English GCSE
Revision
3rd April 2014
English & English Literature
GCSE Exams- Key Dates
• 20th May- English Literature Exam 1
• 22nd May- English Literature Exam 2
• 3rd June- WJEC Unit 1 and Unit 2 Exam
• 3rd June- Paper 1 IGCSE
• 5th June- Paper 2 IGCSE
Know which paper you are
entered for:
• You will be either sitting the:
• Higher WJEC Unit 1 and Unit 2 - 3rd June
Or the
• Foundation WJEC Unit 1 and Unit 2- 3rd
June
Or the
• IGCSE ( No tier of entry)- 3rd June and the 5th
June
How much revision should I be
doing?
• You should be spending 3 hours on revision or homework per
week in English
• At least 1 hour on a past paper for English
• At least an hour on key English exam skills ( punctuation,
sentence structure, drafting, speed writing, expanding
vocabulary or reading the revision guide)
• At least 1 hour on your Literature revision ( play, prose text,
poetry)
How can I revise for English?
• Practice past papers- all available on website- hard copies available
in WS02.
• Actively read through the revision guide and practice the exercises
and possible questions- available online and in WS02
• Develop your vocabulary- spend some time creating a synonym bank
of words that you often use.
• Practice literacy exercises- pack available on the website or in WS02
• Re read your literature texts- create mind maps on key characters
and themes- top 10 quotes
• Read all the revision guides on the website for the play, prose text
and poetry guide for your Literature Exam
• Use BBC Bitesize and other recommended revision sites and
revision guides to help prepare for the Literature exam.
• Practice writing under timed conditions- speed writing exercises.
Creating a revision plan- 3
hours per week
Week
commencing:
7th April
14th April
21st April
28th April
5th May
12th May
19th May
26th May
2nd June
Practice Paper for
English
Practice English
skills
Literature
Revision
Week commencing Foundation WJEC
7th April
WJEC Paper 2
Summer 2011Antarctic Adventure
14th April
Higher WJEC
November 2012Unit 1- Fair trade
Unit 2- Leisure
Centre
IGCSE
IGCSE Paper 1
November 2012Winter in Madrid
Punctuation Practice
Punctuation Practice
Punctuation Practice
Mind map main
characters in
Literature novel
WJEC Paper 2 June
2010- Children Need
Risk to survive
Mind map main
characters in
Literature novel
June 2011 Unit 1Manchester
Unit 2- New
supermarket
proposal
Mind map main
characters in
Literature novel
IGCSE Paper 2
November 2012Console kids
Research 10 new
words and create 10
sentences using
them.
Mind Map main
themes in Literature
novel
Revise poetic termspoetry guide on
website
Research 10 new
words and create 10
sentences using
them.
Mind Map main
themes in Literature
novel
Revise poetic termspoetry guide on
website
Research 10 new
words and create 10
sentences using
them.
Mind Map main
themes in Literature
novel
Revise poetic termspoetry guide on
website
Key Skills for Unit 1- Reading
or Paper 2 IGCSE
• Check your timings for each question
• Underline key points in relation to the question as you are
reading
• Always question- what is the Purpose, Audience and Format
and how do you know? What features of the language or
presentation tell you this?
• How are facts and opinions used to convey an argument?
• How is the extract structured to build an argument?
• How are presentational devices used and to what effect?
• The more points you make, the more marks you get. Check
that you have made enough points for each question.
• Constantly think about the effect
on the audience.
How to get a C / B on the
Writing paper
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
5 types of punctuation other than a full stop and comma
You must use paragraphs correctly
Vary sentences, use complex and compound sentences
Control your use of tenses ( don’t swap between past and
present)
Aim for 2 sides of A4 per question
Show a clear understanding of purpose, audience and format.
Show a clear awareness of the reader
Use at least 4 stylistic techniques.
Use a range of vocabulary to convey precise meaning.
To achieve an A/ A* on writing:
• Sophisticated understanding of purpose, audience and format –
adapting language and structure to suit.
• Ideas are effectively prioritised to construct a sophisticated
argument.
• Paragraphs are varied in length and structure to control progression.
• Confident and sophisticated use of a range of stylistic devices.
• Ambitious vocabulary is used to convey precise meaning.
• Variety of punctuation used for effect to vary pace, clarify meaning
and create deliberate effects.
• Sophisticated use of simple, compound and complex sentences to
achieve effects
• A wide vocabulary used for effect ( crafted)
• FLAIR and creativity.
Useful websites
• http://www.sprowstonhigh.org/cms/year-1011-revision-zone/english
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english
• http://www.wjec.co.uk- lots of past papers ( either Unit 1 or 2 or old English
paper 2)
• http://www.englishbiz.co.uk This site is helpful for revising grammar and the
writing tasks.
• http://www.gcse.com/english/ A useful site for general English skills
• http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/english A helpful site in terms of writing styles
• http://www.educationquizzes.com/gcse/english/ Lots of quizzes to help with
punctuation and writing styles
• www.universalteacher.org.uk
• Another good resource for revising Literature texts especially. Also some advice
for comprehension skills
• https://www.gradesaver.com/- Detailed guides on all Literature texts
• http://www.sparknotes.com- For help with all your literature texts
• www.guardian.co.uk-Probably best newspaper resource online. Excellent
preparation for Unit 1 with its media bias.