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English GCSE Revision. 3 rd April 2014. English & English Literature GCSE Exams- Key Dates. 20 th May- English Literature Exam 1 22 nd May- English Literature Exam 2 3 rd June- WJEC Unit 1 and Unit 2 Exam 3 rd June- Paper 1 IGCSE 5 th June- Paper 2 IGCSE.
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English GCSE Revision 3rd April 2014
English & English Literature GCSE Exams- Key Dates • 20th May- English Literature Exam 1 • 22nd May- English Literature Exam 2 • 3rd June- WJEC Unit 1 and Unit 2 Exam • 3rd June- Paper 1 IGCSE • 5th June- Paper 2 IGCSE
Know which paper you are entered for: • You will be either sitting the: • Higher WJEC Unit 1 and Unit 2 - 3rd June Or the • Foundation WJEC Unit 1 and Unit 2- 3rd June Or the • IGCSE ( No tier of entry)- 3rd June and the 5th June
How much revision should I be doing? • You should be spending 3 hours on revision or homework per week in English • At least 1 hour on a past paper for English • At least an hour on key English exam skills ( punctuation, sentence structure, drafting, speed writing, expanding vocabulary or reading the revision guide) • At least 1 hour on your Literature revision ( play, prose text, poetry)
How can I revise for English? • Practice past papers- all available on website- hard copies available in WS02. • Actively read through the revision guide and practice the exercises and possible questions- available online and in WS02 • Develop your vocabulary- spend some time creating a synonym bank of words that you often use. • Practice literacy exercises- pack available on the website or in WS02 • Re read your literature texts- create mind maps on key characters and themes- top 10 quotes • Read all the revision guides on the website for the play, prose text and poetry guide for your Literature Exam • Use BBC Bitesize and other recommended revision sites and revision guides to help prepare for the Literature exam. • Practice writing under timed conditions- speed writing exercises.
Key Skills for Unit 1- Reading or Paper 2 IGCSE • Check your timings for each question • Underline key points in relation to the question as you are reading • Always question- what is the Purpose, Audience and Format and how do you know? What features of the language or presentation tell you this? • How are facts and opinions used to convey an argument? • How is the extract structured to build an argument? • How are presentational devices used and to what effect? • The more points you make, the more marks you get. Check that you have made enough points for each question. • Constantly think about the effect on the audience.
How to get a C / B on the Writing paper • 5 types of punctuation other than a full stop and comma • You must use paragraphs correctly • Vary sentences, use complex and compound sentences • Control your use of tenses ( don’t swap between past and present) • Aim for 2 sides of A4 per question • Show a clear understanding of purpose, audience and format. • Show a clear awareness of the reader • Use at least 4 stylistic techniques. • Use a range of vocabulary to convey precise meaning.
To achieve an A/ A* on writing: • Sophisticated understanding of purpose, audience and format – adapting language and structure to suit. • Ideas are effectively prioritised to construct a sophisticated argument. • Paragraphs are varied in length and structure to control progression. • Confident and sophisticated use of a range of stylistic devices. • Ambitious vocabulary is used to convey precise meaning. • Variety of punctuation used for effect to vary pace, clarify meaning and create deliberate effects. • Sophisticated use of simple, compound and complex sentences to achieve effects • A wide vocabulary used for effect ( crafted) • FLAIR and creativity.
Useful websites • http://www.sprowstonhigh.org/cms/year-1011-revision-zone/english • http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english • http://www.wjec.co.uk- lots of past papers ( either Unit 1 or 2 or old English paper 2) • http://www.englishbiz.co.uk This site is helpful for revising grammar and the writing tasks. • http://www.gcse.com/english/ A useful site for general English skills • http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/english A helpful site in terms of writing styles • http://www.educationquizzes.com/gcse/english/ Lots of quizzes to help with punctuation and writing styles • www.universalteacher.org.uk • Another good resource for revising Literature texts especially. Also some advice for comprehension skills • https://www.gradesaver.com/- Detailed guides on all Literature texts • http://www.sparknotes.com- For help with all your literature texts • www.guardian.co.uk-Probably best newspaper resource online. Excellent preparation for Unit 1 with its media bias.