← Written text essay: respond critically to written texts
8 Common traps that cap an essay below its potential
Most essays that underperform are not short on knowledge — they lose marks to a small number of repeated, avoidable habits.
Trap, and the fix
| Trap | Why it caps the grade | The fix |
|---|
| Retelling the plot | Shows recall, not critical response — the standard explicitly rewards argument, not summary | Every sentence should argue a point about the statement, using plot only as brief context for evidence |
| Feature-spotting | Naming a technique with no effect stated is description, capped at Achieved | Always follow a named technique with what it DOES to the reader |
| A prepared essay forced onto the wrong statement | Strong material that does not answer the actual question asked scores below a plainer essay that does | Re-check the statement's exact key terms before finalising which prepared argument to use |
| A vague wider connection | "This is still relevant today" adds nothing specific for Excellence | Name an actual comparable situation, and show what it changes about the reading |