Writing to describe

This exercise on BBC Bitesize is useful. Try it.

Useful terms for the reading section of the exam

Useful terms for the reading section of the exam

Language features to describe:
Interesting verbs
Nouns
Interesting phrases
Comparisons
Use of speech
Metaphors
Similes
Adverbs

Simple/complex vocabulary

Emotive language

Repetition

Language features to inform:
Titles/ links
Statements/declaratives
Opinions
Statistics

Facts
Proper nouns (names)
Rhetorical questions
Addressing the reader directly
Using colloquial language

Repetition

Language features to persuade:
Direct address
List of three
Alliteration
Comparisons
Imperatives

Repetition

Presentational features:
Logo
Headline
Sub-headings
Bold introductory paragraph
Fonts
Colour
Images (photos and graphics)
Captions

Bullet points
Separate boxes
Background shading

Dropped capitals

Quotations pulled out from the text

Reading for exam practice

Read as many non-fiction pieces of writing as you can between now and the exam. These should take the following forms:

1.    Articles on news websites, particularly the BBC.

2.    Persuasive texts such as charity websites or holiday companies.

3.    Biographies and autobiographies. These might be easier to find in the library in book form.

Keep a record of your reading using the following headings:

-       The purpose of the writing

-       Four things you learn from reading the text

-       At least two examples of the style of writing  e.g. factual, emotive, persuasive, advice, opinions etc

-       What presentational devices are used and how they are effective  e.g. pictures and headings etc

Marks will be awarded in the exam for how effectively you respond to questions based on the headings above.

Poetry controlled assessments

From the poems we have studied in class look again at two in detail and explore how the poets are presenting the theme of identity.

Controlled assessment question: "Explore the ways some of the poets in your anthology present issues of identity."
Refer to at least two poems in detail in your answer and mention at least one other to support a point you are making.

Advice:
- Explain clearly what the issues of identity are in the poems e.g. feeling strongly about a home country; being influenced by a family member; the experience of injustice and brutality; racial discrimination.
- Show how these issues are similar or different in the poems you choose.
- Analyse language features. Always refer to language to support any point you make.
- Show how the poets express their feelings by the words and images they use.

Look at the BBC Bitesize website that comments on some of the poems we have studied. It also gives you advice on how to structure a comparative poetry analysis.

GCSE English blog

Post drafts of your creative and personal writing on your blog. Encourage others to read your work and read the work of others.

Create a Links List and add this blog to your own one. When you find a useful website add it to the list.