English Language Component 2 Exam Feedback Tips for

English Language Component 2 Exam Feedback Tips for the real exam Based on Feb/March mock exams

English Language Component 2 Section A: 19 th and 21 stc Non-Fiction Reading Exam Tip 1 For 1 -mark questions, you just need to find a quote: DON’T write paragraphs. Tip 1 More info on Tip 1 Always check the number of marks. For 1 -mark questions, just cut-and-paste a quotation that links to the question. One quote = one mark. Warning: writing paragraphs for 1 -mark questions mean you run out of time.

English Language Component 1 Section A: 19 th and 21 stc Non-Fiction Reading Exam Tip 2 For the ‘thoughts and feelings’ question, explain the reason for the thought/feeling How to explain the reason for the thought/feeling Tip 2 How well do you think Scott’s diary captures his feelings about his journey to the South Pole? Scott’s feelings about his journey to the South Pole are implied through the quotation “one cannot see the next tent, let alone the land”, suggesting that Scott feels dispirited in the face of extreme conditions. Scott’s diary also implies feelings of shock and confusion through the question “What on earth does such weather mean at this time of year? ” Scott’s diary also makes explicit his increasing doubts about the success of the expedition evident in the quotation “I think, and I doubt if any party could travel in such weather”. I think this quotes prove Scott’s diary effectively captures his feelings. Remember that thoughts and feelings can be clearly stated in an article (i. e. explicit) or suggested (i. e. implicit). It is important to look for both thoughts and feelings that are clearly stated (explicit) and suggested (implicit) to achieve above 5/10 in the ‘thoughts and feelings’ question. Also, if ‘How well…? ’ is part of the question, include your opinion. = explicit thought/feeling = implicit thought/feeling = how well feelings are captured

English Language Component 1 Section A: 19 th and 21 stc Non-Fiction Reading Exam Tip 3 For the ‘How’ question, if in doubt use “word” or “phrase”: don’t guess techniques! Tip 3 Look for these techniques in the ‘How’ question Adjectives Adverbs Verbs Simile Personification scared happy excited grimy dark quietly quickly ferociously elegantly carefully ran shouted cried looked thought He exploded like a volcano The pale, sickly yellow lights He tip-toed silently, as if on a tightrope The house sat on the corner, observing… (descriptive words) (-ly words) (actions) (comparisons) (giving objects human qualities)

English Language Component Section A: 19 th and 21 stc Non-Fiction Reading Exam Tip 4 In the Comparison question, plan the similarities and differences before you write. How to plan for the Comparison Question Tip 4 The last question on Paper 2 is the Comparison Question. For this question it is important to plan the similarities and differences to give you a clear structure for your answer. Scott Fogle The hardships How feelings are conveyed “howling blizzards” / “snow piling up on everything” / freezing temperatures / lack of food 1 st person diary builds up feelings of helplessness / description of conditions / frustrations, concerns = similarities “low temperatures” / “storms and white outs” / frostbite, blisters / long days of skiing / little sleep uses and author so not as direct as Scott’s / describes situations faced / written after the event = differences

English Language Component 2 Section B: Transactional Writing (writing to argue, persuade, advise, inform, explain) Exam Tip 5 You need to write TWO pieces, using the correct form and the whole colour-key. Tip 5 The Writing 5: key ingredients for success The 5 Types of Writing F. A. P Sub-Topics 5 Sentences Punctuation Both questions will cover a type of writing from the 5: Form = using the correct format (e. g. Letter, article etc. ) - Audience = use the right tone and language for your audience For each paragraph introduce a new point. So if you are writing a letter about homework being banned: Use The 5 Sentences to get across your tone of voice and feeling towards the topic. Include Punctuation 5 to get across your tone and emotion Argue Persuade Advise Inform Explain (form, audience, purpose) Purpose = use the colour key (e. g. new points in each paragraph) 1. causes stress 2. stops social life 3. no proof it helps 4. causes issues (varies your tone) Simple = 1 Compound = 2 Complex = 1. 5 Minor = 0. 5 Multi-Clausal = 3 (… : - ! ? ) … makes reader think - develops your point : emphasises points ? rhetorical question ! intense emotion