So youre taking GCSE English this summer

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So youre taking GCSE English this summer?
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Paper 1 Section 1
You need to show that you can

• follow an argument
• recognise the difference between facts and
  opinions and their uses
• evaluate the effects of presentational,
  structural and linguistic devices
• recognise similarities and differences
• make appropriate references (PEE)

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Fact and Opinion
Full understanding of the uses of fact and
opinion is the highest order skill (Best)
Explaining the use of fact and opinion is a
higher order skill (Better) Identifying fact and
opinion is merely a low order skill (Basic)
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Presentational devices are to do with the
appearance of the text on the page.
illustrations
Frames
Logos, symbols etc

• Colour

Different print styles, fonts and sizes
photographs
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Structural devices are to do with the layout of
the text on the page
tabloid paragraphing or extended writing
Bullet points
In columns
Quick access text boxes
Using headings and subheadings
Chronological and non-chronological writing
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Linguistic devices are to do with the language
used in the text

• formal/informal tone
• person (1st., 2nd., 3rd.)
• any devices used? E.g. simile, metaphor,
  hyperbole?
• any patterns in vocabulary use?
• how does the writer use language to fulfil the
  purpose and interest the audience?

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Language

• Is it appropriate for the audience? Audiences can
  be alienated by inappropriate language
• Hey guys, dont diss me
• Those on the periphery of society should not be
  berated

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How questions are marked

• basic some simple supported comment
• F/G refers to some appropriate detail
• nearly there attempts to engage
• D/E tends to paraphrase/tell the story
• better clear attempt to answer question
• B/C structured response
• best clear and detailed
• A/A fully shaped and absorbed

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Saying a lot about a little

• It is better if you say a lot about a little
  whenever you are explaining a device, rather than
  saying a little about a lot. E.g. it is not
  very helpful to say that the colour makes the
  leaflet look persuasive, then make the same
  point about the pictures, etc. It is much better
  to go into detail about why you think that the
  colours were chosen. E.g. I think the colour
  blue was chosen to make the advert look cool and
  sophisticated and somehow masculine. I believe
  this works well because

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Paper 2 section A Same skills different
context!
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Anthology PoetryDifferent Cultures Question

• Compare the ways the poets use language to help
  to achieve their effects in Unrelated
  Incidents and one other poem of your choice from
  the Poems from Different Cultures.

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Unrelated Incidents
Your Choice
Meanings/ Question
Linguistic/ Structural/ Presentat-ional Devices
Cultures/ Traditions/Personal Opinion
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Paper 1 and 2 section BThe writing papers
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The Exam Writing Process

• Read all 4 questions.
• Choose 1 and re-read it, identifying purpose,
  audience and genre. (PAG, or GAP)
• Plan to have something to write about to use
  paragraphs to use a variety of sentences and to
  use a variety of words. (10 minutes)
• Write about 2 sides keeping a constant eye on
  your plan. (30 minutes)
• Check for errors in paragraphing, sentencing and
  spelling/punctuation. (5 minutes)

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Levels of answer/Planning
Task School children should not be brought to
school in a car. Write a letter to your local
newspaper where you argue for or against this
view.
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An aid to planning

• Plan to include the following
• some posh words (sophisticated vocabulary)
• a short sentence (or a variety of sentences)
• a rhetorical device (a rhetorical question?)
• some punctuation in addition to basic (A . , e.g.
  ? ! etc.)

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Discourse Markers

• firstly
• secondly
• additionally
• finally

• conversely
• however
• on the other hand
• whereas

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Why is this so good?

• Dear Editor,
• The vision of a people carrier spewing out
  a school of whale-like students is one that is
  repeated all over the country. It is my opinion
  that the local council needs to do something
  about this before someone really suffers, in
  addition to the unfortunate students.
• Firstly, it is the students who suffer in this
  scenario. Having been driven to the very doors of
  the school, they never benefit from the pleasure
  of a mornings exercise on public transport.
  These trips can improve your sprinting when you
  try to catch them your stamina as you have to
  stand the whole way and your vital capacity as
  you hold your breath to prevent the inhalation of
  cigarette smoke.
• However, its no joke. If we are to do something
  about the problem of the morning run, then we
  need to improve public transport. Is that really
  too much to ask in the 21st. century? If other
  countries which we visit in Europe have far
  better services, then ..