Reply 1
For Lit, I'd suggest looking at themes/concepts of the book first to navigate. I knew some people who thought they needed to read their book as a whole again. I like my pieces, but not that much-
Take Jekyll & Hyde for example: the main concepts I like to focus on are:
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the supernatural
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secrecy
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duality
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good/evil
As for analysis, a lot of my friends only focus on similes and metaphors.. but there's more! Other than your quote-specific techniques, the main techniques I always comment on are usually about structure(repetition/sentence length/punctuation) and exaggeration/hyperbole/emphasis. I know lots of people like a set structure such as PETAL or something, but I find it doesn't suit the 'flow' of my writing, so I usually have an idea and keep building and building on that, maybe adding another quote on the way. I've got a bit of a lackluster example, but hopefully you'll get what I mean:
"In the extract, Utterson's lack of knowledge surrounding Hyde and his association with Jekyll develops a sense of mystery and fear. Utterson has a vivid recollection of Enfield's story, recalling a 'human Juggernaut'. A 'Juggernaut' was a large destructive, carriage, and the comparison suggests to the reader of Hyde's violent nature. This would be quite distressing to a pious Victorian readership, as society at the time had dictated an ideal gentleman to have a calm, restricted demeanour, and Hyde is converse to this, establishing a strong sense of fear. Furthermore, the reader may question how a human could be referred to such malevolent force, linking to the theme of the supernatural. Victorian society was heavily religious and near its peak of scientific discovery, and the idea of something beyond the laws of nature and religion would be quite shocking, further re-enforcing and developing this sense of mystery and fear. At this time in the novella, Hyde is simply referred as a 'figure' by Utterson repeatedly, and there...[i then talk about 'something downright detestable' and religion/supernatural]"
(I know it isn't exactly great, but I've underlined key info)
The question was on mystery in the novella, so I tried to link my points to mystery often. Context is important as well, half that point was context. Also, clear topic sentences show people you know what you're talking about, and I find that it helps frame your mind for what you're about to talk about.
I have some other ideas but this is honestly a rant, so I'll just say one more thing: improve your general English. It sounds crazy, I know. But seriously, the way you write and therefore present yourself to the examiner is so important. English lit is all about ranting, no doubt, so sound as sophisticated as you can.
Alr hope that helped xx
Reply 2
Hi! I got 9s in English lang, lit and maths last year and also have tutored younger students in all these subjects within the last year or currently. This is what id recommend!
English language:
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Learn an answer structure for each question and make sure it fits with the markscheme then practice all the questions for reading consistently with a variety of texts- get feedback frequently so you know how to improve
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Read as much as you can- both fiction and non-fiction
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Make sure you know key terminology- sites like StudySmarter and quizlet are great for making flashcards for this
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Depending on your exam board, watch YouTube videos of tips from examiners and teachers
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When you’ve done a past paper or practice question, read through the model answers in the markscheme and also identify what held you back from higher marks
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Always plan your creative writing- have a list of what language techniques, structural features and punctuation you’ll include before you start writing
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Learn how to annotate a text (BBC Bitesize is really good for ideas on this)
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Do practice essays at least once a week to get in as much practice as possible- you dont need to write them in full every time but planning what points you’d make, how you’d structure your answer and what quotations you’d use is key
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Make sure that you know the plot of the texts really well and can comment on whether an event takes place before or after a key turning point
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when learning quotations, include full analysis on your flashcards
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Make mindmaps on themes, characters, context and include quotations
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Watch videos to expand your knowledge of the above and improve analysis (Schofield on shakespeare, tutoring with gavin, dr Aidan etc)
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Make mindmaps for poems you’ll be focusing on-me sure you know key quotations and structural techniques of the poem overall
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Practice comparing poems for exam technique by comparing poems within your anthology- good practice and speeds up your revision
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consistently do practice questions (Corbett maths 5 a day is a life saver)
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When you find a topic you’re struggling with watch a video
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Once you feel confident with a topic, try teaching it to someone else!
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Then try a load more practice questions until youre consistently nailing them
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