GCSE English An introduction to the requirements of GCSE English at Joseph Leckie Academy

Foundation and Higher Tier 2 hours 15 minutes Section A: Reading and responding to non-fiction texts. Section B: Two writing questions. Question One is the shorter task testing writing which seeks to inform or explain. The second question is the longer writing task which seeks to argue or persuade.

Controlled Assessment 60% These are prepared and completed in class, under exam conditions. They are then marked by the class teacher and moderated across the school and area. Speaking and Listening 20% Reading 20% Writing 20%

Three controlled assessments: Drama focused, Group task, Individual extended. These may be recorded.

Three responses to reading: Shakespeare (‘Romeo and Juliet’) Prose (‘Of Mice and Men’) Poetry (of the first World War)

Two creative writing responses from the following areas: Based on Moving Images Re-creations and prompts Me, Myself and I.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

There is more detailed information in the revision guide. The Exam: Section A - Reading Section A: Reading Students will be given three different sources to look at. Each question makes it clear which source to focus on. This section requires students to retrieve, understand and interpret information and ideas It also requires students to comment on the effectiveness of language and presentational features used by the writer. There is more detailed information in the revision guide.

How do you revise for this part of the English assessment? The Exam: Section A - Reading How do you revise for this part of the English assessment? Read and discuss a variety of media texts: Newspapers Magazines Leaflets Advertisements Look particularly carefully at PALL Purpose Audience Language Layout NB This part of the exam is not marked for writing. There is more information in the revision guide.

There are two compulsory questions in this section. The Exam: Section B - Writing The Exam: Section B - Writing Section B: Writing There are two compulsory questions in this section. There is one shorter task and one longer task. There is more information in the revision guide.

How do you revise for this part of the English assessment? The Exam: Section B - Writing In a similar way to that for Section A, by reading different types of texts and taking on board the different techniques the different writers use Read and understand the question: Look particularly carefully at PALL Purpose Audience Language Layout Think about who the audience is, what type of language you should use (formal/informal) as well as the purpose (persuade/advise or inform/explain) You may use some of the ideas (and techniques) from Part 1. This piece is marked for writing. The examiners will allocate 2/3 of the marks for organisation and expression and 1/3 for spelling, punctuation and grammar. It’s really important to check through carefully to correct any mistakes before handing it in. For example, if one forgets to paragraph, it is impossible to achieve above a Grade E! There is more information in the revision guide.

Revision Guide.