English LanguageQ&A by dot point

Analysing how a 20th-century fiction writer uses language to achieve effects and influence the reader (AO2), the language question on Component 1 Section A, naming methods with subject terminology and explaining the effect on the reader.

Analysing how a 20th-century fiction writer structures the extract to achieve effects (AO2 structure), reading whole-text features such as the opening focus, shifts, contrast, repetition and the ending, and explaining the effect on the reader.

Writing the Section B creative (narrative or descriptive) prose task on Component 1, choosing a title, planning a controlled piece, and crafting it for both content and organisation (AO5) and vocabulary, sentences and accuracy (AO6).

Evaluating the 20th-century literary extract critically (AO4), forming a personal, evaluative judgement about how successfully the writer achieves an effect and supporting it with appropriate, analysed textual references.

Reading an unseen 20th-century literary prose extract for Component 1 Section A, getting an overview of character, setting and mood quickly, and reading actively for the questions that follow (AO1, AO2 and AO4).

Responding to a statement about the extract for AO4 (the 'to what extent do you agree' question), taking a clear stance, testing the statement against analysed evidence, and qualifying the judgement where the text invites it.

Analysing how a non-fiction writer uses language to achieve effects and influence the reader (AO2) on Component 2, naming methods including rhetorical and persuasive devices with subject terminology and explaining the effect on the reader.

Comparing the two writers' ideas and perspectives, and how these are conveyed, across the 19th and 21st century texts (AO3), structuring the comparison by point of comparison rather than text by text and reading the differences for significance.

Evaluating the non-fiction texts critically (AO4) on Component 2, judging how effectively a writer achieves a purpose such as persuading or engaging the reader, and supporting the judgement with appropriate, analysed textual references.

Reading two unseen non-fiction texts, one 19th century and one 21st century, for Component 2 Section A, grasping each writer's purpose, viewpoint and audience, and reading actively across the questions (AO1, AO2, AO3 and AO4).

Synthesising information and ideas from the two non-fiction texts for AO1 (the Component 2 synthesis question), selecting and combining evidence from both texts to show what they tell you about a theme, rather than treating them separately.

Inferring and deducing meaning from explicit and implicit information (AO1), reading between the lines of a fiction or non-fiction text and anchoring every inference to the textual detail that supports it.

Knowing the language techniques and the subject terminology to name a writer's methods accurately (AO2), the toolkit of word-level, figurative and rhetorical methods that the language questions on both components reward.

Recognising structural features and explaining their effect (AO2 structure), the whole-text toolkit of openings, shifts, contrast, repetition, cyclical structure and endings, kept distinct from language and from plot.

Reading a writer's voice for AO2 by distinguishing tone (the writer's attitude), mood (the atmosphere created) and register (the level of formality), and naming each precisely with apt vocabulary supported by evidence.

Selecting and using textual evidence to support every reading point (AO1, AO2, AO3 and AO4), choosing the smallest quotation that carries the point and embedding it fluently into your own sentence rather than dropping it in.

Crafting strong openings and deliberate endings (AO5), engaging the reader from the first line and shaping a controlled, deliberate ending across both the creative task and the transactional tasks.

Paragraphing accurately and linking ideas with cohesive devices (AO5), giving each paragraph one clear job, signalling shifts with discourse markers, and using cohesion within and between paragraphs across both components' writing tasks.

Planning and structuring a piece of writing for clear organisation (AO5), the planning skill that underpins both the creative task on Component 1 and the transactional tasks on Component 2, shaping a controlled structure before writing.

Proofreading writing for accuracy under timed conditions (AO6), reserving time to check spelling, punctuation and sentence boundaries on every writing task and correcting the common errors that lower the accuracy mark.

Using a range of sentence structures and accurate punctuation for clarity, purpose and effect (AO6), varying sentence length and type deliberately and punctuating a range of forms correctly across both components' writing tasks.

Using a range of ambitious, precise vocabulary with accurate spelling (AO6), choosing words for clarity, purpose and effect, and balancing ambition against accuracy so that reach does not introduce errors.

Preparing and delivering a formal individual presentation for the Spoken Language endorsement (AO7), selecting and organising content and presenting it clearly and effectively to an audience using controlled delivery.

Listening and responding to questions and feedback after the presentation (AO8), understanding what is asked, answering relevantly and developing the response, and handling unexpected questions with composure.

Using spoken Standard English effectively in the presentation and responses (AO9), choosing a formal register suited to the audience and occasion, and speaking with clear, accurate grammar and vocabulary.

Managing the two compulsory transactional writing tasks on Component 2 Section B, dividing the time fairly, planning and completing both pieces, and protecting time to check accuracy (AO5 and AO6) on each.

Matching form, purpose and audience in a transactional task (AO5), reading the task to identify the form, the purpose and the audience, and adapting tone, style, register and conventions to all three.

Using rhetorical devices to persuade in transactional writing (AO5), deploying methods such as direct address, rhetorical questions, the rule of three, emotive language and anecdote deliberately and sparingly for effect on the reader.

Writing a transactional or persuasive piece (letter, article, speech, report or review) for Component 2 Section B, communicating clearly for a real purpose and audience (AO5) with controlled, accurate and varied expression (AO6).