How can I ace the
Language Exam?
LO1: Understand the key things you need to do in your English Language exam to get brilliant marks.
READING
- 75 minutes (1 & ½ minutes per mark)
Generally Required (marks):
- Q1 – Explaining Information (8)
- Q2 – Analysing Presentation Features
(8)
- Q3 – Explaining what’s suggested and viewpoint (8)
- Q4 – Comparing Language Features, usually between two texts (16)
READING cont…
- Use PEA…L (Point, Evidence, Analysis & Link)
- When comparing language, look out for:
* Level of formality
* Significant words
* Sentence length
* Use of facts/opinions
* Emotive language
* Rhetoric
- Techniques to talk about:
* Repetition
* Similes
* Metaphors
* Alliteration
ALWAYS EXPLAIN THE EFFECTS – How are the features used?
READING cont…
KEY SKILLS BEING ASSESSED…
- Ability to find information
- Ability to analyse presentational and
language features
- Ability to compare features and effects
- Ability to understand viewpoint and suggestions - Ability to analyse language
WRITING
- 2 Questions
- Shorter Task will be Inform, Explain, Describe
(25 minutes)
- Longer Task will be Argue and Persuade (35 minutes) You must always:
• Adapt to audience & purpose
• Add features – examples, anecdotes, quotes, rhetorical questions, lists, facts, similes.
• Make comments bright and interesting.
• Make stats believable (even if they are made up!) WRITING cont…
Regardless of type of writing, you can
(and need to) vary:
- Paragraph lengths (always include a short,
-
punchy paragraph)
Sentence lengths & types (1 or 2 short sentences for effect)
Punctuation types ( ) , - : ! ? “ “ ;
Vocabulary
Openings (Capture the interest of the
audience)
