GCSE English
Paper 2
Timing:
2 hours allowed in total
Section A: Tests Reading Skills
allow 40 minutes
Section B: Tests Writing Skills
allow 40 minutes for B1
allow 40 minutes for B2
Section A: Reading
Two extracts – Media & Non-Fiction
Standard comprehension questions
Looks 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 them
E.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 B2
Argue/Persuade/ Analyse/Review/
Advise Comment
No choice given No choice given
One task One task
Spend 40 mins on Spend 40 mins on
this section this section
Section B1: Possible Tasks
Formal letter writing
Informal letter writing
Leaflets (perhaps to advise)
Article for newspaper/magazine
Speeches
Section B2: Possible Tasks
Report
Article for newspaper/magazines
Letter formal/Informal
Leaflet
Section B1: Planning
B1
Vary punctuation
Vary sentences used:
simple/compound/complex
5+ paragraphs
Section B2: Planning
B2
Vary 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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