What is the best way for me to do well in English?

Hi guys,
I am currently studying Higher English, I am struggling to figure out a way to do well and write a lot in the exam, without losing a lot of marks.
I didn't do well in the prelim and I am worried that I wont do well. Delaying my ambition to become a Music Teacher. I am doing Norman MacCaig and F451, these are something I am able to manage but still struggle with the wording. Its mostly Reading for UAE which bothers me, and I have no idea how to manage the questions as how the SQA wants me to.
If theres anyone who knows how to deal with this please let me know

Hey,
First of all you’re definitely not alone- Higher English is really tough and so many people feel the same, especially with dreaded RUAE since its an unseen paper!
One of the most valuable things you can do is practice using past papers, I'm presuming your already doing this but It’s also a good idea to hand your answers into your teacher for marking because the SQA marking schemes don’t cover every possible point you could make. A teacher can tell you exactly where you're dropping marks and what you could add to boost your scores.
The SQA online mark scheme is a great guide but with the amount of possible options asking for specific feedback on your answers allows you to find out if there’s a pattern to the things you’re missing, like if it’s analysis points, lack of explanation, quoting, or just not fully answering the question. Once you know, it’s easier to target that. (:
For your set text and essays if its mainly the time that's stressing you, time yourself at home! - it’ll help you get faster and improve your structure at the same time while also ensuring your comfortable writing under pressure to the same quality/amount.
You’re clearly putting in a lot of effort already, and that’s half the battle. Keep going- you’re definitely on the right track! (:
Good luck in your exam!!
Emily (:
Year 2, Chemistry
Official University Of Strathclyde Rep