GCSE English Language

Unit One and Two Revision

What can I expect?

You will be expected to showcase your analytical skills and your ability to select information.

What is it?

• The exam is marked out of 40 and you have 4 questions so each question will be marked out of 10.

• This is 20% of your overall Language GCSE (another 20% being for unit two and 60% for the controlled assessments/speaking and listening).

Some strategies that will help you achieve your potential.

• Start a clean side for each response• Don’t number your points• Write down what time you need to move on

onto your paper and stick to it • Use words from the question - it will help you

stay relevant and focussed

Unit 1 Reading

There are 6 types of question that you could be asked in the reading exam.

Can you name the 6 types of questions that you could be asked in the reading

exam??????

1. Locating and retrieving information

2. Viewpoint and attitude3. Intended audience4. Impressions5. Analysis of persuasive techniques

6. Comparison and evaluation of texts

The 6 types of questions that you could be asked in the reading exam:

These types of question will ask you to Explain…/How does…?

These are “techniques” questions- you have to look at individual words and phrases used to persuade the reader.

You must PEEE!

READING EXAM: TYPES OF QUESTIONS

On the left are the 6 different questions that you may be asked in the Reading exam.On the right, there are examples of each type of question.

Match the type of question with its example.

How to use your 60 minutes:

• Read first text = 8 minutes• Question 1 = 10 minutes• Question 2 = 12 minutes*THIS IS HALF WAY THROUGH 30 MINUTES-AIM TO BE STARTING TEXT TWO NOW!*• Read second text = 6 minutes• Question 3 = 10 minutes• Question 4 = 12 minutes-compare and contrast

question.• 2 MINUTES TO CHECK THROUGH!

READING EXAM-TIMINGS

Key things to remember...

• Read the questions, underlining the KEY words• Read through the text underlining the relevant

points and then select the 7 most interesting• Write your points by working methodically

through the paper• If you run out of time, move on• Pick out the meaning of specific words• Where possible offer alternative

interpretations

Which of the following are true?

1. It is advisable to analyse specific words

2. Every point should include a quotation except for when referring to a technological feature or a picture.

3. Itis ok to start every point with ‘There are no closed prisons because…’

They are all TRUE!

• However, a variety of sentence openings shows off your skills.

• Short embedded quotes are best• Consider alternative interpretations when

analysing the specific words and phrases

Question 1

This is a list or basic 10 point question. It will always refer to the FIRST text. No PEAL needed. However, elaborating on 1/2 of your points is

to be encouraged. Spend no longer than 10 minutes answering

this question.

Example Q1 responseBill Bryson thinks American attitudes are ridiculous and uses the evidence that for ‘every twenty minutes on the Appalachian trail’, he walked further than ‘the average American’ walked in a week showing that their walking is limited.Furthermore, Bryson uses the statistic that for ‘93 percent’ of American journeys, people ‘now get in a car’, proving that Americans rarely walk.Bryson also states that in his home town where everyone is ‘within an east level walk of the centre’, no one walks anywhere.Bryson also uses the example of a ‘perfectly fit woman’ driving 100 yards to pick up her child. The fact that this woman is ‘fit’ makes Bryson’s evidence even more damning as there is no reason why she should drive.Bryson also refers to the fact that almost all children ‘over the age of sixteen’ have their own car as further evidence that walking is not part of American culture.Bryson’s main evidence is a story about an incident in Waynesboro where a shop owner made the immediate assumption that Bryson would be driving, asking him ‘where’s your car?’ This was followed by a ‘dubious shake’ of his head when Bryson informed him he would be walking. The use of the word ‘dubious’ showed that Americans are confused by a person choosing to walk.Finally, Bryson uses the repetition of the shop keeper’s phrase ‘good luck’ to highlight how ridiculous an American’s attitude to a walk of less than two miles is because he acts as if Bryson is about to set off on a mammoth trip around the world.

What did the student do well?

Think about the: way they have structured

their points. order of the points. language used.

What score would you give it out of 10?

10/10

Requires more information than Question 1. Will always refer to the FIRST text. Make 7 points and analyse them in detail.

Example: How does Candida Crewe try to justify her decision to admit defeat and buy a car?

What is this question asking you to do? The key word here is HOW – it’s not a simple WHAT question and so

requires some closer analysis.

Question 2

Will always refer to the SECOND text Make 7 analysed points again!

It is likely to be a question in a similar style to question 2 – requiring a closer level of analysis.

Concentrate on timings and techniques (DAFOREST, effect on the reader).

Question 3

Will always be a COMPARISON of the TWO texts. Will normally ask you to follow certain bullet points

or use particular headings in your response –you must use these to structure your answer.

Do exactly what the questions tells you to do.

