Chapter 3
IN THIS LESSON
English Language Essentials
You need to be able to carefully select and use evidence to support the points you make in your writing. Whether you use long or short quotations, it’s important to use them properly to score the highest marks.
This applies to both GCSE English papers 1 and 2, and in Functional Skills English exams.
English Language Essentials
When using quotations, always ensure they are relevant to the point you’re making. For example, in Breaking Bad, when Walter White says:
‘I am not in danger, Skyler. I am the danger.’
This shows his transformation into a more menacing figure and the change in his character’s moral compass.
Further Details
For longer quotations, follow these steps:
Introduce with a colon.
Start the quote on a new line.
Put it in quotation marks.
Copy it accurately.
Start your explanation on a new line.
For instance, in Better Call Saul, when Jimmy McGill says:
‘I don’t need to be a lawyer. I need to be the guy who runs the show.’
This highlights Jimmy's ambition and desire for power, setting up his character arc in the series.
English Language Activity
Now, practice with this exercise:
Choose (or find) a quote from a popular TV show:
How do the words used show the tension and conflict within his character?
Use the P-E-E structure to explain how the choice of words reflects his inner struggle.
Bonus Activity
Shorter quotations can often be more powerful than longer ones. For example, in The Last of Us, when Ellie says, ‘You’re not my dad,’ it immediately highlights the emotional distance and loss she feels, creating a powerful moment between her and Joel.
Knowledge Check/Review
When using a longer quotation, what are the key steps you need to follow to ensure it’s used effectively in your answer?
Why might shorter quotations be more effective than longer ones in supporting your point? Explain with an example of how a short quotation could be used in a TV show scene.
