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GCSE English Literature · Edexcel style · Part (a), extract
Edexcel style part (a): persuasion (20 marks, AO2) (Julius Caesar)
AO220 marks · about 25 minutes

Explore how Shakespeare presents the power of persuasion in this extract. Refer closely to the extract in your answer. [20 marks] AO2

Read the extract, then write below it.
BRUTUS. Be patient till the last. Romans, countrymen, and lovers, hear me for my cause; and be silent, that you may hear. Believe me for mine honour, and have respect to mine honour, that you may believe. Censure me in your wisdom, and awake your senses, that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, to him I say that Brutus’ love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living, and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honour him; but, as he was ambitious, I slew him. There is tears, for his love; joy for his fortune; honour for his valour; and death, for his ambition. Who is here so base, that would be a bondman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so rude, that would not be a Roman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so vile, that will not love his country? If any, speak; for him have I offended. I pause for a reply. CITIZENS. None, Brutus, none. BRUTUS. Then none have I offended. I have done no more to Caesar than you shall do to Brutus. The question of his death is enroll’d in the Capitol, his glory not extenuated, wherein he was worthy; nor his offences enforc’d, for which he suffered death. Enter Antony and others, with Caesar’s body. Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony, who, though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dying, a place in the commonwealth; as which of you shall not? With this I depart, that, as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country to need my death. CITIZENS. Live, Brutus! live, live! FIRST CITIZEN. Bring him with triumph home unto his house. SECOND CITIZEN. Give him a statue with his ancestors. THIRD CITIZEN. Let him be Caesar. FOURTH CITIZEN. Caesar’s better parts Shall be crown’d in Brutus. FIRST CITIZEN. We’ll bring him to his house with shouts and clamours. BRUTUS. My countrymen,— SECOND CITIZEN. Peace! Silence! Brutus speaks.
Source: William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar (1599). Public domain.
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How this is marked

AO2 (published assessment objective): Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support their views (English). For Geography: demonstrate geographical understanding of concepts and how they are used in relation to places, environments and processes, and the interrelationships between places, environments and processes. For History: explain and analyse historical events and periods studied using second-order historical concepts.

Assessed against AO2 using Revision Robin's own level descriptors below. These are not the exam board's mark scheme. Every quotation in the feedback is checked against your answer and the extract before you see it, and a teacher's mark overrides ours.

Level 5 · 17 to 20Convincing, critical and exploratory response to the task and the whole text. Judicious, precise references integrated into the argument; analysis of the writer's methods with subject terminology used to sharpen the point; ideas about context or the writer's purpose are woven into the argument rather than bolted on.
Level 4 · 13 to 16Thoughtful, developed response. Apt references used to support a considered argument; examination of the writer's methods and their effects; ideas about context are relevant and linked to the task.
Level 3 · 9 to 12Clear, explained response. Relevant references; clear explanation of some methods and effects; some relevant comment on context.
Level 2 · 5 to 8Some explained comment. A supported point or two; some reference to the text; methods identified with simple comment on effect; context mentioned in passing or not at all.
Level 1 · 1 to 4Simple, supported comment. Narrates or describes the text; little reference to methods or context.