English Language Revision

English Language Revision

The English Language Paper The whole paper lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes. You will get 15 minutes to read all of the inserts. You will get one hour to complete the reading section. You will get one hour to complete the writing section.

The Reading Section 15 minutes reading time Question 1 (8 marks; 10 minutes) Sum up the article. Question 2 (8 marks; 10 minutes) How the headline and picture support the text s message. Question 3 (8 marks; 10 minutes) Sum up thoughts and feelings i.e. implied meanings. Question 4 (16 marks; 30 minutes) Compare language between two texts.

Question 1 10 minutes 8 marks At least 4 points which sum up the article 4 quotations (one for each point)

Sum it up In order to get the top band, you need to show that you are understanding the text as a whole, and making connections between different pieces of information. You cannot simply find one fact, write it out and then back it up with a quote: X The programme is aimed at primary school children: the scheme is aimed at primary school children X They get pupils to act out scenarios: pupils are acting out a scenario X They tell people that red flags don t mean there s a shark about: though some seem to think that the red flag (for dangerous water) means there s a shark about.

The programme is aimed at children in urban areas who don t live by the sea because they are a high risk group who are less likely to be aware of the work of RNLI. It delivers short, fun sessions on beach safety, which will appeal to young children, with interactive activities such as play-acting to take part in and equipment to get to grips with. Sessions give clear beach safety messages including how to spot lifeguards, sun protection, beach flags, toy boats and public rescue equipment. The programme currently works in three cities, including London and Birmingham, and wants to add a fourth before adding more in the coming years.

Have you? Made enough (4) and developed points? Included an appropriate supporting quotation for each point? Made points which sum up the article, rather than restate the quote? Made links/connections between different pieces of information?

Question 2 10 minutes 8 marks At least 4 points explaining the effect and link to the text Split evenly between what you are being asked to comment on. E.g. 2 headline; 2 picture.

Band 4 offers a detailed interpretation of the effects of the headline presents a detailed explanation and interpretation of what the picture shows and its effect links the picture and the headline to the text with perceptive comments offers appropriate quotations or references to support comments

You need to... In order to get the top band, you need to make detailed comments on how the picture and headline link to the effectiveness of the text. This will involve linking it to the content and purpose of the text. Comment specifically on details within in the picture, and language within the headline too. Avoid generalised comments: X The headline is effective because it tells you what the article is about. X The picture helps build up an image in your head. X The picture makes the article look interesting to read..

The headline says at last which suggests that the miners have been trapped for a prolonged period of time, and portrays a sense of relief. This effectively supports the content of the article, as the article talks of the amount of time, such as when it says 65 days after the partial collapse. The headline also uses alliteration with the words rescue, reaches and refuge. The use of alliteration adds drama to headline, making the story sound intriguing. This supports the dramatic nature of the story. The picture shows a dry, barren land. This is particularly effective as it adds to the image of the miners suffering, which would make the reader feel even more sympathy for them, as their conditions are hinted at as being even more horrible by this image. The fact that there is a clown in the picture is unusual. This adds a level on interest to the article, as it is not what we may initially expect. A clown also conjures images of celebration, which reinforces the idea that the longawaited release is a celebration.

Have you? Made 4 points? For each point, linked to the text (purpose or content)? Commented on both headline and picture? Used quotations where appropriate? Avoided generalisations?

Question 3 10 minutes 8 marks At least 4 points summing up how the person is thinking and or feeling Each point should be backed up with a quotation

Band 4 Makes perceptive inferences from the text shows a perceptive engagement with, and interpretation of, character, place and context Employs appropriate quotations to support detailed understanding Focus on thoughts and feelings is detailed Inference: read between the lines Perceptive: to discern; to be sensitive to; to pick up easily

You need to... It s about IMPLIED MEANINGS. This means you are showing your ability to read between the lines. It always focuses on a character s thoughts and feelings Avoid giving basic statements backed up by an obvious quote. X Parrado was worn out: he shouted back he was tired X Canessa was happy at the sight: he exclaimed with happiness and delight at the sight Instead go through the text and try and pick out what the person might be thinking and feeling at different points. Cannessa is spurred on by curiosity to see what is at the end of the valley which may reflect his desperation to escape and be saved.