Question 4

Example Question 4: Both Candida Crewe and The Spin Doctor argue in favour of using cars. Which of them do you think does this more effectively?You should consider:-The arguments that influence you most in each text;-The use of language and style in each text-How you react to the attitudes of each writer;-The organisation and structure of each text.

Example Q4 responseThe arguments given in each of these texts are quite different. Whilst Candida Crewe uses a

somewhat contradictory technique in her writing, The Spin Doctor uses a lot of persuasive techniques such as rhetorical questions (for example: ‘ever tried to boil a frog?’) to make the argument that drivers are soon to become similar to boiled frogs as they will lose the right to drive. This adds humour and engages us personally, inviting us to read on. Crewe’s attempt to state the reasons for not driving for most of her life is also convincing as we realise she is a recent convert to driving – having recently allowed it to ‘transform [her] life’ - and as a result feel that we too should be converted.

The language and style in “boiling the frog” is brief and effective. Short snappy sentences are used such as ‘Ever tried to boil a frog?’ to immediately engage the reader. This particular line is intriguing as it is ambiguous. Modern language such as “luvvies” and “mate” make the article seem up-to-date and easy to understand, particularly for younger audiences that may be reading it. Equally, Candida Crewe’s style is interesting due to the fact that it is written as an anecdote. She uses short declarative sentences much like The Spin Doctor as she begins ‘I am in a furious temper’. The use of first person narration here, along with the short sentences forces the reader to immediately engage and relate to the forthcoming story.

The organisation and structure of the ‘Boiling the Frog’ article immediately interests the reader with a rhetorical question, and then proceeds to create the analogy of the boiling frog and the reader being ‘boiled’ or taken for a ride. As it develops, it uses anecdotes about ‘speed bumps’ and ‘ticket machines’ and finally ends by stating the solution of getting in contact with the council. As a result of the purpose of Crewe’s article being to inform and not to persuade, it lacks solutions to a problem. Due to this, despite being a lively and humourous article, it has less of an effect on the reader.

What grade do you think this student achieved? (Hint it is above a grade B)!

How could this response be even more successful?

8/10 Cover each bullet point in the question.

Use appropriate and ambitious vocabulary throughout.E.g. ‘The Spin Doctor uses a lot of persuasive techniques such as rhetorical questions’. *Numerous rather than ‘a lot’?*E.g. 2. ‘Short snappy sentences are used such as ‘Ever tried to boil a frog?’ *Simple hard-hitting would be more specific.*

Suggest alternative interpretations.

‘Crewe’s attempt to state the reasons for not driving for most of her life is also convincing as we realise she is a recent convert to driving – having recently allowed it to ‘transform [her] life’ - and as a result feel that we too should be converted.’ However, this could be seen to have a negative effect since Crewe clearly hasn’t always believed in the use of cars.

8/10 Cover each bullet point in the question.

Use appropriate and ambitious vocabulary throughout.E.g. ‘The Spin Doctor uses a lot of persuasive techniques such as rhetorical questions’. *Numerous rather than ‘a lot’?*E.g. 2. ‘Short snappy sentences are used such as ‘Ever tried to boil a frog?’ *Simple hard-hitting would be more specific.*

Suggest alternative interpretations.

‘Crewe’s attempt to state the reasons for not driving for most of her life is also convincing as we realise she is a recent convert to driving – having recently allowed it to ‘transform [her] life’ - and as a result feel that we too should be converted.’ *However, this could be seen to have a negative effect since Crewe clearly hasn’t always believed in the use of cars.*

I’m going to shut up now and you are going to have the opportunity to attempt a practice Unit 1 exam OR use the WJEC book to practice your skills for a particular type of question on the reading exam.

Activity

UNIT TWOWRITING

Exam Date: Tuesday 4th June 2013 (am)

What is it? You will be expected to write 2 types of text. The exam is marked out of 40 so you will be

marked out of 20 for each text that you write. This is the 20% of your overall Language GCSE.

What can I expect? One of the texts you will be expected to write will be a

formal one and the other will be more informal. The texts you are expected to write will have some

connection to the ones you have just analysed (typically something to do with the environment or world/cultural issues).

The 7 different text types are:

1. Report2. Review3. Leaflet4. Article5. Speech6. Formal letter7. Informal letter

What does a good piece of writing include?

• A sensitive and clear understanding of purpose and audience.

• Detailed points which are convincingly developed.

• An ability to write fluently (spelling, punctuation and grammar) and with a style which is appropriate for the purpose, i.e. funny or thought-provoking etc.

• A sophisticated range of stylistic techniques.

