English Language Revision Guide

English Language Exam Question based on topic (16 marks) Of Mice and Men question (24 Marks) Based on passage Linked with character Linked with theme Focus on language 3 part question Question based on topic (16 marks) Choice of two questions Topical Focus on what you say How you say it How well it is written

For the exam on OMAM, you will need to be familiar with the following key features of language: • voice • imagery • appeal to the senses • speech and thought • techniques of persuasion • sentence length and variety • structure • any other interesting use of language

A good way to revise is to choose a part of the text that is significant and make note of each: • voice • imagery • appeal to the senses • speech and thought • techniques of persuasion • sentence length and variety • structure • any other interesting use of language

Revision technique Choose at least two extracts from each of the 6 sections from Of Mice and Men and make note of: Characters Significance to the text Prominent themes featured And all the language features from the previous slide

Eg. p18 Opening to OMAM Sets the scene as calm, focus on nature: ‘water is warm’, ‘golden foothill slopes’, ‘a lizard makes a great skittering’ Atmosphere: calm, peaceful ‘on the sandy bank’, ‘sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs’ Contrast of nature v man: ‘a path beaten hard by boys come down to swim’, ‘an ash pile made by many fires’, ‘limb is worn smooth by men’

In the exam you will be asked to read an extract from OMAM and answer questions in reference to it. Read p22 from the lines ‘Tried and tried’ to the lines ‘Come on, give it here.’ Discuss the language used to show the relationship between George and Lennie. Consider another part of OMAM where language is used to show Lennie and George’s relationship.

Characters from OMAM Lennie George Carlson Curley Curley’s wife Slim Candy Crooks A good way to revise would be to create a slide for each character Describe each in as much detail you can Take notes on links to other characters Consider themes they represent Consider significant passages they are in through OMAM

Themes and Significant Events Hopes Dreams (American Dream) Great Depression Loneliness Isolation Racism Relationships/friendships A good way to revise would be to create a slide for each Describe each in as much detail you can Take notes on links to others Consider significant passages they are in through OMAM Have quotes represent each Consider characters that link with each

Writing Question You will have the opportunity to: write a response to a situation, issue or problem from a context to which you can relate develop your own writing skills, by studying the writing of others, to express ideas and information clearly, precisely, accurately and appropriately shape and craft your own work.

Writing Question In this section students should answer one writing question from a choice of two. Students will: • demonstrate their skills in reflecting on ideas, issues, experiences and events, rather than on their narrative or descriptive skills • write in a form such as a newspaper article, formal report, magazine review or a contribution to a media programme. The target audience for the communication will be given • reflect and comment on contemporary issues, situations or problems that are within their general experience – such as lifestyle, school/college life, local issues or national issues that affect young people.

Practice Questions Write a letter to a friend in which you argue for your choice of destination for a holiday you are going on together. Write the text for a website in which you argue that we do or do not treat animals in a humane way. Write a letter to your local MP suggesting how your neighbourhood could be improved for young people.

Presentation of Slim p92-93: Contrast to Slim- not as calm, thinks on his feet- p148-149: similarities to the first extract- Slim in extract to calm George down- p89-90: p134:

Last remarks Remember to manage your time well! The exam in 1 hour and 45 minutes, so spend: No more than an 30 minutes on each OMAM question No more than 40 minutes on the writing question Remember to PEE- give a point, get an example (or more) and explain how it directly relates to the question Use strong topic sentences!

Practice Question Using p64 to the middle of p65, discuss how Slim’s character is presented to the reader. Focus on the language features used, and provide specific examples. Prepare your planning, no need to actually write the response.