Canessa is less eager and more fearful than Parrado: you ll kill yourself! This might be because he is more tired and less optimistic. The boys are so relieved by the sight, that the strength and tension flow out of them and they staggered forward off the snow and sank onto rocks They realise that even though they don t have to deal with snow, the going won t be easy; they still have boulders the size of armchairs to contend with. By the end, their new found confidence, coupled with their desperation to escape, makes both of them confident enough that they decided to cross the river, despite the hazard of the boulders.

Have you? Made 4 points? For each point, provided a supporting quotation? Made sure those points read between the lines and are not just re-writing what s in the article?

Question 4 30 minutes 16 marks Compare the language of source 3 with either source 2 or source 1 You need to work out what the purpose is (persuade, describe, explain) and what the message (subject) of each text is. You then need: to identify three language points about each text. You need to explain their effects. For each, you need to say whether the features are similar/different or give similar/different effects to the other text.

Band 4 perceptive and detailed offers a full and detailed understanding of the texts in relation to language analyses how the writers have used language differently to achieve their effects offers appropriate quotations in support of ideas with perceptive comments focuses on comparison and cross-referencing between the texts Perceptive: to discern; to be sensitive to; to pick up easily

You need to... It s about identifying what is similar and different between the texts. The two texts may have similar or contrasting language choices depending on their purposes and what they are trying to achieve. Things you could comment on: Word choices / phrases for effect. Do they use words to be shocking, make something sound beautiful? What are the effects and connotations of words? Are there any particular devices you can spot alliteration, rhetorical questions, imperatives, exclamations, use of facts and statistics, anecdotes (personal stories) etc?

Comparing Texts Text A Choice of word/phrase for effect plonked onomatopoeia water soggy dampness extreme weather adjective Any language features Stats by 2025 Quotation (Shakespeare) Imperative draws the reader Short sentence- Text B Choice of word/phrase for effect huge and beautiful (adjectives) make it seem an attractive place to wake up a city hat seemed to grow even as we watched; - makes it seem busy gowth - expansion Any language features hot as hell simile Rhetorical question makes think about weight and danger. Alliteration spectacular sunrise sound catchy because emohasises how beautiful is imagery of a sun new beginnings, positivity

Comparing Words Similarities similar to resembles virtually identical alike likewise is parallel to compared with Differences dissimilar to is unlike different from In contrast to however on the other hand whereas

Point The author uses the verb (word) The author uses a rhetorical question. Evidence - Quotation Explain effect on reader linking back to purpose and message of text

In text 1 the author uses the imperative think of countries.... This makes the author authoritative through giving an instruction, which links to the purpose of persuading of joining his opinion that something needs to be done about global warming. On the other hand, text 3 uses a rhetorical question, how do they gauge the weight. This also engages the reader, but in a different way. It makes the reader think about the danger of the boat and whether he will survive.

Have you? PEE d each text (word choice/language feature + quotation + effect)? Linked each feature / word choice back to the text s message and purpose? Compared the features / word choice of the two texts using a connective?

What I have learnt? 1. I have learnt that I need to select some words, phrases or language features. 2. I have learnt that I do not have time to select every type of language the writer has used and I should just concentrate on the examples I find the most effective. 3. I have learnt I need to analyse the language I have selected and explain the effects on the reader of the words, phrases and language features. 4. I have learnt that I should quote. 5. I have learnt that I need to compare words, phrases and language features. 6. I have learnt that I need to compare the writers choice of language and not content or structure.

The Writing Section One hour writing time Question 5 (16 marks; 25 minutes) Inform, explain or describe Question 6 (24 marks; 35 minutes) Argue or persuade

Question 5 25 minutes 16 marks Write a letter to a friend explaining why you would like him or her to join you in a visit to a place which you think is very special. Write an informative article about your school for a website Explain why you like or dislike celebrities

Mark Scheme A04 i+ii (10 marks) Communication: Writes in a way which is clear, convincing and compelling. Engages the reader with detailed and developed ideas, perhaps abstract concepts. Intention (purpose) of writing is clear and sustained. It aims to get a response from the reader. Work is appropriately formal/informal. It had the right tone (e.g. Funny & light/ serious). Language features e.g. Rhetorical questions, alliteration, exclamations etc Guides the reader through writing. Organisation Paragraphs of different lengths for meaning e.g. One line Other features if appropriate e.g. Bullet points. Presents complicated ideas in a clear way.

