This GCSE English Literature quiz takes a look at Lord of the Flies by William Golding. This is the first of two extract questions for Lord of the Flies. It takes place in the first chapter, after the boys have been gathered by the call of the conch. Ralph, Jack and Simon have been enjoying their exploration, standing on heads and causing massive rocks to tumble over the clifftops. For a while they forget their crash-landing and their current plight.
As you begin to prepare an answer to an extract question, the very first thing you should do is to read the passage through more than once. It is a good idea to develop this habit because re-reading allows you to spot details and aspects of the passage you might have missed the first time.
At first you should aim to understand the passage, spending some time to consider how the passage itself relates to the question you have been asked. When you read through on the second time, you should begin to make detailed notes and annotations. After this initial preparation, you should plan out how you can use the passage to answer the question.
Consider the reasons behind the choice of extract. Think about how the passage is related to the text as a whole. What is its importance? Which themes does the passage explore? How do the characters and their experiences differ in the chosen extract? How would you describe the relationship between the passage and the events which come afterwards? Is there evidence of foreshadowing? How does the passage relate to earlier events? Would you say that there is a turning point? Also consider the point at which the extract ends: is the final line significant? Can you think of ways in which the extract’s end relates to the events or themes of the text?
Allow yourself time to consider the exact wording of the question you have chosen to answer. What specifically are you being asked to address? There are a variety of extract questions and you might be asked to focus on mood and atmosphere, character, dialogue, theme, or your own personal response. Begin with an explanation of the passage’s immediate context: mention the events which precede the extract and explain their relevance. Remember to refer to the passage in detail, rather than discussing the selection in general terms. In what way does the passage relate to the themes of the text? When planning out your answer, try to group related ideas together so that your writing is structured well. Plan carefully so that you will have enough time to discuss the entire passage.
Read the extract below carefully before answering the questions.