The argument in favor of using filler text goes something like this: If you use real content in the Consulting Process, anytime you reach a review point you’ll end up reviewing and negotiating the content itself and not the design.
Resitting exams as a student can seem disheartening, but in reality, it gives you a clear viewpoint to see where you went wrong; and with this advantage you are able to aim for a higher grade. Achieving a grade 9 in GCSE English Literature no longer has to seem wildly unrealistic, at Exam Centre London we have provided you with some practical pointers to aid you attain the grades you need.
1) Know your texts from back to front
Knowing your GCSE English Literature texts well is immensely important, and whether you do or don’t, will be very clear to the examiner. It can increase your quality of writing greatly, as you don’t analyse every single quote you include, rather some are used as proof to add weight to your argument and show the examiner that you are well versed. Which will gain you marks when done correctly. There really is no cheat sheet to knowing your texts thoroughly, except from reading them repeatedly. You can also use other methods to supplement, such as reading and creating summaries for each act/chapter of that text, making mind maps of the most important quotes and so on.
2) Wider Reading
Reading slightly beyond what’s expected of you can be very helpful especially in the case of context. Using extended resources to understand the time in which your text was written can give you a better insight and more to comment on during the exam. Such nuanced points can make you stand out amongst other candidates and can be the slight factor that pushes you over the boundary into the grade 9.
3) Know the mark scheme
Being aware of what exactly your examiner wants from you is vital, so you know what you need to present within your essay. You should be acquainted with the different AOs and the weighting of them within each exam produced by your exam board, because this tells you what skill needs to be emphasised in which paper. Once you are able to think like an examiner and know what it is they want, you will be able to produce it much more confidently. Visit your exam boards and familiarise yourself with their requirements: AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, CCEA.
4) Develop nuances in your essay
It’s important to elaborate on the explanation of your points, as they will give you the most marks. Expanding on more than just the meaning of the quote but relating back to its connotations, effect on atmosphere and stretching even further than this will demonstrate your high abilities as a literature student. Furthermore, being able to present multiple perspectives will make your argument multidimensional and distinctive as there is never just one answer in literature.
5) Refine your vocabulary and terminology
Expanding your use of higher level vocabulary and terminology is likely to improve the overall level of your essay writing; and it will help you stand out to the examiner among other candidates. Researching and making a list of literary techniques with their meanings/ examples can be useful, the list can later be used to identify the techniques, and eventually you should be able to identify them without the list. Also doing further reading in your free time of advanced level books is a great way to expose yourself to higher level vocabulary, complex sentence structures and writing styles which is also beneficial for creative writing.
6) Time management
Including everything you need in an essay to make it a grade 9 may seem like a challenge, but the biggest challenge is doing it all within timed conditions. Thus, time management is very important, and ensuring you give each skill its prescribed time will come with practice. Initially, focus on structure and the quality of your writing without time limits; then slowly reduce the time allowed until you attempt to complete questions and eventually whole papers in timed conditions.
Our tutors at Exam Centre London are enthusiastic about aiding both resitting students and mature-students sitting their GCSE English Literature exams privately. Making the process less stressful is something we are dedicated to. We offer tailored tuition from highly experienced academics in the field and you can choose between complete or short series courses, as well as mock assessments and feedback, exam preparation and even pre-examination visits to discuss last minute concerns. With all these high quality resources readily available you can push yourself to a grade 9 in GCSE English Literature with confidence.
Here are some other websites you may find helpful on your GCSE English Literature
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