English Language - STRUCTURES + TIPS

Paper 1 - Question 1

List the four things from the extract

Keep it simple, copy the exact correct info from the extract relating to the question in full sentences, check the spelling afterwards. Use evidence from the correct lines if indicated.

No analysis needed - just accurate info.

Aim for about 5 minutes.

Paper 1 - Question 2

Language analysis used to create…

Give a clear point about the effect of language.

Give a quote.

Zoom in on specific words / techniques in the quote.

Explain the effect and connotations of the quote.

Give 2-3 paragraphs with this structure.

Aim for about 10 minutes.

Paper 1 - Question 3

Structure analysis to create…

Focus on how the text is structured, not the language.

Comment on:

Shift in focus (setting to character ?)

Zoom in / zoom out

Contrast / cyclical structure (narrative / story pattern where the ending mirrors / returns to the beginning).

Use quotes + explain effect on reader.

Aim for 10 minutes

Paper 1 - Question 4

Critical evaluation

Agree / disagree with the statement in parts.

Use quotes + analyse language AND structure.

Explore different interpretations.

Aim for 3-4 strong points (disagree AND agree).

Conclude on agree or disagree and summary why.

Point

Quote

Language analysis (zoom in)

Structural comment (if relevant)

Effect on reader

Alternative interpretation

Aim for 30 minutes

Paper 1 - Question 5

Descriptive / Narrative Writing

REMEMBER TO PLAN:

• Use the 5 senses

• Build a mood / atmosphere

• Show, don’t tell

• Use structural techniques (zoom in/out, flashbacks, one-line paragraphs)

For descriptive writing:

• Paragraph 1 - zoom in on a detail

• Paragraph 2 - zoom out, wider scene

• Paragraph 3 - change in atmosphere/mood

• Paragraph 4 - zoom back in / circular ending (circle back to beginning)

For narrative writing:

• Paragraph 1 - hook/start mid-action

• Paragraph 2 - build tension

• Paragraph 3 - climax/conflict

• Paragraph 4 - resolution/twist

Bonuses for examiners:

• Ambitious vocab (make sure it blends in, don’t force it randomly)

• Varied punctuation + sentence lengths

• Show emotion subtly through descriptions

• Use metaphors, similies, personification (evenly, not too much)

• A clear, controlled structure (remain consistent)

Aim for 50 minutes

Paper 2 - Question 1

Identify 4 true statements

Pick directly from the text (should be almost EXACT) - no analysis or far inference.

Aim for 5 minutes.

Paper 2 - Question 2

Summary of differences/similarities

Identify a difference/similarity.

Use evidence from both texts.

Explain the difference.

Repeat 2-3 times (2-3 paragraphs).

Aim for 10 minutes.

Paper 2 - Question 3

Language analysis

Just like Paper 1 Q2, but only ONE source.

Structure:

Point → Quote → Zoom → Explain effect → Maybe second quote.

Give a clear point about the effect of language.

Give a quote.

Zoom in on specific words / techniques in the quote.

Explain the effect and connotations of the quote.

Give 2-3 paragraphs with this structure.

Aim for 20 minutes.

Paper 2 - Question 4

Compare viewpoints/perspective

What does each writer think/feel?

How do they show it through language?

Compare their methods + tones.

Use connectives: whereas… in contrast… similarly…

Main paragraphs (3-4 comparative):

Identify each writer’s viewpoint. - what do each writer feel/think about topic (compare)

Support w/ quotes. - should show attitude / feeling.

Analyse language, tone, + methods. - zoom in (word types, language techniques, and what they reveal about their viewpoint). How do each writer get their viewpoint across.

Compare the effect on the reader. - how do the different styles shape how the reader feels. Link to purpose/context.

Use comparative connectives: whereas, similarly, in contrast, on the other hand, however…

Conclusion:

Sum up the key difference in viewpoints.

Mention how each writer’s methods reflect their purpose.

Top tips:

• Use comparative language throughout

• Embed quotes + keep them short + sharp

• Be precise w/ language analysis - go beyond “this makes the reader feel…”

• Always link back to viewpoint - what are they saying + why?

• Don’t just spot techniques - analyse their effect in context.

Paper 2 - Question 5

Persuasive/Transactional Writing

Articles, letters, speeches, essays, leaflets, etc.

Structure - 5 para trick:

1. Intro - Hook the reader w/ bold opinion / rhetorical question.

2. Point 1 - Strong argument w/ evidence / example.

3. Point 2 - Another persuasive point + rhetorical technique.

4. Counter-argument - Show you’ve thought of the other side, then crush it.

5. Conclusion - Sum up w/ impact. Reaffirm your point powerfully.

Include:

• Rhetorical questions

• Rule of three

• Emotive language

• Anecdotes

• Direct address (“you”)

• Repetition

Aim for 50 minutes

Overall TIPS

• Time management is key (leave enough time for Q5, once you’re about 55 minutes in STOP whatever you’re doing and go onto Q5, OR start with Q5 and once you’re around 50 minutes in stop and do the other questions, if there’s enough time left you can finish or add more after all the other questions)

• Know your techniques: imagery, contrast, sentence types, tone.

• Always plan before you write (even 2 minutes of planning is okay).

• Show originality in your ideas + expression.

• Think like a reader: how would they feel/ react?