A F O R E ST

• Direct address: Using the second person voice, e.g. the pronoun “you”.• Anecdotes: Personal stories to back up argument – I once knew a man who …• Facts: Statements that are unarguably true. These add credibility to an argument.• Opinions: Express a point of view using strong words – e.g. it’s outrageous!• Rhetorical questions: Questions to which you don’t expect an answer – Do we really

expect pollution to disappear of its own accord?• Examples, experts and Emotive language: These help to add weight to the argument.• Statistics and similes: This will show that the writer has done their research, similes and

metaphors add a more complex level of meaning.• Triples: The power of three – e.g. Towns, cities and villages will all benefit from these

changes.

D

What techniques do I need to use?

* Ambitious Vocabulary *• You will need to show off your impressive vocabulary but at the same time

ensure it is appropriate to your audience and purpose.

E.g. The service we had was sloppy. *The service we received was appalling.*

• It is more important to try and use ambitious words than to spell them all perfectly, but learn a few key spellings so that you are prepared.

• Focus on engaging the reader through your content whilst still being ambitious.E.g. As a Les Mis geek I had high expectations for this film and I can honestly say that I was not disappointed! Whilst few of the actors are trained ‘singers’, they are forgiven for the amount of emotion and detail they are able to portray in their songs. My only nitpick is that Crewe shows he is not only unable to sing, but is also a fairly mediocre actor.

• Try to use a range of punctuation and sentence types too!

So, what are the texts all about then

1. Reports- Not aiming to persuade, but to inform and

advise.- Should not be overly personal (although you

may be expected to comment on the effectiveness of something that affects you).

- Is a piece of research i.e. should include statistics.

- Should conclude by summarising your findings and making clear recommendations.

Bridport’s facilities for young children and teenagers

Introduction____________________________________________________Findings____________________________________________________________________________

Possible solutions__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Recommendations__________________________________________________________________________________________

Lisa CookeTuesday 8th January

Title (usually a statement or question)

Reports

Subheadings Each section considers a different aspect of the topic.

Introduction Make it clear what you are investigating.

Main Paragraphs 3-4 detailed sections.

RecommendationsConclude with suggested solutions/improvements. Name and date

2. Reviews- The purpose of a review is to give a reasoned

opinion of a film, book, album or play etc.- Include a balance of detail and opinion AND don’t be

shallow (consider why you like / why others might like it).

- Don’t retell the plot.- In the exam, the audience will be clearly stated. The

style of a review for a teenage magazine, obviously, will be quite different from one written for a national newspaper.

Black or White, Rich or Poor…Nought or Cross?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Recommendation: _____________ ******

Title (use a pun, alliteration or state the name of the book/film you are reviewing – remember to include key details such as the author/ artist.)

Reviews

Introductory paragraph Include some key background information.

Main Paragraphs 3-4 sections. Be careful not to give too much away!

Concluding paragraphInclude an opinion and perhaps a comparison to a similar work. Recommendation

and star rating.

Pictures You can draw a box and state what the picture would be but don’t waste time drawing it out!

3. Leaflets• Usually produced either to: give information, persuade

people to visit a certain place or buy a certain product.• In the exam, you will not have time to produce a leaflet

which is colourful and packed with pictures (remember, you gain no marks for this).

• Instead, you will be assessed on your ability to organise your writing like a leaflet and to write in a leaflet style – with correct SPG.

• You should also write enough for the examiner to be able to assess your writing skills (between 1.5 and 2 sides).

Leaflet layout and content features

Clear headline Emotive languageSubheadings Helpful hints

A clear introduction Expert opinionsSecond person

pronounsFirst hand experience

Facts ImperativesStatistics Pictures

Bullet points LogoAddresses/helplines for additional advice

You don’t need to include all of these!

Beating the Bullies – A Guide for Parents

______________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

The facts• ________________________• ________________________• ________________________

A Case Study_________________________________________________________

How to prevent bullying_______________________________________________________

Extra help• www.antibullying.net• Childline: 0800111111

Title (this should tell the reader immediately what it is about).

LeafletsIntroductory paragraph Outline the background/key details. E.g. ‘Bullying is a problem in almost every school across the UK’.

Main Paragraphs 3-4 sections. Try to include a variety of features.

Addresses/helplines for additional advice

Pictures You can draw a box and state what the picture would be but don’t waste time drawing it out!

Subheadings Clearly indicate the different aspects covered.

4. Articles• Whatever the aim, most articles need to be written in a lively

style and contain interesting facts and probably opinions.• You may hold any opinion you like, but what you have to say

should be convincingly and clearly argued.• There are two broad styles of article writing: lively and

informative.• Lively = more personal E.g. Write a lively article with the title, ‘The Joys of Exercise’ for a magazine for people of your age.

• Factual = more formal. E.g. Write an article for a travel magazine about a place you have visited and found interesting.

