1. English Language Component 1
Exam Feedback
Tips for the real exam
Based on Feb/March mock exams

2. English Language Component 1 Section A: Reading
Exam Tip 1
Tip 1
Be CERTAIN to quote from the right lines (i.e. each question has specific line numbers)
Tip 1
More info on Tip 1
For each question, you are told to read a certain number of lines (e.g. “Read lines 1-11). You must only quote from lines given to get marks.
You will get 0 marks if you quote from the wrong lines.

3. English Language Component 1 Section A: Reading
Exam Tip 2
Tip 2
For the ‘thoughts and feelings’ question, explain the reason for the thought/feeling
Tip 2
How to explain the reason for the thought/feeling
The writer shows that Megan does not enjoy the train journey through references to negative descriptions of the external view of the train and Megan’s experience within the train. The writer highlights Megan’s discomfort because of the sense of her personal space being invaded, and her disappointment with the ugly landscape which contrasted with her expectations of England.
You explain the thought/feeling by using a bridging words “because/which/as” after the thought/feeling word (e.g. Megan’s discomfort because of the sense of her personal space being invaded. Using a bridging word after the thought/feeling word makes sure you explain the thought/feeling.
= thought/feeling
= reason for thought/feeling

4. English Language Component 1 Section A: Reading
Exam Tip 3
Tip 3
For the ‘How’ question, if in doubt use “word” or “phrase”: don’t guess techniques!
Tip 3
Look for these techniques in the ‘How’ question
Adjectives
(descriptive words)
Adverbs
(-ly words)
Verbs
(actions)
Simile
(comparisons)
Personification
(giving objects human qualities)
scared
happy
excited
grimy
dark
quietly
quickly
ferociously
elegantly
carefully
ran
shouted
cried
looked
thought
He exploded like a volcano
He tip-toed silently, as if on a tightrope
The pale, sickly yellow lights
The house sat on the corner, observing…

5. English Language Component 1 Section A: Reading
Exam Tip 4
Tip 4
Make sure you agree and disagree in the Evaluation question
How to agree and disagree in the Evaluation question
Tip 4
In the last section of the passage the reader feels only sympathy for Megan. How far do you agree with this view?
The last section of the passage begins with a clear sense of sympathy for Megan evident in the lines “Megan dragged her suitcase up the steps”, the verb dragged reinforcing her lack of support and company on the trip. The reader feels further sympathy through the contrast between Megan “smiling in anticipation of seeing her friend Cora” and “there was no reply from the top bell”, creating as sense of pity for Megan. However, line 70 reduces the level of sympathy the reader feels by referring to Megan realising “she’d made a very foolish mistake in not waiting to hear from Cora before she travelled to England.” This quotation shows that Megan is impulsive and quite immature and, in some ways, has brought the situation upon herself, therefore reducing the sympathy I feel.
= agree
= disagree
= reasons why you disagree

6. English Language Component 1 Section B: Prose Writing
Exam Tip 5
Tip 5
The Writing 5 are the five things you need to do in your story to be successful.
Tip 5
The Writing 5: key ingredients for success
The Setting
(The 5 senses)
Adjectives
(descriptive words)
synonyms
(alternative words)
5 Sentences
(varies pace)
Punctuation
(… : - ! ? )
Use The 5 Senses to create a vivid (detailed) setting. This gives your story atmosphere.
Use adjectives to add detail to your descriptions of characters.
“The slender, ruby-red necklace glistened in the light”
Use synonyms (alternative words) to be more precise in your descriptions.
“The boy heaved his bike up and glared at his friend”
Use The 5 Sentences to vary the pace in your story.
Simple = 1
Compound = 2
Complex = 1.5
Minor = 0.5
Multi-Clausal = 3
Include Punctuation 5 to add mystery, suspense and tension to your story.
… suspense
- suspense
: tension
? mystery
! intense emotion