IGCSE: Top Tips to Take from the Mocks!

I know you have been through these points in class but here is a record of the areas you will need to focus on in order to improve in both the Language and Literature exams:



LITERATURE  
FEEDBACK
  • You must explain and analyse techniques used and effects achieved by writers NOT simply summarise effects or narrative
  • Some sense of personal engagement and enjoyment required
  • Need to make points, points, points
  • Quoted evidence is 100% essential
  • Need to be careful with spellings throughout and handwriting
  • Some close reference to language required within each essay
  • Keep answering (and using words of ) question
  • Use words of question to start your response
  • Need to make links between passage in extract question and rest of text
  • Best to start extract question by placing extract in context
LANGUAGE
FEEDBACK
Question 1- Transformation task
·        Must stick to given form ie. A report NOT a letter.
·        Must use their own words as much as possible in the report.
·        Answer specifics of question. In this case a report  to recommend or not recommend. Do not just give a general report.
·        Need to make more points of recommendation, in this case.
·        Use as broad a range of points from the passage as possible.
·        Initial reading of passage must incorporate the writer's point of view.

Question 2 – Effects of writer's Language
·        Definite need to explain actual effect of identified choices. Not enough to simply identify words.
·        Don't give a vague answer about the “writer painting an effective picture which draws us in etc etc”. Do mention similes, metaphors etc if relevent.
·        Don't be too technical.
·        Need to write more than half a side.
·        Don't summarise what the writer has said. Comment on it and its effect.

Question 3 – Summary
·        Don't copy actual words and phrases.
·        Don't quote.
·        Don't write in note form.
·        Don't evaluate the success or otherwise or provide subjective comment on a passage.
·        Make a minimum of 15 points.
·        Use words of the question to start your summary.

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