When working out how to pass GCSE English a great place to start is to double check your exam board and study the materials they provide to help you revise for English. The specification tells you what the mark scheme is, the number of raw marks on offer and how they are weighted on each paper for both English Literature, and English Language. The Assessment Objectives are set by Ofqual. They are same across all exam boards and are there to help you when answering questions:
Here are the main examination boards where changes to the 2022 exams, mark schemes and specifications for both English Language and English Literature revision:
By now you will have heard your teachers and English tutors refer to ‘SPaG’: Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar. There is a very good reason for this – it’s extremely important. Once mastered SPaG can make all the difference to getting a good grade. In fact, it can contribute to up to 20% of the overall grade in your exam papers! To prepare for your GCSEs and to revise for English effectively make sure you’ve got to grips with this vital element of the GCSE English Language exam. Also have a look at our top tips for improving your spelling, punctuation and grammar below.
Try it: Check out OCR’s handy Little Book of SPaG
It’s a really good idea to answer practice questions to help you revise for English. Being able to break down and understand what the examiners are looking for when answering questions is a good skill to have. It is an essential part of English Literature revision as you need to to analyse a range of texts effectively. Practicing sample questions gives you confidence, saves you time in the real exam as well as gains you those all important marks to get a good grade.
Try this: BBC Bitesize – Understanding the Question
Now you understand the questions you also need to know how to write some answers! Crafting practice essays helps you get use to the timing of writing for the real exam. Once you’ve worked out the question write down some initial bullet points to help formulate your answer. This is a quick way to get all of your thoughts down and then you can order your points and formulate your final answer. There are also lots of practice exam papers available from the examination boards. Here are some for you to practice:
We hope this revision guide is helpful as you approach the GCSE English exams this year. We wish you all good luck!
Related:
English Language GCSE – A Guide to Success
How Good are your Study Skills?
How to Beat Exam Stress
