Course map
How the papers work
Papers 1 and 2
Paper 1: Reading
Paper 1
- LessonPractice
Explicit meaning and explaining in your own words
Paper 1 Q1 and Q3(a), (b), R1, R5- Find the precise detail a question asks for
- Explain words and phrases in your own words
- Give exactly as many points as the marks ask for
- LessonPractice
Implicit meaning, inference and attitude
Paper 1 Q1 and Q2(b), R2, R3- Infer what a writer suggests but does not state
- Identify and assess a writer's attitude with support
- Explain why something happened, or why people think something, from the text
- LessonPractice
The selective summary
Paper 1 Q2(a), R1, R2, R5; W1 to W3- Select only the ideas the question asks for
- Write in your own words, in continuous prose, within 120 words
- Organise ideas to give an overview
- LessonPractice
How writers use language
Paper 1 Q1(f) and Q3(c), (d), R4- Choose powerful words and phrases
- Explain meaning, connotation and effect in context
- Explain images such as metaphors and similes precisely
- LessonPractice
Extended response to reading
Paper 1 Q4, R1 to R3, R5; W1 to W4- Select and develop ideas from a text for a new purpose
- Write as a letter, report, journal, speech, interview or article
- Cover all three bullets in a convincing voice
Paper 2: Directed writing
Paper 2, Section A
- LessonPractice
Evaluating a writer's attitude
Paper 2 Q1(a), R3, R4- Identify a writer's or speaker's attitude
- Evaluate it with precise, relevant support
- Comment on how the words chosen show the attitude
- LessonPractice
Directed writing: argue, discuss and persuade
Paper 2 Q1(b), R1 to R3, R5; W1 to W5- Use, develop and evaluate ideas from two texts
- Shape a speech, letter, article or report for its audience
- Argue a clear view with structure and accuracy
- LessonPractice
Audience, purpose and text types
Paper 1 Q4 and Paper 2 Q1(b), W4- Know the conventions of each text type
- Match register and tone to audience and purpose
- Open and close a piece for its reader
Paper 2: Composition
Paper 2, Section B
- LessonPractice
Descriptive writing
Paper 2 Section B, W1 to W5- Build a convincing picture with close observation and varied focus
- Use figurative language with control
- Structure a description without telling a story
- LessonPractice
Narrative writing
Paper 2 Section B, W1 to W5- Plan a plot with tension, climax and resolution
- Develop character and setting
- Manage dialogue, pace and an ending that satisfies
- LessonPractice
Vocabulary, sentences and accuracy
Papers 1 and 2, W3, W5- Choose precise vocabulary
- Vary sentence structures for effect
- Punctuate and spell accurately, including speech, commas and apostrophes