have heavily influenced your own writing. Provide quotes and examples from your Mod C texts to substantiate this.

To learn more about how to write the perfect Mod C reflection, book a TutorTime tutor today!