English Exam Paper 1

1. English Exam Paper 1 There are two sections : Section A : Reading Media and Non-Fiction Texts (1 Hour) Section B : Writing to Argue/Persuade (45 Minutes)

2. Section A : Reading Media/Non-fiction Texts You will be asked questions on the texts to show your understanding of the following: Following an argument Fact and opinion Comparing texts Writers� use of language to target an audience and to achieve a particular purpose Writers� use of layout and presentation to target an audience and to achieve a particular purpose

3. Media and Non-fiction Text Types You could be asked to read any of the following text types: ~ Tabloid newspaper ~ Broadsheet newspaper ~ Pamphlet ~ Advertisement ~ Magazine article ~ Webpage ~ Newspaper article ~ Diary ~ Biography

4. How to tackle the questions To start, skim read the questions and then, quickly, read the texts, making notes on the texts as you read. Spend 5-8 minutes on this. Answer all the questions Before answering each question, underline the key words in the question and note how many marks are available. Timing is important: spend the right amount of time on each question As a rough guide, double the number of marks available and spend just under this number of minutes on the question. Make enough points to match the number of marks available

5. Following An Argument Make sure that you make enough different points in your answer Make sure that your points actually answer the question Don�t spend too long on this question Make sure that you use quotes in your answer Try to use embedded quotes (quotes inside your own sentences)

6. Fact and Opinion You will need to give examples( quotes ) to show that you can tell the difference between fact and opinion Make sure that you give enough examples of each You will be asked to explain how facts and opinions are used to influence the reader and to achieve the writer�s purpose Make sure that you are actually answering the question asked

7. Comparing Texts It is likely that you will be asked to compare two texts, with a particular focus Make sure that you are clear what the focus of the question is Write about the texts equally Use connectives/sign posts to make links : ~Similarly, In the same way, Likewise ~In contrast, On the other hand, However,

8. Language You wil be asked to explain how writers use language to either appeal to the target audience or to achieve their intended purpose, or both of these things For every point that you make, you must give an example(quote) and then explain how your quote influences the target audience and/or helps to achieve the writer�s purpose Make sure that you make enough different points

9. Language You might comment on the following features of language: ~ formal/informal ~ emotive ~ simple/complex ~ balanced/biased ~ figurative (similies, metaphors, alliteration, etc.) ~ Personal pronouns- you/we/us ~ Irony, sarcasm or other humour ~ Choice of detail ~ Exaggeration ~ Command ~ Repetition ~ Pun/word play ~ Sentence constructions ~ Punctuation

10. Presentation and Layout You will be asked to explain how writers use layout and presentation to infuence the target audience and/or achieve their intended purpose Layout means where the words have been placed on the page; where the words are on the page are in relation to pictures; the shape of the writing; the use of paragraphs, whitespace, bullets, boxes, pugs, headlines, straplines, subheadings, etc. Presentation means the use of images, font size, bold and type, colour, graphics, etc. Always support your points with examples and explain how the technique influences the target audience by highlighting a point or by suggesting meaning

11. Presentation and Layout It is important that you use media terminology for the higher grades, like target audience, copy(writing), subject(person in an image), object(thing in an image),splash(main story on the front page of a newspaper), pug, strapline, endorsement by a famous person or scientific theory, caption, etc. You need to go into detail when explaining how the image(s) are used to influence the reader: pick out details, describe them, explain what they mean and how the reader will react, and how this helps the writers to achieve their intended purpose

12. Key Points Answer all the questions Double the number of marks available and spend just under this time, in minutes, on the question Key word every question and keep focused on it in your answer Make enough points for the marks available Give quotes to support your points Explain how quotes influence the target audience and achieve the writer�s purpose Write in enough detail on the image(s) Use media terminology Don�t spend more than 1 hour on this section

13. Section B : Writing To Argue/Persuade You will have 4 questions to choose from � only answer 1 question Choose either argue or persuade You will have 45 minutes You will need to show that you can write appropiately for the text type, audience and purpose given in the question

14. Text Type The question will ask you to write in the style of a particular text type, probably one of the following: ~ a letter ~ a pamphlet ~ a webpage ~ an advertisement(the copy) ~ a magazine or newspaper article ~ a report ~ a speech ~ a flyer

15. Text Type You will need to use the correct layout and style for the text type given in the question For example, a letter would begin, �Dear....� and, if formal, would end �Yours sincerely,�(if you name the person you are writing to) or �Yours faithfully,�(if you use Sir/Madam/Editor) An article for a magazine or newspaper would have a heading and strapline(although columns are not necessary) A newspaper report would have a headline, strapline,lead paragraph and subheadings A speech would open with �Good morning� and end �Thank-you for listening Etc.

16. Audience You will need to consider who you are writing for � your target audience Show that you are aware of your audience by: ~ mentioning your audience by name, at least three times � at the start, in the middle and at the end ~ using appropriate language for your given audience : formal or informal (be careful not to use too many slang words if you are writing to your peers, just a few) ~ write about the issues your audience are interested in and/or concerned about Remember, your audience could be made up of more than one group of people

17. Purpose Your purpose is either to argue or to persuade If you argue, you must use counter-argument If you persuade, assume that your audience holds the opposite view and that you will need to change their minds You must use a wide range of language techniques to argue/persuade

18. Language Techniques to Argue/Persuade Rhetorical question Personal pronouns: you, we, us Imperative (command) Hyperbole (exaggeration) Counter argument Repetition Emotive language Personal experience Flattery Groups of three Irony or sarcasm Comparisons and contrasts Statistics Alliteration/rhyme for catchy headings and subheadings

19. Writing Skills Vocabulary � use a wide range and complex words, choosing them for maximum impact on the reader Spelling � check for mistakes with frequently used words Sentences � use a wide range and complex sentences. Use short ones for dramatic effect

20. Writing Skills Punctuation : Use commas in sentences Check for full stops, question marks, exclamation marks Check apostrophes have been used Try to use colons and semi-colons Organisation � use paragraphs and try to link them Structure � have a clear opening, development and ending

21. Sign Posts/Connectives Use these sorts of connectives to organise points: Firstly, Secondly, Next, Finally,/In conclusion,/To conclude, etc. Use these sorts of connectives to present a different view point: However, Although, On the other hand, Conversely, Whereas, etc. Use these sorts of connectives to emphasize a point: Clearly, Moreover, Furthermore, etc. Use these to link similarities: In the same way, Similary, Likewise Remember, use them at the start of paragraphs to link paragraphs and within paragraghs to organise and link points Don�t forget to put a comma after the connective

22. How To Tackle The Question Key word your chosen question, underlining the key words Make a quick brainstorm/spider plan to think of lots of different points to make Make a paragraph plan to structure your points and organise them If you�re stuck for different points, try lots of counter arguments and lots of comparisons Remember how important it is that you have a clear opening. A rhetorical question here helps to introduce your topic and involve your audience Your ending is also important: signal it with a sign post like �Finally,� and refer back to your opening. An imperative(command) is an easy way to have a firm ending

23. Key Points Use the layout and style for the text type in the question Keep focused on the audience in the question Use lots of language techiques to persuade/argue Use connectives/sign posts Make lots of different points Have a clear opening and conclusion Spend up to 12 minutes planning; 30 minutes writing; 3 minutes checking Aim to write 2+ sides