GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGEUNIT 2 EXAM REVISION

Higher Foundation

The Key Skills

Can you identify and define different types of non-fiction text?Can you identify the purpose of a given text?Can you identify the target audience of a given text?Can you describe the tone of a given text, and track if/how it changes?Can you understand what the subject matter of the given texts is?Can you locate specific information within the given texts?Can you infer what the writer’s thoughts and feelings are in the given texts?Can you analyse how writers use language to suit their audience and purpose?Can you analyse how writers use presentational devices to suit their audience and purpose?Can you compare two different texts to find valid similarities and differences?

General Tips

o Read both texts and all the questions once in full before even picking up a pen – up to 15 minuteso Highlight or underline the key details in each actual questiono Before answering each question, re-read the relevant section of text again – this time highlight and annotateo Look at the marks available for each question and divide your time accordingly – roughly 1.5 minutes per marko Stick to the focus of the question – identify exactly what you are being asked to doo If questions contain suggested bullet points, follow themo Only list answers if the question asks you to, and don’t list more than requiredo Always use your own words – don’t copy the text unless quotingo Use quotes from the text wherever possible to help evidence/justify your pointso When comparing 2 texts, make it clear which text you are talking about – use the titles or authors’ names o Leave time at the end of Section A to read over and check your answers

Presentational Devices

MOOD MEMORY CLARITYPicturesColoursFonts

QuotesEmoticons

Headlines/HeadingsBold text

ItalicsUnderliningBullet points

Diagrams and mapsIllustrations

Headlines/HeadingsParagraphsText boxesColumns

Other layout aspectsBullet points

Bold or italic textCaptions with images

PICSAPEARFORESTPersonal addressImperativesContrastSuperlativesAlliterationPersona pronounsExaggerationAnecdotesRhetorical questionsFlatteryOpinion as factRepetitionEmotive languageStatisticsTriples