Whether you’re facing mocks, final GCSE exams or starting a new year, learning how to boost grades in GCSE English is time well spent.
Especially since it’s a core subject you NEED to progress to A level, Access courses or apprenticeships.
Here, then, are just two ways you can boost and EVEN exceed target grades.
Tip 1: Analyse, Don’t just Read
People often say teenagers don’t read enough. It’s true…
First off, we recommend reading for pleasure as it’s a great way to boost vocabulary, and learn how to write compelling settings, characters and plots.
But if exams are in the pipeline, it’s better to practise analysing short texts as well – whether fiction or non-fiction.
TOP TIPS:
- Read a page of fiction, and then write a mini analysis of how setting is used, or how characters are presented. With non-fiction, seek out the most persuasive bits
- Spot how verbs, adjectives and nouns are used initially, then spot the unusual techniques from personification and similes to metaphors or emotive language
Much of GCSE English is about being able to understand HOW and WHY the writer has used specific techniques.
Best of all, you can do this easily by asking ‘so what?’
Tip 2: Evaluate Texts With Ease
To nail those top grades in GCSE English Language, you must evaluate effectively. For instance, ‘How is this text engaging..?, or ‘How does the writer present X as…’
Another typical question is: evaluate how language and structure techniques are used to present ideas/characters/experiences.
TOP TIPS:
- Use adverbs to help you evaluate. The writer: clearly, convincingly, surprisingly, typically, effectively, successfully, realistically, undoubtedly, crucially, sometimes…
- Then back up with evidence: The writer successfully does this by using… To a certain extent, the semantic field of war references… The evidence for this is.. I can prove that X comes across as sinister when the writer zooms in on ‘quote.’ The noun here crucially…etc…
Fundamentally, ‘evaluation’ really means that you can explain how and how well the writer gets their ideas across.
English Tutors You Can Rely On
Looking for a top notch GCSE English tutor, or an English Language and Literature A Level specialist?
Ahh, then you’ve come to the right place.
Because our tutors have been supporting students to success for many years locally, they are always sought-after. Luckily, we have some availability right now.
Whether you’re in Sale, M33 or the surrounding areas of Manchester and Cheshire – or prefer online tuition instead – simply get in touch with our trusty team of professionals here at 121 Home Tutors.
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Tags: adverbs to evaluate, analyse fiction, analyse non-fiction, English tuition in Sale, English tutors in M33, Mock exams