1. English Language Revision Guide

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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’

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

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

14. 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!

15. 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.