How can I ace the English Language Exam? LO1: Understand the key things you need to do in your English Language exam to get brilliant marks.

READING - 75 minutes (1 & ½ minutes per mark) Generally Required (marks): - Q1 – Explaining Information (8) - Q2 – Analysing Presentation Features (8) - Q3 – Explaining what’s suggested and viewpoint (8) - Q4 – Comparing Language Features, usually between two texts (16)

READING cont… - Use PEA…L (Point, Evidence, Analysis & Link) - When comparing language, look out for: * Level of formality* Use of facts/opinions * Significant words* Emotive language * Sentence length* Rhetoric - Techniques to talk about: * Repetition* Similes * Metaphors* Alliteration ALWAYS EXPLAIN THE EFFECTS – How are the features used?

READING cont… KEY SKILLS BEING ASSESSED… - Ability to find information - Ability to analyse presentational and language features - Ability to compare features and effects - Ability to understand viewpoint and suggestions - Ability to analyse language

WRITING - 2 Questions - Shorter Task will be Inform, Explain, Describe (25 minutes) - Longer Task will be Argue and Persuade (35 minutes) You must always: Adapt to audience & purpose Add features – examples, anecdotes, quotes, rhetorical questions, lists, facts, similes. Make comments bright and interesting. Make stats believable (even if they are made up!)

WRITING cont… Regardless of type of writing, you can (and need to) vary: - Paragraph lengths (always include a short, punchy paragraph) - Sentence lengths & types (1 or 2 short sentences for effect) - Punctuation types ( ), - : ! ? “ “ ; - Vocabulary - Openings (Capture the interest of the audience) - Endings

WRITING cont… PLANNING IS KEY! Way to effectively plan in the time given: 1. Underline the important words in the title. 2. Produce a spider diagram. 3. Convert the ideas into a numbered list. 4. Add ideas you intend to include.

WRITING cont… A good approach to the writing tasks is: PLAN… 3-4 minutes WRITE… * 1-2 sides for inform, explain, describe (Task 1) * 2-4 sides for argue and persuade (Task 2) CHECK… go through in final 3 minutes, checking punctuation, sentence structures, etc.

WRITING cont… KEY SKILLS BEING ASSESSED… - Ability to write for audience and purpose - Ideas - Structure and paragraphing - Sentences and punctuation - Vocabulary and expression - Spelling

Last few reminders… - Don’t panic – you have 2 and a half hours! - Get the examiner on side – don’t waffle or make unnecessary comments. - Quality, not quantity is what’s important. - Do not put your pen down till you are asked too.