How to answer an extract question in a Literature exam:

Before beginning to write an answer to an extract question, it is important to

read the passage through carefully more than once.

Doing so will allow you to notice new details and aspects of the passage which
you might not have seen the first time.
On a first reading, aim to gather a general understanding of the extract,
especially in consideration of how it relates to the question you will be
answering.
When you read the extract a second time, begin to make detailed notes and
annotations. These will help you to plan your answer to the question.
 Consider the reasons why the specific passage might have been chosen.
 How does it relate to the rest of the text?
 Which are the significant characters and themes included?
 What happens later in the text?
 Are any events foreshadowed?
 How does the passage follow earlier events?
 Perhaps the passage presents a turning point.
 Consider its ending: why has the extract been brought to a close where
it has? What is the significance of the final line?

Pay careful attention to the wording of the question you have chosen to
answer. Have you been asked to write about mood and atmosphere? A
particular character? A theme? You might be expected to give a personal
response to the passage or to a character. Or maybe the question focusses on
dialogue, behaviour or feelings. A different answer is required for each of these
different types of question.

Remember to explain the passage’s immediate context:

 note the events which precede the extract, commenting upon their
relevance.
 Your answer should refer to the detail of the passage and the language
and imagery used.
 Ensure that you analyse and discuss the relationship between the
passage and the wider themes of the text and structure your response
by grouping related ideas together.
 Leave enough time to discuss the entire passage. An answer which only
discusses one section of the passage is incomplete.