Mark Scheme A04 iii (6 marks) Skills Uses a range of punctuation accurately and for effect. Uses a range of sentence structures accurately and for effect. Ambitious words used and spelt correctly. Use Standard English (no slang).

Common Faults Apostrophes Missing out full stops/commas Homophones (e.g. there/their/they re) Paragraphs

Write a brief article for a website of your choice telling your readers about an interesting or unusual journey or travel experience you have had. Explain why it was memorable. The start of an actual top band answer: Speeding down the River Dart The route is quite simple. The man at the rental told us, Just enjoy. My family and I were in were in holiday in Dartmouth and this was the one thing I had been looking forward to. Renting out a boat. The day was perfect. Fluffy clouds floated lazily across the bright blue sky. The sun beaming down on the dark blue river. Little ripples splashing against the side of the pier as a beauty of a sailing boat glided past. We were renting a small motor boat go up the river and see some of the most beautiful sights in the area: the viaduct arch, the Royal Navy College and the many wildlife supposed to be found on the shores. It was Alton towers again, oh no! I hated rides and everybody knew it. Whether it s rollercoasters, waltzers or teacups I despised it all with a passion. But this time I was year 9, and felt utterly embarrassed. Early get-up to watch my friends on rides. Great! Early bright light burnt through my windows and lit up my psychedelic green and purple walls as I battered my alarm clock into a submissive silence. This year I m going to ride I drilled into my head, I knew I wouldn t.

Have you? Made the purpose clear in your opening paragraph? Used an appropriate tone throughout? Chosen a topic that is complicated and sophisticated enough that you can write on it in detail? Used a range of language, paragraphs and sentence structures for effect? Made sure your spelling, punctuation and grammar are accurate?

Question 6 35 minutes 24 marks Some people think that it s wrong that primitive communities are disrupted by tourists and TV crews. Write an article for a magazine that argues for or against this idea. Young people have it too easy. Write an article for a magazine that persuades people of this view.

Mark Scheme A04 i+ii (16 marks) Communication: Writes in a way which is clear, convincing and compelling. Engages the reader with a detailed to-the-point argument, with a range of persuasive ideas, abstract concepts, vivid detail e.g. Makes a moral appeal... Work is formal. It had the right tone (e.g. Funny & light/ serious). Language features e.g. Rhetorical questions, alliteration, exclamations etc Guides the reader through writing. E.g. Surely it is reasonable to expect..., One alternative position might be... Organisation Paragraphs of different lengths for meaning e.g. One line/sentence Other features if appropriate e.g. Bullet points. Presents complicated ideas in a clear way.

Common Faults Apostrophes Missing out full stops/commas Homophones (e.g. there/they re/their) Paragraphs Not reading the question properly Not showing an awareness of the other side of the argument.

Your school or college is inviting entries for a writing competition. The topic is Dangerous sports activities and pastimes are selfish, often put others at risk and should be discouraged. Write your entry arguing for or against this view. Example start of a top band answer Extreme sports is the definition for a decidedly dangerous, fast-paced sport; with the extremities of this activity heightened to provide maximum enjoyment. In an Extreme Sport people jump off cliffs, down cliffs, out of aeroplanes with or without a bungee jump rope attached- all voluntarily!

It has been said that: People who save lives or help improve the lives of others are the true models of today. Write an article for a newspaper in which you argue your view about what makes a good role model. Example start of a top band answer I agree completely that people who save lives or help improve the loves of others are the true role models of today. A role model should be someone to look up to. Someone who has all the qualities of goodness, compassion, love and strength. Wouldn t you agree? In our society today, we are surrounded by unsung heroes! People, who spend their days saving, helping and improving our own days, weeks, months, years. Our TVs are littered with celebrities and emaciated models who live their lives, being famous for simply being famous...

Have you? Made the purpose clear in your opening paragraph? Used an appropriate tone throughout? Made it clear what your argument will be? Used a range of language, paragraphs and sentence structures for effect? Made sure your spelling, punctuation and grammar are accurate?