Help with English language

Can anyone give advice on how to get better grades in English language GCSE . Like revision methods,
I really need advice on how to improve in creative writing as I’m not very good at it should I make a plot that I could adapt? Asking as I need to get a certain grade in English language to English lit a level next year and any tips on how to improve English lit grade aswell will help. Thanks

Reply 1

natalier23

Original post by Alice554

Hi, I study A Level English Language.

For me, doing exam papers under timed conditions was really helpful as it allowed me to gain a better understanding of what to expect in the exam and ensured that I knew how long to spend on each question. I would also recommend doing the paper backwards as it means that you have enough time to complete the questions with the larger marks first (like the creative writing question) and finish with lower mark questions. This helped me with my time management in the exams. It is a good idea to give these practice questions to your teacher to mark so that you can receive feedback and continue to work on developing your responses.

In terms of creative writing, I would recommend that you refer to all of the senses (taste, touch, smell, what you can hear and see). It is worth spending a few minutes at the beginning to plan your story. I would also suggest that you use a variety of techniques, such as personification, metaphors, alliteration, sibilance etc. You should also try to start your sentences in different ways, so I would recommend avoiding cliché words, such as the, it, she and he. There are plenty of videos on YouTube which give ideas of what to do when approaching a creative writing question.

Hope this helps! :smile:

Reply 2

Alice554

Original post by natalier23

Hi, I study A Level English Language.
For me, doing exam papers under timed conditions was really helpful as it allowed me to gain a better understanding of what to expect in the exam and ensured that I knew how long to spend on each question. I would also recommend doing the paper backwards as it means that you have enough time to complete the questions with the larger marks first (like the creative writing question) and finish with lower mark questions. This helped me with my time management in the exams. It is a good idea to give these practice questions to your teacher to mark so that you can receive feedback and continue to work on developing your responses.
In terms of creative writing, I would recommend that you refer to all of the senses (taste, touch, smell, what you can hear and see). It is worth spending a few minutes at the beginning to plan your story. I would also suggest that you use a variety of techniques, such as personification, metaphors, alliteration, sibilance etc. You should also try to start your sentences in different ways, so I would recommend avoiding cliché words, such as the, it, she and he. There are plenty of videos on YouTube which give ideas of what to do when approaching a creative writing question.
Hope this helps! :smile:

Thankyou!!

Reply 3

NathanL

Familiarize yourself with the exam format for both English language GCSE and English literature A-level. Know what types of questions to expect, the time limits, and the mark schemes. It maybe can help you.