EXAM PREPARATION GUIDE
REMEMBER – As you read the sources, circle quotes that you could use for Question 4 (re: use of language)
Question 1 (8 Marks, 12 minutes)
· Will often ask what you understand or have learned
· DON’T MENTION THE READER
· Make sure you answer the question
· 4 PEE Paragraphs
o Point – Make a statement (end with a full stop)
o Evidence – Use a SHORT (8 words or less quote)
o Explanation – Make an inference about what it suggests (developed inferences get you full marks, answer 2 questions deep)
Question 2 (8 Marks, 12 minutes)
· Will ask how the headline an picture are effective and how they link to the text
· KEEP MENTIONING THE READER
· 2 paragraphs comparing picture to the body text
o Remember denotation (what you see) and then the connotation (what it suggests)
o Remember to use a quote from the body of the text as well
o Things you can talk about within the picture
· Colours
· Non verbal communication
· 2 paragraphs comparing the headline to the body text
o Remember to explore the connotation of what individual words in the heading mean
o Remember to use a quote from the body of the text as well
Question 3 (8 Marks, 12 minutes)
· Will ask you about thoughts and feelings
· DON’T MENTION THE READER
· Make sure make it about the thoughts and feelings
· 4 PEE Paragraphs
o Point – Make a statement (end with a full stop).. E.g. Stepehn Fry feels ___________.
o Evidence – Use a SHORT (8 words or less quote)
o Explanation – Make an inference about what it suggests (developed inferences get you full marks, answer 2 questions deep)
Question 4 (16 marks, 24 minutes)
· Will ask you to compare how the writers use language
· Language Features (see attached sheet), level of language, sentence use, interesting verbs, interesting adjectives, vivid language.
· 4 MegaPEE Paragraphs (or 8 smaller paragraphs)
· Source 1 Point – Make a statement (end with a full stop)
· S1 Evidence – Use a SHORT (3 words or less quote)
· S1 Explanation – Make an inference about THE EFFECT ON THE READER (remember time is of the essence here)
o HOWEVER, ON THE OTHER HAND, IN COMPARISON…
· S2 Point
· S2 Evidence
· S2 Explanation
Question 5 (16 marks, 10 content, 6 SPAG, 24 minutes)
· Will ask you to explain something
· Pay attention to the FORMAT being asked of, and replicate the look of it in your answer
· Write in paragraphs
· Use a variety of punctuation
· Use a mix of short and long sentences
· Use some language features
· Use discourse markers
· Use rhetorical questions, hyperbole or irony
· Use some extended vocabulary (don’t repeat any key adjectives/verbs)
Past Question 5’s
Write an entry for your blog describing your favourite time of year and explaining why you like it.
The travel section of your local newspaper is inviting readers to write about their
favourite place. Write a letter to the editor describing a favourite place you know and explaining why others would like it.
Write an entry for your online blog which describes a time when you felt uncertain or unsure about a situation you were in and explain how you overcame it.
Write a letter which you hope will be published in your local newspaper. Inform readers what leisure facilities are available for young people and families in your area and explain how you think they could be improved.
Question 6 (24 marks, 16 content, 8 SPAG, 36 minutes)
· Will ask you to argue something
· Pay attention to the FORMAT being asked of, and replicate the look of it in your answer
· Write in paragraphs
· Use a variety of punctuation
· Use a mix of short and long sentences
· Use some language features
· Use discourse markers
· Use rhetorical questions, hyperbole or irony
· Use some extended vocabulary (don’t repeat any key adjectives/verbs)
· Link your paragraphs (firstly, secondly, finally) or the more ambitious, “although”
Past Question 6’s
‘There’s no point making the effort and taking the risk of travelling the world, disturbing people and animals as you go, when you can see it all on TV or the Internet.’
Write a magazine article which persuades young people either to travel or stay at home.
A recent report states: ‘Homelessness in the UK is a crisis that is destroying the lives of people, especially young people.’ Write an article for your school or college newspaper persuading young people to support charities which help the homeless.
It has been said that: ‘People who save lives or help improve the lives of others are the true role models of today.’ Write an article for a newspaper in which you argue your view about what makes a good role model.
‘Life is too easy for young people today. They lack challenges and don’t have to fight
for anything.’ Write an article for a magazine of your choice which persuades your readers that this statement is either right or wrong.
More on Question 4
For this question, you should write 4 paragraphs, each containing a pair of quotations, which you are able to compare. The quotations do not have to be spread out over the text.
One of the most difficult skills is picking the most suitable quotations. If you have the right quotations, it makes it easy to pick out the effects on the reader. Practice picking out REALLY GOOD quotations for your revision! Make sure quotations are short. One word is best, then 2, then 3; 8, 9 or 10 is too many!
Once you have the right quotations, it is easier to discuss effects. You could start with: how does it make you feel: sympathy? Or envy for the writer? Or, you could look at the feel of the text. For example: “the wind was whipping itself” the alliteration of ‘w’ sounds helps to create the sound of the wind; the personification of the wind whipping itself helps the atmosphere feel a bit crazy!
The formula is:
What is the language like? EG both writers use vivid language, or both writers use similes, or a really good one which can always be used is: both writers use interesting verbs or adjectives
Prove it with a quotation
Discuss the effect of the quotation on the reader
Use a comparing word (however, whereas, similarly) and say what the language is like in the second piece.
Prove it with a quotation
Discuss the effect of this quotation and how it is similar/ different to the first techniques.
Repeat x3!
Note: it is better to do this twice and explore language thoroughly, than do it 4 times without digging deep!
If time is short, do 2 detailed paragraphs, each containing a pair of quotations. Go back at the end of the paper and do another one or two paragraphs with paired quotations.