To start with, the English Language paper is split into two papers and is one hour forty-five minutes for each paper. They are both split into two parts where there are four questions and then an extended writing for question 5. At the beginning you should spend five minutes on reading the extract before answering all the questions. For question 1 its 4 marks and should spend 5 minutes on it, for the second question its worth 8 marks and spend 10 minutes, for question 3 its 8 marks and should spend 10 minutes also and then for question 4 its expected to spend 20 minutes at least on that question. Those are worth half he marks then the other 40 marks are for the extended writing part and 45 minutes are expected to spend on this remaining part.
On the first question on paper 1 it is worth 4 marks this question is about finding 4 features from a certain part of the text. To answer this question, you would need to highlight key words in the specific section, reread the section and highlight the four key points. For the second paper for question 1 this is also rewarded 4 marks. This question asks to see which statements are true and which statements are false. To answer this, you highlight the section and work out the best 4 that fit the question.
On the second question on paper 1, it is asking about how the writer uses language. To answer this question P.E.E is needed so you talk about the point then find evidence and explain you reasoning. The point focuses on a technique and a key word from the equation therefore linking it back to the question. In the evidence including a short quote from the text. the explanation should concentrate on the connotations of the quote and the effect on the reader.
The third question on paper 1 is about the structure of how the text is set out. To answer this question, you look at the whole extract together, to start with looking at the shifts and main changes throughout the text, looking at the differences between the beginning, middle and end. Then expanding on the effect of the change. In the question write about the tone changes, explaining how the readers feeling change over the extract and explain what the writer is trying to do in the extract.
On the fourth question this question always asks ‘to what extent do you agree’ with a certain statement. This question is focused on a given section of the extract after your read the quote and then you highlight the main reasons as to why someone would say this about the statement. A tip that is given to many is to always agree with the statement as there is then more to write about. In this question you can think about the language, tone and structure. In this question you are also able to combine what you wrote in the last 3 questions as there is a different examiner for this question. Also, to make sure there is always a clear relevant evaluation about the effect on the reader and a clear evaluation of the writer’s method and why the writer used it.
The last question is the question with half the marks, this question is a choice between a description of a picture or based on a written suggestion. At the first 5 minutes spend it planning how you are going to respond. In this question using a range of literary effects to gain higher marks. Sophisticated vocabulary mixed with language devices. A good use of structural features, using a range of connected devices, writing is going to be engaging with a range of ideas. Always linking the ideas between the beginning and the end of the writing.
The second question on paper 2 is to write a summary of two different subjects from a certain section of the text. To start with highlight everything that is the same and highlight the contrasting ideas in the extract. Talk about what the contrasts and the similarities tell you about the extract and what you can infer from this and what you predict about the rest of the extract. Use quotations to support the explanations and in this question do not write about the writer’s technique.
For the third question on paper 2 it’s a similar question to question 2 on paper 1 as it is about analysing language. On this question comment about the writer’s method, explaining how the writer wants to make the reader feel, imagine and think. Make references or text detail of relevant to the focus of questions. Also having statements which show differences between texts. Making sure there are always clear references.
On the fourth question on paper 2 it’s a question about comparing the different viewpoints and how does the writer get you to see their points of view. The questions that are needed to answer in this essay are what mood and impression they are trying to convey; how do the writers use technique to show their point of view and how do they use literary techniques to make you see their point of view. To get more marks you should compare ideas and perspectives and analyse how writer’s methods are used.
On the last question on paper 2 its when you write your own views on a certain topic, to answer this I would start by using different and inventive use of structural features, incorporating a range of convincing techniques and engaging language. to answer this question, make sure that there is linking paragraphs in a sequence. The best way to start this question is by using a hook at beginning to engage a person to read on. Also use a range of literary devices correctly and consistently, varying the tone and the sentence structures throughout the writing.