ENGLISH G.C.S.E.

EXAM

PAPER TWO
 Paper Two
• There are two sections:
~Section A Poems from Different Cultures
~Section B Writing to Describe
• .You have 1 hour and 30 minutes in total:
~45 minutes for Section A
~45 minutes for Section B
 Secton A: Poems from Different
Cultures
• There are 2 questions : one question on
Cluster 1 and one question on Cluster 2
• Only answer one question
• Most of you will have been taught only one
cluster – answer the question on your
cluster
• The question will name one poem and ask
you to compare it with one other poem
from the cluster(s), of your choice
 How To Tackle The Question
1. Key word the question
2. Choose a second poem (one which
matches the question)
3. Brainstorm/spider plan to think of
different points to make. Remember:
• Keep focused on the question
• Make links between the poems
• Spend only 3 minutes max. on this
 Planning
Make a grid plan or paragraph plan:
1. Introduction
2. Compare ideas and feelings – focused on the
question
3. Compare language techniques – focused on
the question
4. Compare lay-out and structure – focused on
the question
5. Conclusion
6. Spend 10 minutes on this plan
 Ideas and Feelings
• Keep focused on the question
• Compare the cultures which are presented
• Summarise the key points and key
feelings the poems communicate ( in
relation to the question )
• Explain the writers’ view points
• Try to use embedded quotations
• Don’t spend too long on this paragraph
 Language
• You need to compare the language
techniques used in the poems
• Make sure that you write about a range of
different language techniques used
• Always support your points with quotations
• Always explain your quotations......
 Explaining Language Quotations
Always support your points with quotations
Explain your quotes:
~ how your quote supports your point
~ which language techniques are used
~ the effect of a particular word in your quote
~ how the reader is influenced
~ how this helps the writer to communicate his/her view point
~ if appropriate, how this quote links to other language
techniques and images
~ how the quote answers the question
 Layout and Presentation
• Layout means the way that the words are set out on
the page (the number and length of verses; where
the gaps are; the shape of the poem; etc.)
• Presentation means the writers’ choice of font, etc.
• Avoid just describing the layout
• Explain and compare how the writers use the layout
and presentation to communicate the ideas and
feelings to the reader
• Refer to details to support your points
 Structure
• This means of the change/development ideas and
feelings during the poem
• Explain where the ideas /feelings change (if they
do)
• Explain how these changes are communicated to
the reader
• Explain any links between the opening and the
ending
• Explain and the compare how the structure helps
the writers to communicate ideas and feelings to
the reader
 Comparing the Poems
• Try to make links between the poems in every paragragh
• You need to use connectives/sign posts to link your
points:

SIMILARITIES DIFFERENCES

~ In the same way ~ In contrast

~ Similarly ~ However
~ Like ~ Conversely
~ Equally ~ Although
~ As with ~ On the other hand
 KEY POINTS
• Key word the question
• Choose which poem to compare with the poem in the question
• Pair up the poems to compare and brainstorm
• Plan
• Stick to the 45 minutes
• Make points on ideas and feelings, language, layout and structure
• Use lots of quotes
• Explain language in detail
• Make links between poems in every paragragh
• In your conclusion, try to comment on what the two poems tell you
about different cultures/human nature or explain which poem you like
the most and why
 Section B Writing To Describe
• There are 4 questions, but only answer 1
• Choose writing to describe
• You need to write a detailed description,
not a story
• Be powerful! Be imaginative!
 Tackling The Question
• Key word the question
• Brainstorm/spider plan for different
ideas and for lots of different points to
include
• Make a paragraph plan to structure and
organise your writing
• Spend up to 12 minutes planning
 Structure
• Make sure that your writing has a clear opening
• Begin a new paragragh for each stage or
change
• Plan a clear ending
• You could use a circular structure, a resolution
ending, a cliff-hanger ending or a twist
• Plan in some contrast of tone or atmosphere
• Try to include some dramatic tension
 Writing Style
• You need to use a wide range of language
techniques to describe:
 Imagery (simile, metaphor, personification)
 Sound (alliteration, onomatopoeia,assonance)
 5 senses
 Colour symbolism
 Adjectives , adverbs
 Repetition
 Writing Skills
• Vocabulary – use a wide range and
complex words, choosing them for
maximum impact on the reader
• Spelling – check for mistakes with
frequently used words
• Sentences – use a wide range and
complex sentences. Use short ones for
dramatic effect
 Writing Skills
• Punctuation :
 Use commas in sentences
 Check for full stops, question marks,
exclamation marks
 Check apostrophes have been used
 Try to use colons and semi-colons
• Organisation – use paragraphs and try to link
them
• Structure – have a clear opening, development
and ending
 Key Points
• Choose writing to describe
• Brainstorm/spider plan (2 mins)
• Paragraph plan (10 mins )
• Aim to write 2 or more sides ( 30 mins )
• Check for mistakes ( 3 mins )
• Be powerful! Be moving! Be imaginative!