1. The Language Exam: Howto Answer each Question
Q3 Do this question first 20 marks (out of 50) 35/40 mins
You get a point per bullet point (max. is 15 marks) and 5 for writing it up in your own words
1. Write the key words from the question at the top of the passage (and the key word above each
paragraph if time)
2. Read + summarize each paragraph at the side (if time) – keep looking at the question
3. Underline at least 15 key ideas – that link to the question. All this should take 15-20 mins
4. Write these into bullet points checking that you’ve linked them back to the question and don’t
repeat yourself
5. Figure out how to group your bullet points (think takeaway task – you might want to put number
of symbols by the ones you will group together)
6. Write this into a paragraph (half a side long) connectives and keeping them in groups. Clarity /
concise / fluent / factual + OWN WORDS (cross out and change a few words after if you
forget)
Top Tips:
Check that you are answering the question all of the time
Think about what is being hinted at – you will sometimes need to go beyond what is obvious
Don’t be put off by tricky words – it will be hard but you can do it. They are testing your resilience!
Q1 20 marks (out of 50) 45/50 mins
You get 5 marks per bullet point and 5 for writing in character, in your own words and with the correct
genre.
1. BUG the whole question (Who is it for? Who are you meant to be? What type text is it? What are
the three bullet points requiring from you?)
2. Draw up a plan with the bullets on the left hand side and a box for your ideas from the text on the
right.
3. Scan the text and get ideas for the first bullet point – (aim for 4-5 per bullet point) and write them
in note form into your grid
4. After you’ve done each bullet point, write it up IN YOUR OWN WORDS
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the second and third bullet point (about ½ a side per bullet point)
Timing: (including the grid/getting ideas and writing it) 15 mins per bullet point
Top Tip:
This is not creative writing.
Keep it clear and show that you have understood the passage.
Give details – really look at the passage
You MUST answer all 3 bullet points (at least 1 paragraph per bullet point)
Use the key words from the bullet points to start each paragraph
USE NAMES AND NUMBERS – THE REST = OWN WORDS
Q2 10 marks 35/40 mins
Must have equal coverage of both sections (if timing is an issue then do fewer than four for each)
1. Put a circle around the sections that you needs to look at (you may need to number the
paragraphs if they only give you paragraph numbers)
2. Write the key part from the question by each circled bit
3. Look for at least 4 words/phrases in each section (8 in total) and underline + annotate them
(make links if you can see any)
4. Write 8 PQA’s or a big paragraph answering each sub question. You must start the paragraph by
using the key word/s from the question. EG. The writer describes X as ‘QUOTE’… This means…
The use of a Y (technique) is effective because it makes the reader feel…. This is reinforced when ….
(the link) For top band you are look for links and patterns and how an overall picture is
created/built