German A EE exemplar A · May 2015

From the outset, the research question is clearly stated, set into a well explained context with mention of the key areas the essay focuses on, resulting in an effective treatment. The approach used by the candidate is well chosen encompassing suitable and detailed social and literary research as well as a survey the candidate conducted amongst his peers. The integration of this into the essay's argument has been managed with sophistication and intelligence. In the context of the Vida Voce, the candidate had the opportunity to state the significance of the topic and why it is worthy of investigation. He explained convincingly how strongly his own language as well as of the young people around him had been influenced by the language used by rap artists. He therefore wanted to probe deeper into this and challenge himself to write about street poetry, poetry quite different from the poetry examined in the curriculum. The candidate demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of the development of rap in Germany and a very good level of understanding of how the lyrics in the two raps are engaging in such a way that young people want to employ the language used in their own speech. A competent analysis is carried out. A convincing examination of the general background of rap leads to closer examination of the two songs which are almost twenty years apart. In his analysis the candidate demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the lyrics studied. The candidate's personal response is sensitive and clearly expressed. The whole argument has been carefully organized and fully substantiated, leading to a conclusion which is relevant and consistent, leaving the reader to reflect upon the issues raised. The language employed by the candidate is precise, coherent and fluent. The referencing is performed correctly, the formal presentation is good and the essay is thereby holistically judged to be very good.