Lesson two in a series aimed at revising for the GCSE Drama written exam (Edexcel)

1. Structuring a response
• It’s important to have a plan as
to how to answer both questions
in section B.
• The more times you can practice
questions using this outline
plan, the easier it will be in the
actual exam, because you will
have trained for it.
• Remember, there are two
questions.
• 6 mark question which will be
about a performance skill, at a
specific point of the play
• 9 mark question about a specific
element, and how it created an
impact/engaged the audience
throughout the play.

2. Specific skills, specific moments
Skills
• Put simply, this means you will
be instructed by the question to
write about one of the
following:
• Vocal skills
• Physical skills
• Performance skills
Moments
• Simple again – this means the question
will specify at what point of the play
you need to respond to. This will be
either
• The opening of the play
• The ending of the play
• Or
• A key moment of the play (your choice)

3. The 6 marker
• Let’s look at some example
questions and try to create our
own.
• Analyse how vocal skills were used
to engage the audience during the
opening moments of the play
• Analyse how physical skills were
used during a key moment of the
play
• So what do I need to do to
prepare?
• KNOW key terminology of the
different skills
• KNOW the moments of the play in
a good level of detail
• Be able to analyse various
performance skills and how they
caught my attention, kept me
engaged or created an impact.

4. VOCAL SKILLS
• What are all the vocal skills?
• Can you come up with an easy
way of remembering them, such
as a mnemonic?

5. Vocal Skills
• P
• R
• I
• V
• A
• T
• E
• PITCH, PACE, PAUSE, PROJECTION
• RANGE
• INTONATION
• VOLUME
• ACCENT
• TONE
• EXPRESSION

6. PHYSICAL SKILLS
• Same again – write down all of
the physical and movement skills
that you can, and try to create a
way of remembering them for
your notes.

7. PHYSICAL SKILLS
• G
• E
• M
• S
• GESTURE
• EXPRESSION,EYE CONTACT
• MOVEMENT
• SPACE
• BUT this doesn’t include use of space or any physical contact
work.
• This can of course be switched around for any Red Dwarf fans.

8. Analyse how physical skills were used to engage the audience
at a specific moment in the play
(6 marks)
Introduce the specific moment
of the play you will refer to in
the answer
Example of the first physical
skill and how it engaged you
Example of a second physical
skill and how it engaged you
Example of a third physical skill
and how it engaged you

9. Analyse how physical skills were used to engage the audience at
a specific moment in the play
(6 marks)
Introduce the specific moment
of the play you will refer to in
the answer
Example of the first physical
skill and how it engaged you
Example of a second physical
skill and how it engaged you
Example of a third physical skill
and how it engaged you
During the wrestling match between Orlando and
Charles, witnessed by Rosalind and Celia, in the
presence of the Duke,
Charles appeared experienced, confidently striding
forcefully towards Orlando, making me believe he
had the advantage.
During the fight Orlando, who had begun to win
the match skilfully threw Charles over his shoulder
to the ground, which was exciting.
Observing the match Rosalind appeared unable to
take her eyes off Orlando, and moved from foot to
foot as if nervous and excited by the possible harm
which may come to him.

10. Analyse how vocal skills were used to create an impact at a key
moment in the play
(6 marks)
Introduce the key moment you will
refer to in the play, where you know
vocal skills had an impact
During the opening scene Orlando demands from his
older brother Oliver, a sum of money so that he can
make his own way in the world. Oliver has so far denied
him this money since their Father’s death.
Example 1 (vocal skill and how it
created an impact)
Example 2 (vocal skill and how it
created an impact)
Example 3 (vocal skill and how it
created an impact)

11. Analyse how vocal skills were used to create an impact at a key
moment in the play
(6 marks)
Introduce the key moment you will
refer to in the play, where you know
vocal skills had an impact
During the opening scene Orlando demands from his
older brother Oliver, a sum of money so that he can
make his own way in the world. Oliver has so far denied
him this money since their Father’s death.
Example 1 (vocal skill and how it
created an impact)
Orlando is furious with his brother for keeping him in a
poor state, lacking a proper education, and berated him
loudly and with an injured tone ‘Why have you kept me
thus?’
Example 2 (vocal skill and how it
created an impact)
Oliver meanwhile sneered at Orlando in a proud and
aggressive tone, using short clipped phrases ‘get thee
hence’ creating the impact of a selfish older brother.
Example 3 (vocal skill and how it
created an impact)
When Adam tried to intervene between the brothers as
they fought, he shouted in a pleading tone’ Masters
think of your Father!’ creating the impact that he was
worried about them both and wanted them to be
friends.

12. Plenary
• What are your PRIVATE GEMS?
• What are the FIVE most
important moments in THE
CRUCIBLE?
• Name several different groups of
Characters in the play.
• DEADLINE FOR NOTES
• 11D – Wednesday 18th
December
• 11B – Friday 20th December