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How can I get an A* in A level English Language?

I would really like to get an A* in A level English Language so I need some advice.

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Reply 1

I would read the top band of the mark scheme and responses given top marks

Reply 2

Practice, practice, practice from all available past papers and look for high scoring responses, analyse them to see how they meet the requirements outlined in the highest band in mark schemes. Equally important, read examiner reports for all past papers, they give a clear idea of what kind of responses score high or low, where candidates often go wrong, and what the highest scoring responses have in common.

I did all of the above and got an A*. Not saying it's easy, but as long as your methods are right and you spend enough hours doing the right things, you can definitely make it.

Good luck and feel free to ask any follow up questions, I'd be happy to clarify.

Reply 3

Original post
by CherryBlossoms1
I would read the top band of the mark scheme and responses given top marks


Thank you!

Reply 4

Original post
by SB_Postgrad
Practice, practice, practice from all available past papers and look for high scoring responses, analyse them to see how they meet the requirements outlined in the highest band in mark schemes. Equally important, read examiner reports for all past papers, they give a clear idea of what kind of responses score high or low, where candidates often go wrong, and what the highest scoring responses have in common.
I did all of the above and got an A*. Not saying it's easy, but as long as your methods are right and you spend enough hours doing the right things, you can definitely make it.
Good luck and feel free to ask any follow up questions, I'd be happy to clarify.


Thank you!

Reply 5

Original post
by SB_Postgrad
Practice, practice, practice from all available past papers and look for high scoring responses, analyse them to see how they meet the requirements outlined in the highest band in mark schemes. Equally important, read examiner reports for all past papers, they give a clear idea of what kind of responses score high or low, where candidates often go wrong, and what the highest scoring responses have in common.
I did all of the above and got an A*. Not saying it's easy, but as long as your methods are right and you spend enough hours doing the right things, you can definitely make it.
Good luck and feel free to ask any follow up questions, I'd be happy to clarify.


Do you think I should get a tutor and if so, do you know any?

Reply 6

Original post
by ValiantLady
Do you think I should get a tutor and if so, do you know any?

Depends. While I don't have personal experience with tutors, from what I've heard it can be helpful. Again, depends on the tutor, the time you spend with them, the kind of support they provide, and whether you're able to act on their feedback - because in the end, remember, it'll be you taking the exam, not your tutor.

Sadly, I don't know any tutors and therefore wouldn't be able to recommend any (plus I have no idea where you're located either), but if you like, I'd be happy to provide informal advice and support on a voluntary basis. It can be a temporary way to help you learn useful subject-specific knowledge and study techniques while you look for formal tutoring.

Feel free to shoot me a message if you have specific questions. Good luck!

Reply 7

Which exam board are you doing? Are you doing an NEA?

Reply 8

Original post
by SB_Postgrad
Depends. While I don't have personal experience with tutors, from what I've heard it can be helpful. Again, depends on the tutor, the time you spend with them, the kind of support they provide, and whether you're able to act on their feedback - because in the end, remember, it'll be you taking the exam, not your tutor.
Sadly, I don't know any tutors and therefore wouldn't be able to recommend any (plus I have no idea where you're located either), but if you like, I'd be happy to provide informal advice and support on a voluntary basis. It can be a temporary way to help you learn useful subject-specific knowledge and study techniques while you look for formal tutoring.
Feel free to shoot me a message if you have specific questions. Good luck!


Thanks again!

Reply 9

Original post
by elareare
Which exam board are you doing? Are you doing an NEA?


AQA and yes I'm doing an NEA.

Reply 10

Original post
by ValiantLady
AQA and yes I'm doing an NEA.

That's awesome, I'm doing the same. I'm moving into Y13, wbu? How have you found the NEA so far, I'm starting my first draft

Reply 11

Original post
by elareare
That's awesome, I'm doing the same. I'm moving into Y13, wbu? How have you found the NEA so far, I'm starting my first draft


I'm moving into y13 too. I've done my first draft for the og writing and started the language investigation

Reply 12

Original post
by Godisgood1234
I'm moving into y13 too. I've done my first draft for the og writing and started the language investigation


oh my God that's amazing
still on my draft lol
when do you plan on finishing it?

Reply 13

Original post
by elareare
oh my God that's amazing
still on my draft lol
when do you plan on finishing it?


I think my school aims us all to finish by December but I'm not sure. What's your style model

Reply 14

Original post
by Godisgood1234
I think my school aims us all to finish by December but I'm not sure. What's your style model

I'm not doing the original writing, I'm doing the language investigation so I don't have a style model

Reply 15

Original post
by elareare
I'm not doing the original writing, I'm doing the language investigation so I don't have a style model


Oh ok - do you only have one NEA?

Reply 16

Original post
by elareare
That's awesome, I'm doing the same. I'm moving into Y13, wbu? How have you found the NEA so far, I'm starting my first draft


Hi! Sorry it's taken so long to reply. I'm going into Year 13 too. I did the original writing in y12 and doing the Language investigation in y13

Reply 17

Original post
by elareare
I'm not doing the original writing, I'm doing the language investigation so I don't have a style model


How come you don't have to do the original writing?

Reply 18

Original post
by Godisgood1234
I think my school aims us all to finish by December but I'm not sure. What's your style model


My style model was The Garden Party by Katherine Mansfield.

Reply 19

Original post
by ValiantLady
My style model was The Garden Party by Katherine Mansfield.


Nice - mine was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis

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