How To Revise for GSCE English and Improve your Mark

This article will walk you through the most effective method to revise for your GSCE English exams.

In this we'll focus on GSCE English Literature, specifically on improving your PEEAL paragraphs.

Step 1: Find Synonyms for Common Verbs.

To give you some examples. You should have a list of synonyms, which you cycle through when writing your paragraphs, for all the common verbs that you use such as:

-To show: exhibit, clarifies, demonstrates...

-To emphasise: highlights, accentuates, magnifies

-To use: utilises, employs, exploits

DO THIS FOR ALL YOUR COMMON PHRASES PLEASE PLEASE, such an easy way to make your writing sound better and automatically gain marks.

Step 2: Expand Your Analysis.

Practice going further in your analysis. Dont stop at PEEAL. A better structure would be:

1.Point - which flows smoothly into a quote (evidence)

2.Evidence - flows smoothly from the point.

3.Explain - Broad explanation of your point

4.Analysis - Analysis of your broad point (you may link to context here if you like)

5.Explain again - More specific explanation (comment on language use etc here)

6.Analysis again - Analysis of more specific explanation

7.Link to context and point.

Practice, Practice, Practice

For a bank of practice English Literature papers look here.

General Revision Tips

1. Create a Revision Timetable

   • Allocate specific times for English Language and Literature.

   • Break down topics into manageable chunks.

   • Include regular breaks to maintain focus.

2. Understand the Assessment Objectives

   • Familiarize yourself with what examiners are looking for.

   • Focus on developing skills like analysis, evaluation, comparison, and critical thinking.

3. Set SMART Goals

   • Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

   • Example: "By the end of this week, I will have analyzed three key themes in 'Macbeth.'"

4. Active Revision Techniques

   • Summarize notes in your own words.

   • Use flashcards for key quotes and literary devices.

   • Teach a topic to someone else to reinforce your understanding.

GOOD LUCK YOUR HARD WORK WILL PAY OFF