Writing Techniques and Sentence Structures

The guide provides a comprehensive list of language techniques GCSE students should use in their writing:

Vocabulary: Metaphor, simile, personification, alliteration, adverbs, adjectives, interesting verbs, complex sentences, compound sentences, simple sentences, timeline, punctuation.

For the writing question, students typically choose between descriptive and narrative tasks. The guide offers specific advice for each:

Descriptive writing:

• Based on an image given in the exam paper
• Maximum of three events can occur
• Must be in the third person, past tense
• Focus on mood and atmosphere through setting and details
• Allow the reader to infer something about place/character

Narrative writing:

• Focus on one or two parts of a story arc
• Include exposition of setting/character, rising action, climax, and falling action
• Easiest in past tense, third person

Definition: Story arc - the overall shape of a story's plot, typically including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

The guide also explains different sentence types:

1. Simple sentences: One main clause with a subject, verb, and object
2. Compound sentences: Two main clauses joined by 'and', 'but', or 'so'
3. Complex sentences: One main clause with extra detail (subordinate clause)
4. Complex internal embedded clause: Subordinate clause in the middle of the main clause

Example: Complex internal embedded clause: "The boy, whose clothes were drenched, stood in the doorway."

English Language Paper 1 and 2: Question-by-Question Guide

This comprehensive guide breaks down the key skills and strategies for tackling each question in English Language Paper 1 and 2 AQA. It provides detailed advice on how to approach different question types, what to focus on, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Highlight: The guide covers Questions 1-5 for Paper 1 and Questions 2-5 for Paper 2, offering specific tips and techniques for each.

For Question 1 (Paper 1), students are tested on their ability to read the correct section, pick relevant information, choose small pieces of evidence, and paraphrase or quote directly. The guide emphasizes the importance of using quotation marks and selecting four pieces of evidence.

Example: When answering Question 1, use quotation marks for direct quotes or paraphrase using synonyms.

Question 2 (both papers) focuses on selecting relevant quotes, analyzing language, spotting techniques, and explaining the effect of language choices. Students are advised to identify techniques and relevant punctuation, use synonyms, and comment on imagery.

Vocabulary: Connotation - the associated or secondary meaning of a word or expression in addition to its explicit or primary meaning.