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GCSEEduqas
English Language
Exam Questions
What “unseen texts” means and how to prepare for themNewThe big picture: Reading 50%, Writing 50%, Spoken Language reported separatelyNewComponent 1 vs Component 2: fiction-focused vs non-fiction-focused skillsNewUnderstanding the assessment objectives (AO1–AO6) in student languageNewWhat examiners mean by “effects on the reader”NewHow marks are allocated between content and technical accuracy (SPaG)NewBuilding an exam timing plan you can actually followNewHow to use the insert/resource booklet effectivelyNewCommon reasons students lose marks (misreading tasks, no evidence, vague analysis)NewBuilding a personal “exam toolkit” (sentence starters, paragraph frames, checklists)New
First read: tracking who, where, when, and what changesNewSecond read: spotting shifts in mood, tension, and focusNewSelecting evidence: choosing short, precise quotationsNewRetrieval mastery: finding explicit information quicklyNewInference mastery: turning hints into clear interpretationsNewWriting inference sentences that stay anchored to the textNewTracking character: thoughts, actions, dialogue, and motivesNewTracking setting: how place and atmosphere are createdNewIdentifying viewpoint and narrative perspectiveNewAnalysing word choices: connotations and toneNewAnalysing figurative language: simile, metaphor, personificationNewAnalysing sound and sentence style for effectNewAnalysing structure: openings, endings, and turning pointsNewAnalysing structure: pacing, tension, and sentence lengthNewEvaluating: forming a judgement and proving it with evidenceNewExplaining the “impact on the reader” without being genericNewWriting concise, high-precision paragraphs under time pressureNew
Understanding command words: list, explain, analyse, evaluateNewPlanning answers from the question focus (not from memory)NewBuilding point–evidence–explain paragraphs that stay relevantNewZooming in: analysing a single word for big effectNewZooming out: linking analysis to the wider moment in the extractNewAvoiding “feature spotting” (naming techniques without meaning)NewWriting about structure using clear, simple vocabularyNewWriting a convincing evaluation judgement (how far, how well, how effectively)NewUsing multiple quotations smoothly (no “quote dumping”)NewChecking and improving an answer in the final 60 secondsNew
Understanding the task: narrative/recount vs descriptionNewGenerating a plot quickly from a title or promptNewCrafting a strong opening that hooks immediatelyNewEstablishing character voice and viewpointNewShowing emotions through action, detail, and dialogueNewUsing dialogue realistically (and punctuating it correctly)NewCreating tension using pacing and sentence varietyNewUsing description purposefully (to support narrative)NewBuilding a clear story shape: problem, turning point, resolutionNewWriting effective endings that feel “earned”NewStructuring paragraphs for pace and clarityNewUsing ambitious vocabulary without forcing itNewUsing figurative language sparingly but effectivelyNewAvoiding common pitfalls: clichés, rushed endings, no storylineNewEditing for AO6: spelling, punctuation, sentence controlNewFinal-check routine: sense, consistency, accuracy, impactNew
Sentence types: simple, compound, complex (when to use each)NewVarying sentence openings for style and controlNewControlling fragments and run-onsNewCommas: lists, clauses, and clarity (not “comma splicing”)NewFull stops, colons, semicolons: when they improve meaningNewApostrophes: possession vs omission (and common traps)NewSpeech punctuation: new speaker, commas, end punctuationNewParagraphing for clarity and purposeNewSpellings that frequently cost marks (homophones, endings, ambitious words)NewProofreading routines that catch real errors quicklyNew
Recognising non-fiction purpose: to argue, inform, advise, persuade, entertainNewUnderstanding voice: attitude, stance, and viewpointNewIdentifying the “main message” and supporting ideasNewComparing perspectives: what each writer thinks and whyNewComparing methods: how each writer shapes the reader’s responseNewSpotting bias, viewpoint, and one-sided presentationNewDistinguishing fact, opinion, and assertionNewUnderstanding tone in non-fiction (sarcastic, formal, indignant, reflective)NewAnalysing non-fiction language choices (rhetoric and emphasis)NewAnalysing structural choices (openings, sequencing, endings)NewInterpreting 19th-century language without panicNewUsing context safely (only what the text supports)NewSelecting comparative evidence across two texts efficientlyNewSynthesising ideas: linking points instead of writing two mini-essaysNewEvaluating credibility: how convincing and whyNew
Finding the key points worth summarising (not retelling everything)NewSummarising in your own words while staying accurateNewSelecting evidence for summary-style questionsNewWriting a concise summary paragraph with no “waffle”NewCombining ideas from two texts into one clear overviewNewUsing connective language for synthesis (similarly, whereas, both, however)NewAvoiding the two biggest summary errors: inference and over-quotationNewTurning bullet ideas into fluent exam sentencesNewKeeping summary responses focused on the exact question focusNewTightening a summary to fit the mark scheme demandsNew
Audience and purpose: deciding tone, register, and viewpoint fastNewMatching form to task: letter, article, speech, review, report, leafletNewWriting effective introductions that establish purpose immediatelyNewWriting effective conclusions that drive the message homeNewOrganising arguments logically (not just listing points)NewUsing paragraphing to guide and persuade the readerNewUsing rhetorical devices naturally (rule of three, questions, contrast)NewUsing evidence and examples to make points convincingNewWriting balanced discursive responses when requiredNewShaping tone: formal, semi-formal, informal (and staying consistent)NewWriting for impact without sounding unrealistic or aggressiveNewCrafting persuasive sentences that sound “adult” and controlledNewAO6 in transactional writing: accuracy + deliberate sentence varietyNewEditing for clarity: removing repetition and tightening phrasingNewFinal-check routine: task matched, audience met, structure clear, accurate SPaGNew
Choosing a topic that supports confident ideas (not just facts)NewTurning a topic into a clear purpose (to inform, persuade, explore)NewPlanning a talk with a strong line of argumentNewStructuring a speech: opening, signposting, development, closingNewUsing notes effectively without reading a scriptNewSpeaking clearly: pace, volume, emphasis, and pausingNewUsing Spoken Standard English appropriately in a formal settingNewUsing vocabulary choices to sound confident and preciseNewUsing engagement strategies: questions, examples, anecdote, contrastNewHandling nerves: practical rehearsal routinesNewResponding to questions: listening carefully and answering directlyNewExtending answers with extra explanation and examplesNewShowing “Merit/Distinction” qualities: organisation, purpose, sophisticationNewMeeting the “audible and intelligible” baseline every timeNewRecording and performance conditions: what matters on the dayNew
