G.C.S.E weightings Paper 1 is 40% of your overall Language G.C.S.E Paper 2 is 60% of your G.C.S.E.

Before you begin Breathe… Read each question carefully at least twice before you read the specific lines. Mark your question paper where you should stop reading for each question. Mark by this line the approximate time that you should exit this question. Read the specific lines with the question in mind, use a highlighter or underline the key evidence that will help you. Be specific- too much highlighting or underlining will make it difficult to work out which evidence to use.

Doing the exam Track the text chronologically. Make clear points with evidence from the specific lines/text. Choose quotes carefully. It is not necessary to quote whole sentences- focus on words/phrases that allow you to make your point fully.

How it adds up. 5/10 =grade 4 6/10 = grade 5 7/10 = grade 6

AO3 Compare and contrast question Paper 2

You will compare and contrast in the Literature poetry papers and Language paper 2.

Language paper 2 AO3 Compare writer’s ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed across two or more texts. Questions could begin with… Compare the following… Identify similarities and differences

Comparison questions. This type will often tell you the focus for comparison. In the first line, it might say… ‘Both of these texts are about…’ or ‘In both of these texts, the writers give their views on…’ Draw out the differences and similarities in what they say and how they say it.

How to do it. You must compare each point as you go along. It is no good writing a few points about one text and then writing another few points about the text. THIS IS NOT COMPARING AND CONTRASTING! Instead Rishton uses humour to engage the reader when she says ‘………………’ In contrast, Smith decides to engage the reader with an extensive use of knowledge about Shakespeare as he refers to the writing methods that Shakespeare such as ‘……………………………….’

Comparing and contrasting You must clearly identify which text you are referring. To avoid errors, use the writer’s name. Not Extract 1 uses humour to… But Jennings uses humour to…

Refer back to the question repeating the key words from it. Making Connections Use a series of comparisons, using connectives to link ideas, both within paragraphs and between paragraphs. Similarity Connectives equally in the same way similarly likewise just as…also Contrast Connectives in contrast however whereas (best used in the middle of a sentence) on the other hand Refer back to the question repeating the key words from it.

AO4 Evaluation question

A04- evaluate Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references. If it asks for how you think or feel, you are not to have a rant about why you despise child labour. You must use the text to explore your personal feelings. It is asking you to explain and analyse what a writer does in order to make you respond as you do.

What do you need to do. Track through the text chronologically. A writer may be trying to manipulate your response through the structure of the text. Tracking the text will make sure that your response follows the sequence of events and do not miss vital clues. Stick close to the question and the text- answer it! Evidence from the text. Do not be afraid to disagree with what the task is saying as long as you can support it.

5-6 marks (grade 4&5) You give an evaluation (summary) of the text and the effects that the text has. You must use references to the text to support your evaluation. You will some critical awareness of the text. Eg; even though life in S Africa for a miner is shown by the writer to be difficult I feel sympathy for Obed as he is forced to leave ‘I knew I could not stay in the mines or I would be in danger’.

Pick out language for 7-8 7-8 marks (grade 6&7) You give a critical evaluation of the text and its effects. You must support this by well selected references to the text. You show critical awareness and engagement with the text. Eg’ the writer presents it as necessary for Obed to leave S Africa as the danger for him is still present as he has to leave the mines ‘secretly’. Whilst there is undoubtedly sympathy, the reader also feels relief as he is safe and pleased to be back at home.

9-10 marks (grade 8&9) You give a persuasive evaluation of the text and its effects. You support with convincing, well selected examples and precise textual references. Your responses show engagement and involvement. You take an overview (look at the big picture) to make accurate and perceptive comments. Eg; the writer conveys a sense of unfairness in the lack of justice in S Africa, that whilst the Zulus literally ‘get away with murder’, Obed is the one who pays the price by having to leave his relatively well=paid job ‘secretly’. However, our sympathy is not fully engaged as the writer knows that Obed feels that he has left a prison and we know that he is now free.

Questions could begin with… To what extent do you agree…? Evaluate… How effective is…? What do you think and feel…? State how you react to the following lines.

EUDQAS Page 117- 10 minute task What do you think and feel about the argument that little liars grow up to be great leaders? You should comment on: What is said How it is said.

Book 2, page 43-44 How do you react to what takes place in these lines.

Book 2, page 46-47 Complete the task independently and self-assess it on page 48.

Explain, comment on and analyse Use terminology.

AO2 The important part of this Assessment Objective is the word ‘relevant’. If the writer has used for imagery for effect and you recognise this, write it down, yet be sure to explain how the writer has done that.

What do you need to include in your answers… Zoom in on language Structure Terminology Effect on the reader

Questions could begin with… Explain How does the writer…?Compare the following… Analyse What impressions…?

A02- explain, comment on or analyse AO2 Explain, comment on or analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant terminology to support their views. How does the writer use language (words/phrases) and what is its effect? How does the writer organise the piece of writing and for what effect?

Impressions/effect The effect created by the writer by the way that the words and devices are deliberately used to create an impression or develop the thinking of the reader.

An ‘impression’ question means looking closely at the language! Read book 2, page 32-33 How does the writer create the impression that this day is out of the ordinary? Discuss. Overview of an impressions question- What specific words give you this impression and use terminology to say it. An ‘impression’ question means looking closely at the language!

Looking at language You need to study how a writer has used words and phrases to create meaning.

Book 2, page 25- language What impressions do you get of Patrick in these lines? Overview of an impressions question- What specific words give you this impression and use terminology to say it.

Looking at structure You need to look at the ways that the words, sentences and paragraphs have been ordered. A writer deliberately organises their writing to influence the reader and create effects.

Book 2, page 28- structure How does the writer make these lines tense and dramatic? How does the writer encourage you to feel sympathy for Marvin?

Book 2- how a writer influences a reader Page 36-39 How does the writer make this part of the story tense and dramatic?

Bringing it all together. A writer uses their writing tools (language, structure, devices etc) to influence a reader. Think about how they use those tools to influence the way a reader may respond to or engage with the text.

Book 2, page 41 How does the writer develop a sense of drama in this extract? (10)

AO1 Identify, interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas. Select and synthesise evidence from different texts.

Interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas. Explicit- something that is obvious from the text. For example, the waiter is always dropping things. This is because the text tells you that he is always dropping things. Implicit- a hidden meaning. For example, you conclude that ‘the waiter is clumsy.’ This is because you read about him dropping things on more than one occasion.

Top tips A point. Select evidence from the text. Explain what it means. You must present a range of different but relevant points. Avoid repeating yourself.

Select and synthesise evidence from different texts. Only applies to Paper 2. You must read both texts carefully and combine the information required in your answer. Top mark answers ‘provide an overview’. This means that the pupil has take a step back from the detail and considered the bigger picture of the texts.

Select and synthesise evidence from different texts. Try the task on page 80, book 2.

AO1 questions could begin with… Identify List- must be complete sentences. Select Summarise Synthesise

A ‘list’ question You should be writing a minimum of six different points for a 5 mark question. Write in full sentences, using quotes, but do not copy full unabridged quotations.   Be concise (to the point) and list a minimum of five. Make sure that each point is a separate point. Make sure that you answer the question within the designated lines.