English Language and Literature GCSE AQA We want

English Language and Literature GCSE AQA

We want students to avoid using the following phrases: “This interests the reader” “This makes the reader want to read on”

What do we consider to be methods? Language Structure Tone Linguistic Choices Irony Themes/ Messages/ Morals Symbolism Imagery Sentence Length Verb Tense Narrative Voice Form Contrast Colour Imagery Religious Imagery Sensory Description

Feedback from the exam board - AQA ØDeveloping detail ØUsing vocabulary ØIncorporating methods ØEmbracing big ideas

In English, students have the opportunity to achieve TWO GCSEs: English Language English Literature Paper 1 (80 marks 1 hour 45 mins Paper 2 (80 marks) 1 hour 45 mins Paper 1 1 hour 45 mins Fiction One extract (20 th or 21 st Century) 4 Reading Questions 1 Creative Writing Question Non-Fiction Two Extracts: One will be Pre 20 th Century and the other 20 th/21 st Century 4 Reading Questions 1 Transactional Writing Question One question on Macbeth One question on A Christmas Carol Paper 2 2 hours 15 mins One question on Inspector Calls One question comparing two poems from their anthology Two questions on unseen poetry.

Across each GCSE, students will be required to apply a range of skills: Ø Read and understand a range of texts Ø Infer and deduce information from a text Ø Identify and analyse the writer’s use of language Ø Identify and analyse why the writer has structured a text to interest the reader Ø Synthesise information across two texts Ø Compare ideas presented and methods used by the writer across two texts Ø Write extensively and creatively for a particular purpose, audience and form. Ø Accurately use spelling, punctuation and grammar including ambitious vocabulary.

English Literature Paper 1 What are students tested on? Section A: Macbeth Section B: A Christmas Carol Each question is marked out of 30. Each question will focus on either a character or theme from the play/novella. Students need to use the extract provided as a starting point only before referring to the wider texts. Students need to comment on HOW the writer has achieved a purpose by commenting on methods and refer to the context. Students do not need direct quotations and only need words or short phrases from the extract.

English Literature Paper 2 What are students tested on? Section A: An Inspector Calls There will be a choice of two questions for An Inspector Calls. One will focus on theme and one will focus on character. Students need to reference the entire play in their answer as well as commenting on the writer’s methods and discussing the context of the play. Section B: Anthology Poems Students will be asked to compare a theme between two poems from their anthology. They will be given one of the poems but must decide the other for themselves. Section C: Unseen Poetry Split into two parts, students must firstly analyse and discuss an unseen poem. Students will then be provided with a second unseen poem which they must use to compare to the first.

English Language Paper 1 What are students tested on? Section A: Reading Students will read a fictional extract Question 1: Recall four facts from the beginning of the text (4 marks) Question 2: Looking at a small part of the text, students must comment on how the writer has used language to achieve a particular effect. Students need to comment on something from the beginning, middle and end of the short extract. (8 marks) Question 3: Comment on how the text is structured to interest the reader. Students to split the text into three parts and comment on how it is constructed. (8 marks) Question 4: Presented with a statement which they will need to agree with. Students to evaluate the text to support their argument. (20 marks) Section B: Writing Students will be asked to write either a piece of description based on a visual stimulus OR a short narrative. (40 marks)

English Language Paper 2 What are students tested on? Section A: Reading Students will read two non-fiction extracts. Question 1: Recall four facts from the beginning of the text (4 marks) Question 2: Students to compare the differences between two texts using inference and deduction only (8 marks) Question 3: Explore how language has been used in one of the texts in order to achieve a particular effect. (12 marks) Question 4: Compare how both texts present their ideas. (16 marks) Section B: Writing Students will be asked to write a transactional piece of writing such as a newspaper article/letter/report/review etc. (40 marks)

How are preparing your son/daughter for their English GCSE? Ø English lessons every day Ø Emphasis on recall of knowledge Ø Walking-Talking Mocks Ø Lunchtime booster classes Ø After-school revision every Thursday Ø Fortnightly extended writing tasks Ø Focus on vocabulary Ø Poetry Live Ø Live performances Ø Full mock exam Ø Tutorial work Ø Targeted group intervention

Revision Guides How can your son/daughter be supported at home?