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English Language
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What “unseen texts” means and how to prepare for themThe big picture: Reading 50%, Writing 50%, Spoken Language reported separatelyComponent 1 vs Component 2: fiction-focused vs non-fiction-focused skillsUnderstanding the assessment objectives (AO1–AO6) in student languageWhat examiners mean by “effects on the reader”How marks are allocated between content and technical accuracy (SPaG)Building an exam timing plan you can actually followHow to use the insert/resource booklet effectivelyCommon reasons students lose marks (misreading tasks, no evidence, vague analysis)Building a personal “exam toolkit” (sentence starters, paragraph frames, checklists)
First read: tracking who, where, when, and what changesSecond read: spotting shifts in mood, tension, and focusSelecting evidence: choosing short, precise quotationsRetrieval mastery: finding explicit information quicklyInference mastery: turning hints into clear interpretationsWriting inference sentences that stay anchored to the textTracking character: thoughts, actions, dialogue, and motivesTracking setting: how place and atmosphere are createdIdentifying viewpoint and narrative perspectiveAnalysing word choices: connotations and toneAnalysing figurative language: simile, metaphor, personificationAnalysing sound and sentence style for effectAnalysing structure: openings, endings, and turning pointsAnalysing structure: pacing, tension, and sentence lengthEvaluating: forming a judgement and proving it with evidenceExplaining the “impact on the reader” without being genericWriting concise, high-precision paragraphs under time pressure
Understanding command words: list, explain, analyse, evaluatePlanning answers from the question focus (not from memory)Building point–evidence–explain paragraphs that stay relevantZooming in: analysing a single word for big effectZooming out: linking analysis to the wider moment in the extractAvoiding “feature spotting” (naming techniques without meaning)Writing about structure using clear, simple vocabularyWriting a convincing evaluation judgement (how far, how well, how effectively)Using multiple quotations smoothly (no “quote dumping”)Checking and improving an answer in the final 60 seconds
Understanding the task: narrative/recount vs descriptionGenerating a plot quickly from a title or promptCrafting a strong opening that hooks immediatelyEstablishing character voice and viewpointShowing emotions through action, detail, and dialogueUsing dialogue realistically (and punctuating it correctly)Creating tension using pacing and sentence varietyUsing description purposefully (to support narrative)Building a clear story shape: problem, turning point, resolutionWriting effective endings that feel “earned”Structuring paragraphs for pace and clarityUsing ambitious vocabulary without forcing itUsing figurative language sparingly but effectivelyAvoiding common pitfalls: clichés, rushed endings, no storylineEditing for AO6: spelling, punctuation, sentence controlFinal-check routine: sense, consistency, accuracy, impact
Sentence types: simple, compound, complex (when to use each)Varying sentence openings for style and controlControlling fragments and run-onsCommas: lists, clauses, and clarity (not “comma splicing”)Full stops, colons, semicolons: when they improve meaningApostrophes: possession vs omission (and common traps)Speech punctuation: new speaker, commas, end punctuationParagraphing for clarity and purposeSpellings that frequently cost marks (homophones, endings, ambitious words)Proofreading routines that catch real errors quickly
Recognising non-fiction purpose: to argue, inform, advise, persuade, entertainUnderstanding voice: attitude, stance, and viewpointIdentifying the “main message” and supporting ideasComparing perspectives: what each writer thinks and whyComparing methods: how each writer shapes the reader’s responseSpotting bias, viewpoint, and one-sided presentationDistinguishing fact, opinion, and assertionUnderstanding tone in non-fiction (sarcastic, formal, indignant, reflective)Analysing non-fiction language choices (rhetoric and emphasis)Analysing structural choices (openings, sequencing, endings)Interpreting 19th-century language without panicUsing context safely (only what the text supports)Selecting comparative evidence across two texts efficientlySynthesising ideas: linking points instead of writing two mini-essaysEvaluating credibility: how convincing and why
Finding the key points worth summarising (not retelling everything)Summarising in your own words while staying accurateSelecting evidence for summary-style questionsWriting a concise summary paragraph with no “waffle”Combining ideas from two texts into one clear overviewUsing connective language for synthesis (similarly, whereas, both, however)Avoiding the two biggest summary errors: inference and over-quotationTurning bullet ideas into fluent exam sentencesKeeping summary responses focused on the exact question focusTightening a summary to fit the mark scheme demands
Audience and purpose: deciding tone, register, and viewpoint fastMatching form to task: letter, article, speech, review, report, leafletWriting effective introductions that establish purpose immediatelyWriting effective conclusions that drive the message homeOrganising arguments logically (not just listing points)Using paragraphing to guide and persuade the readerUsing rhetorical devices naturally (rule of three, questions, contrast)Using evidence and examples to make points convincingWriting balanced discursive responses when requiredShaping tone: formal, semi-formal, informal (and staying consistent)Writing for impact without sounding unrealistic or aggressiveCrafting persuasive sentences that sound “adult” and controlledAO6 in transactional writing: accuracy + deliberate sentence varietyEditing for clarity: removing repetition and tightening phrasingFinal-check routine: task matched, audience met, structure clear, accurate SPaG
Choosing a topic that supports confident ideas (not just facts)Turning a topic into a clear purpose (to inform, persuade, explore)Planning a talk with a strong line of argumentStructuring a speech: opening, signposting, development, closingUsing notes effectively without reading a scriptSpeaking clearly: pace, volume, emphasis, and pausingUsing Spoken Standard English appropriately in a formal settingUsing vocabulary choices to sound confident and preciseUsing engagement strategies: questions, examples, anecdote, contrastHandling nerves: practical rehearsal routinesResponding to questions: listening carefully and answering directlyExtending answers with extra explanation and examplesShowing “Merit/Distinction” qualities: organisation, purpose, sophisticationMeeting the “audible and intelligible” baseline every timeRecording and performance conditions: what matters on the day
