 How do I get started?
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It is a good idea to discuss the specification with the students and find out in which areas they are interested. This should be done, if possible, at the end of the AS year. |
| Do all students in a group have to study the same topic?
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Not at all! In fact, it is hoped that students will have the opportunity to choose a topic in which they have a genuine interest. |
| Does that mean that the RBE cannot be taught in a whole class situation?
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No! It is entirely the choice of the teacher. The RBE can be taught in a 'whole class' situation where everyone studies the same research area, if that is the centre’s choice, or students can be given a completely free choice. |
| How many topics have to be studied?
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Only one topic has to be studied, although it is perfectly acceptable to study more. If two are studied, for example, that will give the students greater choice in the exam. |
| What is understood by research?
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Students need to show in the exam that they have researched widely in the target language to prepare for the examination. This can involve books, newspaper and magazine articles, film and television and of course the internet, amongst others. The research must be done predominantly in the target language. If studying the literature option, the chosen text – as long as it is a substantial text – will suffice. |
| What areas do you suggest for the geographical study?
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The most important thing is that an area is chosen in which the target language is spoken. Therefore places such as London or Manchester can not be chosen. Small towns or areas should also be avoided as there may well not be enough to research. For French, for example, Paris would be fine, but possibly not a small village in Provence. |
| If I am a native speaker, can I write about my home town?
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Yes you can. However you must show that you have researched the town in detail. That means that it is not acceptable to write a tourist brochure as an introduction to the town. You must research all aspects of the town as laid down in the specification and evaluate the importance of these. |
| Can students write about minority groups in other countries?
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Yes. For example, they may take the Südtirol region of Italy if studying German or Quebec in Canada if studying French. |
| What restrictions apply for the historical study?
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To be honest, none! As long as students choose a period which contains a lot of interesting events, then it will be fine. German students have much to choose from in the 20th century for example. |
| What is understood by modern society?
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This varies slightly depending which language is being studied. Principal Examiners have chosen a specific year which they consider to be a key point in the development of modern society. Please refer to the Research Based Essay Guide to find the specific date for the appropriate language. |
| How does the modern society option differ from the historical study?
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The area students prepare will need to be post the date given in the Research Based Essay Guide and must have a social, political and cultural dimension. Students need to beware of general topics such as abortion which are rarely specific to the target-language country. |
| What areas of the arts can students choose?
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Students may choose any substantial text, play or film as long as it is produced in the target language. Preparing for the exam using a translation or an adaptation of a film in English, such as The Reader based on the Schlink novel, is not acceptable.
A selection of poetry or the works of an artist, architect or musician are not appropriate for this exam specification. |
| Is it necessary to read criticisms and other articles about the chosen work?
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No, it is not essential, although it may well be useful to do so as this may well help to substantiate points and arguments made in the exam. |
| To what extent should students use quotations?
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Quotations should always be used, whenever appropriate, but they should not be used if they have no direct relevance to the points being made. |
| What specific piece of advice could help students to achieve a high mark?
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Two basic thoughts: students must not write a wholly factual and narrative style essay. All points made need to be evaluated and expanded upon. Secondly, it is not possible to pre-learn an essay and hope it will fit in the exam. |
| Is the accuracy of the language in the essay important?
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Clearly students should try to write in as accurate a way as possible, but the level of accuracy is less important here than in other parts of the A2 specification. Indeed, accuracy only counts for 6 of the 45 marks on offer. |
| How do I get further information and help?
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The Research Based Essay Guide, which can be found on GCE language-specific homepages of this website, is an essential document when preparing the RBE. It contains a generic section for all the languages as well as language specific sections which contain sample essays with assessment commentaries and suggested texts and films for the Literature and Arts study. Further questions can be directed to experienced examiners via the Ask the Expert service. |