Applying a dual coding model of What/How/Why to GCSE Drama using a six mark performer question from The Crucible by Arthur Miller

1. WHAT?

2. WHAT?
What skill?
What design
element?
e.g. Eye Contact
Gesture
Use of Space
Lighting
Sound

3. HOW?

4. HOW? How will I use the
skill?
(Description –
Evidence)
e.g. quickly, firmly,
nervously,
aggressively
How will I use the design
element (if this was a
design question)
e.g. Bright, dim, ripped,
rough, worn, short, long,
red, faded grey etc.
How will you
use the
‘What’?

5. WHY?

6. WHY?
• Why would I act in
this way?
• Why would the
design be used like
that?
• What am I
intending to show
the audience?
CONTEXT OF THE
SCENE
COMMUNITY -
PURITANS
CHARCTER STATUS/RELATIONSHIPS
CHARACTER INTENTION
CONTEXT OF THE PLAY

7. WHAT – HOW – WHY

8. Section A The Crucible
Applying this structure to a question
You are involved in staging a production of
this play. Please read the extract on Pages 9 to
11
There are specific choices in this extract for
performers.
You are going to play Parris. He is agitated and
anxious.
As a performer describe how you would use
your PERFORMANCE skills to perform this
extract. You must provide a reason for each
suggestion.
6 marks 10 minutes timed essay
• PLANNING – USE THE THREE

9. What?
• To show Parris’ anxiety I would use
my eye contact
• Because I am agitated I would use
my movement around the room
and Betty’s bed.
• As I am anxious and agitated I
would use my gestures, tone and
pace of movement within this
extract

10. How?
• To show Parris’ anxiety I would use
my eye contact
• Because I am agitated I would use
my movement around the room
and Betty’s bed.
• This would be quick, moving
between Abigail when I am
questioning her, to Betty, and to
the doorway and stairs leading to
the floor below
• I would be restless, moving quickly
and frequently to Betty and to
Abigail.

11. Why – what is the effect on the audience?
Make links to
status/character/intention/community/context
• To show
Parris’
anxiety I
would use
my eye
contact
• This would be
quick, moving
between Abigail
when I am
questioning her,
to Betty, and to
the doorway and
stairs leading to
the floor below
• Parris is very worried,
both about the
health of Betty his
daughter, about his
position as Minister.
If Witchcraft is
discovered in his
house he could lose
his job and
livelihood. He also
fears people in the
town doubt him.