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English Exam Prep - Get Maximum Marks
Written by a GCSE Examiner / Tutor
Date : 27/04/2018
How To Succeed Here are some tips to help gain maximum marksGive an answer to every question. You will always get zero if you leave a blank. Read the whole passage before you begin to answer any questions don't be tempted to simply read the sections you think the questions relate to, as this won't give you an overall understanding of what is going on.
Read each question carefully - it may direct you to a paragraph or particular sentence. Make sure your answer comes from the right place.
Check how many marks are available. Each question will be worth 2 marks in total. 2-0 questions usually require an answer that can only be completely right, with no partial answer acceptable. The layout of question and the answer space will help you decide if one or two pieces of information are required. 2-1-0 usually means there is the possibility of getting one mark for an incomplete or less well explained answer but remember there must be an answer worth two marks somewhere in the passage.
Always look for the instruction `in your own words` and make sure you follow it when answering. If you are asked to quote make sure you do lift words from the passage. Pay particular attention to all the words in lt;strong>bold, as these will give you a clear idea of what is expected in your answer.
Managing your time. You have 50 minutes to show how skillful you are at close reading of a passage.Believe it or not this is plenty of time if you work efficiently and sensibly.Remember this is a test of reading not writing. Most of the answers require only a few words, at most a couple of sentences. It does not take you long to write this much. Do not rush your reading.
Always read the instructions at the start. They may give important information about the passage or the author.
Answer only what is required by the question. Sometimes you only have to write single words or very short expressions for answers. The space provided can act as a guide. If you find yourself writing extra lines and looking for spare space you probably don`t have your answer clear enough.
You don`t need to answer in sentences unless specifically asked to do so. Never waste time re-writing the wording of the question.
No matter how rushed you feel go back and check your answers read well. If you spot you have the same information in more than one answer, double check - it is unlikely that they will both be right.
Staying calmOnce you are in the examination room with the paper in front of you there is nothing else to do but give it your best.You will find it goes by very quickly - so make the best of it. Most people feel nervous and a bit scared before an exam but don`t worry, once you start concentrating on the passage your nerves will calm down - you`ll be too busy.Always remember exams are not there to catch you out or make you fail. Examiners try their best to make the exams fair while keeping to the standard set for each level. They want &you to pass.
The exam is part of the Standard Grade course. All your work will have prepared you for this and you and your teacher will have practised close readings. You know what you are doing.Don`t be put off by those sitting around you. If someone at the next table starts writing and you are only half way through reading the passage that is their problem not yours. Ignore them. Concentrate on your reading. Be totally selfish - this is one day you can think about yourself and getting lt;strong>your lt;/strong>best mark.
If you find a question hard don`t panic. Move on to the next question after a minute or so but always remember to come back and put in an answer.
Don`t worry if there are difficult words in the passage or something you don`t understand. It would be a strange exam if everyone understood everything. Read through and carry on with the passage. You can still get enough marks to reach the level required even if there are some blanks in your reading.
Read each question carefully - it may direct you to a paragraph or particular sentence. Make sure your answer comes from the right place.
Check how many marks are available. Each question will be worth 2 marks in total. 2-0 questions usually require an answer that can only be completely right, with no partial answer acceptable. The layout of question and the answer space will help you decide if one or two pieces of information are required. 2-1-0 usually means there is the possibility of getting one mark for an incomplete or less well explained answer but remember there must be an answer worth two marks somewhere in the passage.
Always look for the instruction `in your own words` and make sure you follow it when answering. If you are asked to quote make sure you do lift words from the passage. Pay particular attention to all the words in lt;strong>bold, as these will give you a clear idea of what is expected in your answer.
Managing your time. You have 50 minutes to show how skillful you are at close reading of a passage.Believe it or not this is plenty of time if you work efficiently and sensibly.Remember this is a test of reading not writing. Most of the answers require only a few words, at most a couple of sentences. It does not take you long to write this much. Do not rush your reading.
Always read the instructions at the start. They may give important information about the passage or the author.
Answer only what is required by the question. Sometimes you only have to write single words or very short expressions for answers. The space provided can act as a guide. If you find yourself writing extra lines and looking for spare space you probably don`t have your answer clear enough.
You don`t need to answer in sentences unless specifically asked to do so. Never waste time re-writing the wording of the question.
No matter how rushed you feel go back and check your answers read well. If you spot you have the same information in more than one answer, double check - it is unlikely that they will both be right.
Staying calmOnce you are in the examination room with the paper in front of you there is nothing else to do but give it your best.You will find it goes by very quickly - so make the best of it. Most people feel nervous and a bit scared before an exam but don`t worry, once you start concentrating on the passage your nerves will calm down - you`ll be too busy.Always remember exams are not there to catch you out or make you fail. Examiners try their best to make the exams fair while keeping to the standard set for each level. They want &you to pass.
The exam is part of the Standard Grade course. All your work will have prepared you for this and you and your teacher will have practised close readings. You know what you are doing.Don`t be put off by those sitting around you. If someone at the next table starts writing and you are only half way through reading the passage that is their problem not yours. Ignore them. Concentrate on your reading. Be totally selfish - this is one day you can think about yourself and getting lt;strong>your lt;/strong>best mark.
If you find a question hard don`t panic. Move on to the next question after a minute or so but always remember to come back and put in an answer.
Don`t worry if there are difficult words in the passage or something you don`t understand. It would be a strange exam if everyone understood everything. Read through and carry on with the passage. You can still get enough marks to reach the level required even if there are some blanks in your reading.
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