An introduction to the requirements of GCSE English at Joseph Leckie Academy

Foundation and Higher Tier 2 hours 15 minutes

Section A: Reading and responding to non-fiction texts.Section B: Two writing questions. Question One is the shorter task testing writing which seeks to inform or explain. The second question is the longer writing task which seeks to argue or persuade.

These are prepared and completed in class, under exam conditions. They are then marked by the class teacher and moderated across the school and area.

Speaking and Listening 20%

Reading 20%Writing 20%

Three controlled assessments:Drama focused,Group task,Individual extended.

These may be recorded.

The Exam: Section A - ReadingSection A: Reading

Students will be given three different sources to look at. Each question makes it clear which source to focus on.This section requires students to retrieve, understand and interpret information and ideasIt also requires students to comment on the effectiveness of language and presentational features used by the writer.

There is more detailed information in the revision guide.

Read and discuss a variety of media texts:NewspapersMagazinesLeafletsAdvertisements

Look particularly carefully at PALLPurposeAudienceLanguageLayout

NB This part of the exam is not marked for writing.

There is more information in the revision guide.

The Exam: Section A - Reading

The Exam: Section B - WritingThe Exam: Section B - Writing

Section B: WritingThere are two

compulsory questions in this section.There is one shorter task and one longer task.

There is more information in the revision guide.

In a similar way to that for Section A, by reading different types of texts and taking on board the different techniques the different writers useRead and understand the question:Look particularly carefully at PALLPurposeAudienceLanguageLayout

Think about who the audience is, what type of language you should use (formal/informal) as well as the purpose (persuade/advise or inform/explain)You may use some of the ideas (and techniques) from Part 1. This piece is marked for writing.The examiners will allocate 2/3 of the marks for organisation and expression and 1/3 for spelling, punctuation and grammar.It’s really important to check through carefully to correct any mistakes before handing it in. For example, if one forgets to paragraph, it is impossible to achieve above a Grade E!

There is more information in the revision guide.

The Exam: Section B - Writing

Revision Guide.