How to Get a Grade 9 in English Language in 2 Weeks

Summary

In this video, Teny Brand shares an effective strategy for achieving top grades in GCSE English Language, offering insightful tips and practical advice. He explains the importance of focusing on high-yield questions, especially the 40-mark story and transactional writing sections, and stresses the value of practicing vocabulary, punctuation, and techniques. With a focus on planning, clear structure, and consistent practice, Teny highlights resources like his website and First Rate Tutors to help students improve. He emphasizes the potential for dramatic grade improvement, urging students to stay focused and well-prepared for the exams.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand the grading system: To get a 9 in GCSE English Language, you need to achieve around 82% of the total marks.
• 😀 Focus on high-yield questions: The 40-mark questions (worth 50% of your grade) should be your main focus, along with easy mark questions.
• 😀 Plan and practice your stories: Pre-plan ideas for your story questions and practice writing them to ensure you’re prepared for the exam.
• 😀 Build your vocabulary: Learn grade 9 words and use them in your writing to improve your responses.
• 😀 Master punctuation: Create a checklist of punctuation marks and practice using them throughout your writing.
• 😀 Learn techniques for high marks: Incorporate literary devices like alliteration, similes, metaphors, and personification in your writing.
• 😀 Be confident with transactional writing: Practice writing letters, speeches, and articles to be ready for paper 2's 40-mark question.
• 😀 Structure your answers clearly: Plan your responses to ensure you manage your time effectively and avoid rushing at the end.
• 😀 Use hooks and semantic fields: Always begin your extracts with an engaging hook and analyze semantic fields (e.g., fear, violence) in the text.
• 😀 Review past papers: Analyze past exam papers and high-mark answers to familiarize yourself with the types of questions and extracts.
• 😀 Invest in revision resources: Consider using resources like First Rate Tutors and other study materials to further improve your exam preparation.

Q & A

What is the main strategy for achieving a top grade in English language GCSE according to the speaker?

The main strategy involves focusing on high-yield questions, especially the 40-mark questions, which make up a significant portion of the grade. The speaker emphasizes the importance of pre-planning ideas, practicing them, and aiming for high marks in these sections.

How many marks are required to achieve a grade 9 in GCSE English language?

A grade 9 in GCSE English language requires approximately 82% of the total marks.

What makes up the bulk of the marks in the English language exam?

The bulk of the marks come from the two 40-mark questions, which together account for 50% of the grade. Additionally, the easy mark questions and evaluation questions also contribute significantly.

How does the speaker suggest students approach the 40-mark story question?

Students should come up with pre-planned ideas and practice them beforehand. By doing so, they can walk into the exam with a set of ideas ready to adapt to the given prompts.

What specific techniques does the speaker recommend for improving the 40-mark story?

The speaker recommends using a range of vocabulary, such as learning grade nine words, utilizing various punctuation marks, and incorporating literary techniques like alliteration, similes, metaphors, and personification.

Why is learning grade nine vocabulary important for the 40-mark story?

Learning grade nine vocabulary is crucial because it enhances the quality of writing and makes answers stand out. Using sophisticated words can elevate the overall response and contribute to a higher mark.

What role does punctuation play in achieving a high mark on the 40-mark story?

Punctuation is important because it helps structure the response clearly and effectively. The speaker advises having a punctuation checklist and making sure to use a variety of punctuation marks throughout the story.

What is the purpose of practicing with high-mark answers and how does it help?

Practicing with high-mark answers allows students to see examples of successful responses. It helps them understand what the examiners are looking for and how to structure their own answers to achieve high marks.

What advice does the speaker give for the transactional writing task (e.g., letters, speeches, articles)?

The speaker advises practicing different types of transactional writing, learning a range of vocabulary, and using various literary techniques. Additionally, students should aim to establish a confident tone and structure their responses effectively.

What is the 'hook opening' and why is it important?

The 'hook opening' refers to an engaging introduction that captures the reader's attention immediately. It is important because it sets the tone for the rest of the response and helps maintain reader engagement.