Cambridge English & Science Notes –
Grade 8 (IGCSE)
Prepositional Phrase
A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a
noun or pronoun.
Structure: Preposition + Modifier (optional) + Noun/Pronoun
Examples:
- under the table
- on a cold winter morning
- with great care
Common Prepositions:
- Place: on, in, under, behind, between
- Time: before, after, during, at
- Direction: to, into, out of, toward
Function: Adds extra information about place, time, direction, cause, or manner.
Onomatopoeic Nouns
These are nouns formed from onomatopoeia – words that imitate sounds.
Examples:
- buzz (bee/machine)
- bang (explosion)
- crash (collision)
- pop (bursting)
- hiss (snake/steam)
- splash (in water)
Used to make writing more vivid and sound-based.
How to Ace Checkpoint LS English
Reading:
- Read questions first, then the text
- Highlight keywords
- Use your own words in answers
- Practice PEE (Point, Evidence, Explanation)
Writing:
- Plan before writing
- Use structure (intro, middle, end)
- Use varied sentence types and literary devices (simile, metaphor, alliteration)
- Write to the correct audience and purpose
Usage:
- Revise tenses, prepositions, punctuation
- Use connectives and transition words
- Practice transforming sentences (active/passive)
General Tips:
- Stick to word limits
- Proofread answers
- Use paragraphing clearly
Quote Analysis: Clent and 'Poor'
Quote: “Now, child, let us bring warning to this poor–” ‘Rich,’ corrected Mosca. ‘To this
affluent but imperiled girl,’ finished Clent.
Analysis:
- "Poor" is used to express pity/sympathy, not lack of money.
- Mosca corrects Clent literally, but Clent rephrases to sound poetic and accurate.
- Shows contrast in characters: Clent is dramatic; Mosca is literal and sharp.
- Adds humour, voice, and tone – useful for analysis tasks.
Lower Surface Area = Slower Reaction
- Chemical reactions occur on the surface of solids.
- Larger surface area = more exposed particles = faster reaction.
- Smaller surface area = fewer collisions = slower reaction.
Example:
- Powdered magnesium reacts faster than a magnesium strip.
- Crushed sugar dissolves faster than a sugar cube.
Conclusion:
Lower surface area slows down the rate of reaction because fewer particles are exposed for
collisions.