Jumping for Joy!By Jenny Royal

Why exercise?____________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Headline something catchy to engage the reader (use a pun, a question or alliteration).

Articles

Introductory paragraph Be sure to engage the reader.

Main Paragraphs 3-4 sections.

Concluding paragraph Round off the article with a short conclusion.

Pictures State what the picture is – this should relate to the article.

Your name As the writer, your name should appear beneath the headline.

Subheadings can give shape and organisation to your article.

• Start by addressing your audience: state who you are and why you are writing in the introduction.

• Include information that will interest the audience and do not bombard them with facts and statistics.

• Try to be ambitious in your writing and remember that mistakes cost you marks!

5. Speeches

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I intend to talk today about the size zero controversy that has filled our newspapers and television bulletins of late. My argument will be that the obsession with conforming to a certain look is very misguided._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Thank you for listening so attentively.

Open with a welcome/greeting to your audience This opening should be brief and simple.

Speeches

Outline the topic.

Main Paragraphs 3-4 key points to support/develop your argument. REMEMBER! Your aim is to keep the attention of your audience.

Concluding paragraph This should have an impact on the audience and leave them with something to think about.

End with polite acknowledgement of the audience.

Informal Letter• The language of an informal letter should be colloquial with a friendly

approach. The tone may be chatty.• Remember! There is a difference between writing informally and

writing sloppily-luv and wud (text speak) would be inappropriate as would ‘gonna’ and ‘innit’, unless it is intended to achieve a specific effect.

• Informal: Only your address needed.

Formal Letter• Say what you really think about the topic you have been asked to write

about. Seeing both points of view is fine, but the best letters usually have a clear and consistent view.

• Formal: Both addresses needed.

• Informal and formal letters: include the date.

6 & 7. Letters

15 Lake RoadOadby

LeicesterLE12 4TY

19th February 2012Dear Mariah,

It seems like ages since we last spoke to one another what with you moving to Bristol and all the studying at the moment. How about coming to stay at mine for the Easter holiday for a few days before we have to start all that gruelling exam revision?

Easter would be the perfect time for you to visit! My sister, Emily, is in her third year of Uni now and she says that when you get to the final year, holidays are completely out of the question….

The Curve are putting on a production of ‘Frankenstein’ over April. I remember you saying that the novel is on your reading list. We should definitely go and see it (with a pre-show Nando’s lunch built into the schedule too), all in the interests of your education, of course!....

Roland rabbit is pining for a Mariah-cuddle – surely you won’t deprive him of your company for much longer? …

Love,

Hawa x

Your address and the date

Salutation

Opening paragraph:

short, making the purpose of the letter clear

3-4 middle paragraphs

Informal closure

First name of sender

Closing paragraph: to round off and reinforce the

purpose of the letter

I hope I have managed to persuade you that a break from all the hard work would do us both the world of good. We’ve got too much to catch up on! Please say yes.

Informal Letters

Flat 2EThe OpalLeicesterLE11 4RB

19th June 2012The Accommodation ManagerThe OpalLeicesterLE10 2SS

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to complain about the service my flatmates and I are receiving at the Opal accommodation in Leicester. The electronic key fob for all entrances into the building has been out of order for 2 weeks now. We are frankly appalled at your company’s complete disregard for the personal safety of your students.

Your procedures regarding vacuum cleaners are also shocking. The rule that you have to buy your own vacuum cleaner bags is ridiculous. We are students and do not have the time or the money to organise housekeeping, surely that is what we pay such an incredible amount in fees for!……

Due to your company’s neglect, I do not feel safe in my own home. I understand from the accommodation security guard that the door mechanism is burnt out and repairs are ongoing. His advice was to "look out for dodgy people!" Hardly reassuring words! I find it highly ironic and deeply worrying that there are signs up in the accommodation entrance warning about thefts in the area. It is hardly surprising really when anybody could walk in off the street!! Your company have a duty of care to their residents which you are failing to fulfil.

I deeply regret my choice of accommodation for this academic year. I previously lived in accommodation run by the University of Leicester and their maintenance support was fantastic. I am tired of having to fight for basic requirements such as a front door that actually locks. I really am at a los as to where to go from here. Yours faithfully,

Miss Amy McLaughlin

Your address and the date

The recipient’s address

Salutation (greeting)

Opening paragraph:

short, making the purpose of the letter clear

3-4 middle paragraphs,

which develop your views

Formal closure

Full name of sender

Closing paragraph: to round off and reinforce the

purpose of the letter

Remember: if you do not

know the person you are

writing to, the

closure will be ‘Yours

faithfully’. If you do

know them, write ‘Yours

sincerely’

To add insult to injury…

Formal Letters

Finally...

Any questions?

Good Luck!