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Q8a Points of Corroboration

The first question in Section C asks you to identify two or three precise points of corroboration, and support your answer from the text.

Corroboration simply means agreement; you are looking for points on which two (or more) witnesses agree. The question is worth 6 marks in total.

Question Format

This question will simply ask: “State two / three precise points of corroboration. Support these with references from the text.”

Strategy

To maximise your marks for this section, state what each point of corroboration is, i.e. what it is that the two witnesses agree about, and give two quotes to support your point. If you just state the point of corroboration (without giving quotes), or just give the quotes (without stating the point of corroboration) then you won’t get full marks, even if the element that you’ve missed out is obvious.

Remember to give the correct number of points of corroboration; if the question asks for two (as it probably will) then don’t just give one and move on.

Sample Answers

Good answer: Both John and Mary agree that Pete was drunk. John: “Pete was clearly intoxicated.” Mary: “I knew he was drunk because I could smell the alcohol on his breath.”

Weak answer: John and Mary say Pete was drunk.

Weak answer: “Pete was clearly intoxicated.” “I knew he was drunk.”