GCSE English

Paper 2

Timing:

2 hours allowed in total

Section A:Tests Reading Skillsallow 40 minutes

Section B: Tests Writing Skillsallow 40 minutes for B1 allow 40 minutes for B2

Section A: Reading

Two extracts – Media & Non-FictionStandard comprehension questionsLooks at :

Extract One Extract Two Compares Both Purpose, Form, Audience Layout and Language

Finding Information:

Firstly - read the text really carefully

Secondly - read question to make sure you understand exactly what it's asking you

Thirdly - use skimming and scanning skills and annotate the text by underlining or highlighting

PEE:

Point

Evidence (a quotation) and

Explanation

Text Types: PFA

You need to decide: What type of text is it? (text type) Why was it written? (purpose) Who was it written for? (target

audience)These affect the content and style

of the text.

PEE: Connectives

Supporting an idea:

However... therefore... because... but... and... furthermore.. also... in addition... then... as well as... next... whereas... in contrast... later... at first... similarly...

PEE: Connectives

Explaining an idea:

This implies... this suggests... which gives the impression that... this shows... this clearly shows... possibly... perhaps... this indicates that... obviously... this conveys to the reader that...

Questions: Layout

Focus – Show that you understand specific terminology and the effect of layout e.g. headline, subheading, pictures etc…

Explain why the writer has chosen this layout

Eg: The author has used bullet points in this leaflet to make it more accessible to its target audience, children and teenagers.

Questions: Language

Focus – show you understand how a writer uses language for effect

Explain and comment on words / sentences and why a writer has chosen themE.g. ‘dangerous predators’ the

polar bears are described in this way offering negative connotations in order to make tourists wary of their surroundings.

Section B: Writing

B1 Argue/Persuade/

Advise

No choice given One task Spend 40 mins on

this section

B2 Analyse/Review/

Comment

No choice given One task Spend 40 mins on

this section

Section B1: Possible Tasks

Formal letter writingInformal letter writingLeaflets (perhaps to advise)Article for newspaper/magazineSpeeches

Section B2: Possible Tasks

Report Article for newspaper/magazinesLetter formal/InformalLeaflet

Section B1: Planning

B1Vary punctuation

Vary sentences used: simple/compound/complex

5+ paragraphs

Section B2: Planning

B2Vary punctuation

Vary sentences used: simple/compound/complex

5+ paragraphs

Sentence Types

Simple sentences: one main clause (subject object verb) e.g. It was late

Compound sentences: two simple sentences connected by and, but, so, because e.g. It was late but I wasn’t tired

Complex sentences: main clause (simple sentence) and subordinate clause (doesn’t make sense on its own) e.g. Although it was late, I wasn’t tired.

Punctuation:

. Shows the end of a sentence

, Shows a pause in a sentence

; Shows a longer pause

: Used before a list or when giving evidence

“ ” ‘ ‘

Used around direct speech, a quotation or to show sarcasm

Punctuation:

? Shows a question

! Shows surprise, shock, humour or excitement

… Shows words are missing

( ) Used around an aside, or less important point

- Sometimes used informally to show a pause, or to link two words

‘ Shows possession or a missing letter

Section B: Proof Reading

Make sure you spend 5 mins proof reading your writing

Have you got paragraphs? Have you used punctuation? Have you varied your punctuation? Could you add anymore detail? Could you vary vocab making it even more

interesting?

And Finally:

Don’t panic!

Do your best!

and

Good luck!

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