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, using subject terminology.

Give a quote to support.

Zoom in on specific words / techniques in the quote.

Explain the effect and connotations of the quote.

Lastly develop comments in detail by saying more than one thing.

Give 2-3 paragraphs with this structure.

Use subject terminology (adjectives, verbs, nouns, similies, metaphors, personification, adverbs, triplets, imagery), quotations (preferably short + concise), and comment on the effect of the writer’s language (the writer uses…, the word..has connotations of…, The way that the writer has used..is effective because…It suggests..because).

For more marks, explore multiple interpretations / meanings behind each word/phrase.

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.

Structure - Zooming in from something big to something smaller, Shifting between different times, A gradual introduction of new characters at significant points, Moving from inside to the wider outside world, Following a cyclical shape (shifting focus through a series of points + ending up at the beginning), Combing external actions w/ internal thoughts, Shifting from different points of view, Shifting between different places.

Avoid picking out sentence structures + punctuation. Exam board’s more interested in your ability to track the story - where does it go? How does it grab your attention? What changes + why?

Aim for 10 minutes

Paper 1 - Question 4

Critical evaluation

Agree / disagree with the statement in parts, use the words from the statement to begin + make sure you’re focusing on the question.

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 - respond to the statement

Quote - keep them short + concise

Language analysis (zoom in) - comment on the writer’s methods + use subject terminology

Structural comment (if relevant)

Effect on reader

Alternative interpretation

Aim for 25 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)

• Plan for about 5 minutes

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)

1) Intro -

• Use the 5 senses and describe the setting

2) Para 1 - Introduce the main character -

• What they’re thinking

• What they’re feeling

• What they’re seeing

3) Para 2 -

• Talk about other characters

• What background characters are doing (not in too much detail)

• Talk about what people interacting with main character are doing

4) Para 3 - major event

• Describe sounds

• How the sounds or other stuff make the character feel

• Give description on whats happening to the character and/ or the surrounding people

5) Para 4 - effects of the major event

• The causes of the major event or what the event lead to

• Describe senses again

6) Conclusion - resolution or cliff hanger

• How the problem is solved or how the story continues or chaos is normalised

• What happens to the character after

Aim for 45 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?