Extract question

In the exam, you will have to complete two questions about Blood Brothers: the first will ask you to write about an extract from the play.

For extract questions, you must read the text carefully more than once. You should pick out key words and phrases that are linked to the question and think about the effect of these. Make sure the quotations you choose are not too long.

The questions for higher and foundation tier will often be about the same extract but will usually ask different questions about the extract.

Foundation tier question

Read the extract below. Then answer the following question:

What are your thoughts and feelings as you read this extract? Give reasons for what you say, and remember to support your answer with words and phrases from the extract.

Higher tier question

Read the extract below. Then answer the following question:

Look closely at how the characters speak and behave here. How does it create mood and atmosphere for an audience?

The extract

[EDWARD reaches his home and walks in. His mother hugs him and his father produces a toy gun for him. EDWARD, delighted, seizes it and ‘shoots’ his father, who spiritedly ‘dies’ to EDWARD’s great amusement. EDWARD and his father romp on the floor.] (1)

[MRS LYONS settles herself in an armchair with a story book, calling EDWARD over to her. EDWARD goes and sits with her, MR LYONS joining them and sitting on the arm of the chair.]

[MRS JOHNSTONE turns and goes into her house at the end of the song.]

[MR LYONS gets up and walks towards the door.]

EDWARD

Daddy... we haven’t finished the story yet. (2)

MR LYONS

Mummy will read the story, Edward. I’ve got to go to work for an hour.

[MRS LYONS gets up and goes to her husband, EDWARD goes to the bookshelf and leafs through a dictionary.]

MRS LYONS

Richard you didn’t say...

MR LYONS

Darling, I’m sorry, but if, if we complete this merger I will, I promise you, have more time. That’s why we’re doing it, Jen. If we complete this, the firm will run itself and I’ll have plenty of time to spend with you both.

MRS LYONS

I just – it’s not me, it’s Edward. You should spend more time with him. I don’t want – I don’t want him growing away from you. (3)

EDWARD

Daddy, how do you spell bogey man?

MRS LYONS

Ask mummy. Darling, I’ll see you later now. Must dash. (4)

[MR LYONS exits.]

EDWARD

Mummy, how do you spell bogey man?

MRS LYONS

Mm?

EDWARD

Bogey man?

MRS LYONS

[Laughing] Edward, wherever did you hear such a thing?

EDWARD

I’m trying to look it up.

MRS LYONS

There’s no such thing as a bogey man. It’s a – a superstition. The sort of thing a silly mother might say to her children (5) – ‘The bogey man will get you’.

EDWARD

Will he get me?

MRS LYONS

Edward, I’ve told you, there’s no such thing.

A doorbell is heard.
MRS LYONS goes to answer the door.

MICKEY

[Off] Does Eddie live here?

MRS LYONS

[Off] Pardon?

MICKEY

[Off] Does he? Is he comin’ out to play, eh? (6)

EDWARD

[Shouting] Mickey!

[MICKEY enters, pursued by MRS LYONS.]

MICKEY

Hi-ya, Eddie. I’ve got our Sammy’s catapult. Y’ comin’ out?

Making a start:

Read the extract and think about the following questions:

Has the writer used strong words that give a particular feeling?
What impression do you get of the different characters in this extract?
How do the characters react to each other?
Is there anything important about the stage directions?

Analysing the extract

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Sample exam question – WJECExtract question