English GCSE Revision

Section A - Reading There are essentially 5 reading questions as Q1 has two parts. You are being tested on your reading, not your writing skills. However, it’s a good idea to write clearly and accurately. Use PEE for questions 1b and 2 Use keywords from the question in your answers Use connectives to structure your answers: firstly, secondly, in addition, moreover. Use connectives to compare and contrast Contrast (different)Compare (similar) …unlike… …whereas… …in other words… …on the other hand… …alternatively… …instead… …equally… …in the same way… …similarly… …likewise… …as with…

1a. Finding information Stick to simple facts Relate answers to the question Answer in short sentences 4 marks (6 mins) This question offers the easiest 4 marks in the entire paper! Make sure you get all of them.

1b. Inference - short Use PEE Use inference (explain what you think) Repeat key word in the question in your answer. Recent exam papers have been: feelings, what you learn, interesting or surprising Use three examples only 4 marks (6 mins) Say a lot about a little!

2. Inference – long (same skills as 1b but longer) Use PEE Develop inference (explain what you think) Repeat key word in the question in your answer. Recent exam papers have been: problems, what do you learn? Use examples only 8 marks (12 mins) Say a lot about a little!

3. Language Focus on language, not content Comment on the effect of the language Use correct terms if you know them (imperative, declarative, rhetorical, pronoun, etc) Relate examples to key words in the question. If the question asks for two particular uses of language, say inform and advise, use examples of both. Use examples 12 marks (18 mins) Say a lot about a little!

4. Presentation Choose 3 presentational features used in both texts and compare them. Describe the feature clearly, using correct terms. Analyse and describe what’s happening in the pictures. Make a developed comment on the feature’s effect in that particular text. Go for the obvious: images, graphics, titles, colour, font, logo. 12 marks (18 mins) Say a lot about a little!

Section B - Writing Past papers: Jun 2011: travel website text, magazine article Jun 2012: radio script, letter Jan 2012: letter, magazine article Nov 2012: article, speech There are two writing questions. You will be marked on the composition, structure, sentence variation, punctuation and spelling.

5. Short writing task (Inform, Describe, Explain) Be clear about purpose and audience Write at least a page of your answer book Include features of the correct type of writing Use clearly structured paragraphs with topic sentences Vary sentences for effect Use interesting, appropriate vocabulary Spell and punctuate accurately 16 marks (24 mins)

6. Long writing task (argue, persuade) Be clear about purpose and audience Write at least a page of your answer book Include features of the correct type of writing Use clearly structured paragraphs with topic sentences Vary sentences for effect Use interesting, appropriate vocabulary Spell and punctuate accurately 24 marks (36 mins)

Finally… your chance to squeeze in a few more marks! Check punctuation (particularly capital letters!) throughout. Check you have used topic sentences and varied sentences. Check spelling. Section B - Writing Section A - Reading Check you have answered 1a correctly. Don’t miss out on these easy marks! Check you have used quotations. Check inferences.