Everyone should really stop worrying about grade boundaries - knowing them will not help you.
Thought I'd simplify the exam for anyone trying to cram, like myself. Note: word limit only matters for 3b.
Q1: 20 marks, advised 50 minutes (15 min plan, 35 min writing)
- familiarise yourself with newspaper, journal, interview styles of writing (tldr: keep it formal, no slang y'know - did that seem forced?)
- you will be asked to write about 3 bullet points. 1 bullet point = 1 paragraph. The 3rd is the most important and examiners (I have been told) will cap you at a lower mark if you fail to develop this bullet sufficiently -as it requires the most inference from text.
- for every bullet point, you want to have 5-6 developed points (in your plan, do a table with 3 columns for each bullet point, and 5-6 developed points in each column)
- if you dont value your sanity too highly, take 3 highlighters to the exam and for each bullet point, use a different colour!
- base clearly on text BUT own words
Q2: 10 marks, advised 30 minutes (5 min plan, 25 min writing)
- for both paragraphs it asks you to analyse, you want 4 different short phrases or words to describe -highlight at your leisure.
- always have a "general effect" intro for each paragraph. - "The writer describes the X as Y - find examples in mark schemes.
- formula: IDENTIFY PHRASE(quote it) + BASIC EXPLANATION(define) + CONNOTATION (effect) - also mention technique used if appropriate -
e.g.
The phrase "gold fever" refers to the catching of an illness, which in this case appears to be caused directly by the gold. Metaphorically comparing the hunt for gold to an illness highlights the addictive nature of panning and suggests the workers did so in a hurried, excitable and almost manic manner.
Q3: 20 marks, advised 35 minutes
A) 15 points. Not too long, use key words (don't lift whole sentences). Make sure each point is unique. HIGHLIGHT 'EM AS YOU READ PASSAGE (none will be spared from your highlighting wrath)
B) Word limit matters (250-300). *VERY IMPORTANT: YOU MUST REORGANISE POINTS FROM (A) INTO LOGICAL GROUPS*. Each group = 1 paragraph (for added clarity). MUST USE OWN WORDS (except for very specific stuff). Make it flow nice bruh, and don't feel the need to add in any of your own content (because English isn't creative, remember?)
5 minutes at the end to check for error in spelling, punctuation, grammar, lifestyle choices.
If you need anything clarified, hit me up.
DONTSWEATIT