English GCSE

Hi, I'm in Year 11 and I'm doing my mock exams next month. I'm currently at a 6/7 in English literature, and a 5/6 in English language; any tips on how I can get my grades up to an 8/9?

Hi, I'm in Year 11 and I'm doing my mock exams next month. I'm currently at a 6/7 in English literature, and a 5/6 in English language; any tips on how I can get my grades up to an 8/9?

Hi I’m also in year 11 so I hope my tips can be relevant and useful (my credentials I got a 7 in English lang mock and 8 in English lit) for me personally the main thing that helped was doing practise papers and getting my teacher to mark them, this really helped as I had personalised feedback. If you can’t get a teacher to mark it you could even get a parent or friend to give you some feedback as even though they might not be able to give advice quite as good they can still read through the mark scheme and find areas for you to improve. I didn’t do poetry in my mock so can’t give advice for that but for the books/ plays I think it’s really important to actually understand them so if you’re unsure at all I would recommend just re reading through the book. For English language, make sure you are analysing not retelling- though quotes are important sometimes less is more and properly explaining each point with less quotes can be better than using too many and not properly getting your point across. Also, if you have any interest in reading, reading books can be super helpful as it expands your vocabulary and solidifies your understanding of basic skills like using punctuation properly. Hope this helps!

HEY DIV(a)!
For english language mrs.whelans on youtube! AND PAST PAPERS. SPAM PAST PAPERS!!! Look at the mark schemes (and if you feel) time them - I did one twice a week and went from a 5 to 1 mark below a 9 for my mocks!
For literature use past papers BUT ALSO look at model answers! You can learn LOADS from model answers esp how to structure answers! (you can search them up from your exam boards website)
Hope I helped! <333

Hi,
For English Language and Literature, I’d recommend using active recall resources such as mind maps on characters, themes, and key analysis, using the CGP textbooks. You could also watch YouTube channels like Mr Salles English, Mr Bruff English, and Mr Everything English for more tips.
Once you’re confident with the content, move on to creating essay plans, practising exam questions under timed conditions, getting your work marked if possible, and reading examiner reports.
Hope this helps,
Tayba
Student Rep