Revising for English Language GCSE

A surprisingly stubborn cliché is the claim that, unlike maths or science, revising for your English language GCSE is impossible. A recent forum on ‘The Student Room’ argued exactly that and many of our pupils have expressed a similar concern. While it is true that English exams are based upon analysis and interpretation (allowing for more than one correct answer) there are many things you can do to enhance your skills and prepare for upcoming tests. In this short article, expert tutors at Humanitas Learning share six top tips for GCSE English language revision. Book a lesson to learn even more!

1. Learn the Structure of the Papers

   The major UK exam boards (including AQA, OCR and Edexcel) are relatively formulaic. The question types are set in advance and demand a specific paragraph structure and methodology. Paragraphs should be constructed according to PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) and include a judicious range of well-selected quotes from the text. By regularly completing practice papers (available for free online), you can familiarise yourself with the structure of the exam and increase your confidence.

2. Study Language and Structural Devices

   It’s crucial to learn a diverse range of language and structural techniques. You must analyse the effect these have on the reader and incorporate them in your own creative writing. While you have likely heard of metaphors and personification, what about anaphora, sibilance, cacophony or narrative structure? At Humanitas Learning, we study a wide range of literary devices, giving students the extra tools they need to impress the examiner and construct original arguments.

3. RTBQ

   Here at Humanitas Learning, we have a much-stated acronym: RTBQ (Read the Blimming Question)! Candidates are marked down for going off on tangents or for failing to address the question properly. Ensure that you read the question carefully and know exactly what it is asking of you. For example, AQA Paper 1 question 3 requires the candidate to analyse the ‘structure’ of a text. The student must understand what counts as a structural device and consider the effect these have on the reader. Remember, while the first step is to identify relevant techniques, the key thing is to link your analysis back to the question by explaining how it captures what the author is trying to convey. The best answers develop a well-constructed logical argument by linking paragraphs together.

4. Diversify Your Vocabulary

   A key marking criteria is the student’s level of vocabulary. Avoid boring and overused adjectives, like ‘nice’ or ‘fast’. Try and think of interesting synonyms, such as  ‘benevolent’ or ‘rapid’. For descriptive writing, the best words are the ones which stimulate images in the reader’s mind.
   Consider the following two descriptions:

   1. The turkey was nice.

   2. The turkey was tender, salty and succulent.

   Which is better? The second one, right? This is because it offers a vivid description of the meal using adjectives like ‘salty’, which play to our sense of taste. Remember, it’s never too late to start a word bank. Each time you come across a new word or phrase, write the definition down in your word bank and practice using it in a sentence. Great writers like Wordsworth and Shakespeare did this all the time.

5. Practice Creative Writing

   The GCSE English language exam features a large creative writing component. On AQA Paper 1, for example, the creative writing question is worth 40 marks, which is 50% of the paper! Creative writing skills can be improved through regular practice. It is essential to plan your story in advance to avoid repetition or losing track of the narrative. Leave at least five minutes for this. Remember to include a wide range vocabulary and literary devices, like oxymorons, puns and onomatopoeia. Finally, reference the five senses. The best novels don’t just offer visual imagery but also describe what the characters can smell, hear, touch and taste. Practice including all five senses in your own descriptive writing.

6. Read, Read, Read!

   There is a strong correlation between reading and academic achievement, with students who read frequently demonstrating better overall educational outcomes. Reading regularly is a fantastic way of improving your vocabulary and analytical skills. As you read, use a pencil to mark interesting passages or techniques utilised by the author. Think about the effect the writer is trying to achieve and how they are using language to create it. To help you keep track, create a reading journal and write a short review of every book you complete.  

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Looking For More Help Revising for English Language GCSE?

For additional support or information on preparing for GCSE English exams, contact Humanitas Learning or book a lesson with our highly experienced tutors.