The purpose of this presentation
is to provide you with an insight
into how you can best support
your child as they prepare
themselves for the English
examination at Higher.
The presentation will explain the
content of the English course and
exam, along with providing some
information about the best ways
to study.
In Higher English, there are
three key elements that
contribute to the overall grade
awarded.
The components and their
contribution to the overall award
are outlined below:
Close Reading:
Critical Essay:
Folio of Writing:
40%
40%
20%
What is the Writing Folio?
Pupils are required to complete a
folio of writing.
The writing folio equates to 20%
of the overall grade. Two writing
pieces are submitted at Higher.
These are graded externally by
the SQA, and the writing pieces
are graded with a mark out of
25.
Pupils produce their folio pieces over
the course of the year.
The pieces submitted should be an
accurate reflection of the best work
that the pupils can produce.
The writing pieces contained in the folio should cover
the following genres…
Class introduction to genre
Research time (if necessary)
Planning time
Writing time (first draft)
Individual Feedback
Redraft
Final proof read and review
Encourage your child to attend
writing folio supported study.
Ask to read writing folio pieces (although do not
be surprised if your child is reluctant to share
personal reflective essays.)
Assist in the planning and research of discursive
essays. Discuss topics with your child to help
them to develop their argument.
Encourage your child to read over their writing
with care to check for errors in technical
accuracy and expression.
The close reading paper will be
completed by pupils in the final
exam.
This examination tests
knowledge about language
through their responses to
questions on 2 non fiction pieces
of writing.
These are generally taken from
newspapers or magazines.
The close reading paper is worth
50 marks.
Pupils are given 1 hour 45
minutes to complete the paper.
Pupils are required to read an
extract of “moderate difficulty”
and answer a range of questions
on it.
Pupils will be tested on their
understanding of the writer’s
ideas and opinions as well as
their analysis of the writer’s use
of language and structure.
The questions in a close reading
paper come under three
individual categories…
•Understanding
•Analysis
•Evaluation
Own Words
Summarise
Understanding
Quotation
Context
Link
Word Choice
Sentence Structure
Analysis
Imagery
Tone
Evaluation
Contrast
Here is an example of a close reading
formula, and how to apply it.
This is how the formula can be applied
to a question…
When I moved to a flat in New York and
discovered that my new neighbours included a
colony of pigeons, my first reaction was:
exterminate the brutes!
Show how the writer's word choice helps us
understand how he feels about pigeons.
• “Exterminate”
• Means to wipe out/eliminate/destroy
• This has connotations of
violence/brutality
• This helps us to understand that the
writer wanted to destroy the birds and
violently kill them.
Read broadsheet newspapers
Ensure that they have notes of their formula and
that they are learning them. You can test their
knowledge!
Ensure that they are using past papers which are
available on both the department and SQA
website.
Encourage your child to attend supported study
when it is available.
The third element of the course
is the Critical Essay Paper.
Pupils are required to write two
extended responses at Higher.
These will be on two separate
genre and the questions are
unseen.
Pupils have 45 minutes per essay.
Pupils will cover a range of texts in class throughout the
year. These will cover a range of genres, such as:
•Prose
•Poetry
•Drama
•Media
Pupils must select two questions in the exam which they feel
best suit their knowledge of each chosen text.
It is vitally important that pupils know a range of quotations
and analysis from a range of texts (we recommend at least
three for the final exam.) Pupils should have these on study
cards.
Here is an example a quotation and
analysis.
Purchase a copy of the text
Consider Study Guides such as York Notes
Test their knowledge of quotes
Encourage ‘five minute’ essay plans on a
range of questions
Timed Essays from past papers
Offer to proof read their essays to check
for technical accuracy and common errors
Supported Study - On Offer
• Monday:
– Mrs. Pennman (Folio)
– Mr. Mackay (General Support)
• Tuesday:
– Miss Gourlay (Folio)
– Mrs. MacCaig (General Support)
• Wednesday:
–
–
–
–
Mr. Smart (Folio)
Mr. Getty (Folio)
Mrs. Maciver (Folio)
Mrs MacKinnon (General Support)
• Thursday:
– Miss MacRobert (Folio)
– Miss Rhodes (Folio)
– Mrs MacKinnon (Folio)
Supported Study
• Please be advised that times and
teachers, as well as the content provided,
are subject to change in response to the
course demands
• Pupils should always make sure they sign
up outside of the English base so they
know what session they are attending
• Spaces are limited – pupils must sign up
early to avoid disappointment