Revision- Paper 1: unseen non fiction EDEXCEL certificate English language Saturday, 24 November 2018

Before you start This is a 2 hour 15 minute paper and you will need every minute of it! Watch the clock! Try to answer every question –The last question is worth 1/3 of the total marks. In the exam, the answers are written on the paper – the available space suggests the imagined length of response. You can pick up marks for “quality of written communication” – take time to proof read. The Paper is in 3 parts and I will address it in that manner in the following slides.

Make a note of the start time and put the time you aim to complete each section at the top of the paper as you begin. SECTION A Based on an unseen non-fiction text. This passage is around 50-60 lines long. You are advised to spend 45 minutes on this section. There are three questions: Questions 1&2 check your understanding of the passage. Question 3 should be an analysis of the way in which the passage is written – “how does the writer…” Q 1&2 are worth 8 marks in total Q3 is worth 12 marks. Thus divide your time carefully here. Allow 5 minutes reading time and then ensure that you do not spend more than 15 minutes on Q 1&2. Allow the longer time for Q3.

The short questions… 8 marks in total The skill here is to retrieve information and to process it into your own words: To gather information we need to skim the passage and to highlight information as we reach it. Work chronologically and quickly. Remember that in most writing of this type, topic related information is found at the opening of any paragraph and opinion and discussion later on. Let’s work on this in practice:

In your own words, describe the scene at the start of the Festival and the writer’s feelings. 10 minutes at most. Find 4 words or phrases which show the results of the poor weather at Glastonbury 4 minutes

IN YOUR OWN words Summarising is a skill that requires you to show understanding but to paraphrase. Work methodically and in chronological order and do not quote.

PLANNING for the summary question You will need to be quick and might not use all the steps on the previous page: Check the focus of the question Read the passage and highlight the relevant topic sentences/information Organise your thoughts - number the highlighted passages perhaps Then write your response. For 4 or 5 marks, there is no need to try to deliver sophisticated writing – clear and straightforward prose should be enough.

Section A, Question 3 This is the first mini essay There will be bullet points – use them and ensure each one is given a paragraph to itself. Use PEE/PEARL throughout – every point needs evidence and explanation – go to word level! Always try to use evidence drawn from the whole passage.

Section A tips READING: Read Q1 before you read the passage, then make your first reading with the question in your mind. Allow longer for Q3 – be sure to quote and analyse… Q2 needs reference to the text, but no explanation Annotate the passage as you read it. There is 1 mark for each point in Q 1, up to 4 marks – aim to make 5 points and do not try to explain/give evidence – short, clear sentences