WJEC English / English Language GCSE

JUST DO IT! Do as you’re told! The instructions are there to guide you. READ them and FOLLOW them!  Answer ALL questions  2 questions in 1 HOUR  Both worth 20 marks  = 30 minutes per question  = 3-4 mins to plan  & mins to write answer

Magic formula for success? READ the QUESTION and ANSWER IT!  For each task, identify the PTAT! - Purpose? - Tone / register / formality? - Audience? - Text type?

Magic formula for success? READ the QUESTION and PLAN IT!  Once you’ve identified the PTAT, PLAN! Think about: - Content (what you’re going to say) - Paragraphs (how you’re going to structure and organise your writing) That way, you’ll easily be able to write 1 ½ sides of A4 (which is your aim!)

Text types LETTER There is always a formal or informal letter task, so remember:  Layout – your address and date top right; their address top left.  Open with ‘Dear Mr Smith (ie the name of the person you are writing to)’’ and close with ‘Yours sincerely’ OR ‘Dear Sir / Madam’ and close with ‘Yours faithfully’ in a formal letter.  In an informal letter, select an appropriate opening and closing, e.g. ‘Dearest Gran’ and ‘Lots of love, Emily’.  Make your purpose AND viewpoint clear in the opening paragraph then give a range of reasons why in the rest of the letter before summing up your thoughts at the end.

Text types SPEECH There is quite often a speech, so remember:  Layout – full paragraphs without layout features or bullet points. Remember this would be spoken out loud.  Open by speaking to your audience, e.g. ‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ or ‘Fellow school council representatives’.  Make your purpose AND viewpoint clear in the opening paragraph then give a range of reasons why in the rest of the speech before summing up your thoughts at the end.  Speeches are usually persuasive so include lots of sensible and persuasive reasons to support your viewpoint and also use a range of persuasive devices to emphasise your points.

Text types MAGAZINE ARTICLE There is quite often a magazine article, so remember:  Layout – headline, leader, columns and paragraphs. You can include a box for a picture and write what would be in it but don’t waste time drawing – this is an English exam, not an art exam!  Introduce your topic and viewpoint, if appropriate, in the opening paragraph and make your style clear from the start.

Text types REPORT There is sometimes a report, so remember:  Layout – paragraphs with sub-headings.  Introduce your topic and viewpoint in the opening paragraph and make your style clear from the start.  Using PEA (Point, Evidence, Analysis) can be useful as reports are often analytical in content.

Purposes TRANSACTIONAL WRITING All tasks will be transactional in nature, so make sure you:  Adapt your content, style and tone to suit AUDIENCE  Make your PURPOSE clear (and check you’re doing as the task has directed you)  Adapted your style and layout to TEXT TYPE

Purposes ARGUE / PERSUADE / ADVISE Some tasks will be persuasive in nature, so:  Choose your stance or viewpoint and stick to it – in 30 minutes, you should not be giving both sides of an argument.  Only include the opposite viewpoint if you are then going to ‘rubbish’ or disprove it.  Include sensible reasons to support your view, argument or advice.  Think about and explain how a range of people will be affected.  Use a range of persuasive devices to emphasise your points.

Purposes ANALYSE / REVIEW / COMMENT Some tasks will be analytical, review like or comment based in nature, so:  Be biased – if it asks for your thoughts, write in the first person.  Be focussed – if it asks you to review or report, include ‘evidence’ to support your views or claims.  Be prepared – read some reviews and be prepared to include the key layout and language features if you are asked to ‘review’.

Marks CONTENT AND ORGANISATION Up to 13 marks are available for each task so:  Write in paragraphs.  Match your style and content to PTAT  Link the opening and closing of your writing.  Link the paragraphs and ideas within the paragraphs.  Think sensibly and sophisticatedly about the ideas and content you include.

Marks SENTENCING, SPELLING AND PUNCTUATION Up to 7 marks are available for each task so:  Use a range of sentence types and structures, and for precise effect if you are aiming for the higher grades.  Use a range of punctuation marks accurately and definitely make sure you are using full-stops properly and carefully punctuate direct speech.  Vary the openings of your sentences, unless you are using repetition for effect.  Spell common or simple words accurately.  Try to spell more complex words accurately, but if you’re not sure don’t worry; you’ll get better marks for being ambitious with your use of vocabulary.  ACTIVELY PROOF READ! Don’t leave it until the end of the task – be checking as you’re going through.

ALWAYS…  TIMINGS are essential  Follow instructions – JUST DO as you are TOLD  READ the questions THEN plan THEN write AND proof-read  Don’t forget: - PTAT! - Paragraphs! - Technical accuracy!