how I got a 9 in english literature AND language (GCSE) 🎀

Summary

In this engaging video, the speaker shares their journey to achieving a grade 9 in GCSE English Literature and Language, offering valuable tips and insights. They emphasize the importance of reading model answers, prioritizing quality over quantity in writing, and effective time management during exams. The speaker discusses their experiences with various resources, such as Light Up Tutoring and Save My Exams, and highlights the benefits of creating flashcards for study. Additionally, they recount their creative writing process, demonstrating how personal interests can enhance storytelling. Overall, the video provides practical advice for students aiming to excel in English.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reading model answers can significantly improve your writing style and understanding of exam expectations.
• 😀 Focus on quality of content rather than quantity; concise answers can be more effective.
• 🕒 Time management is crucial during exams; allocate time based on the marks for each question.
• 🔗 Always link your points back to the question to ensure relevance and clarity in your essays.
• 📚 Utilize online resources like mme Revis, Light Up Tutoring, and Save My Exams for study materials.
• 🗂️ Create flashcards categorized by themes, characters, and important quotes for efficient revision.
• ✍️ For creative writing, consider writing in a style that you enjoy to make the process easier.
• 🌟 Descriptive language is essential; include sensory details to enhance your creative writing.
• 📅 It's okay to start studying close to the exam date; many students successfully prepare in the last few weeks.
• 💻 Don't hesitate to ask for help or seek out additional resources if you're struggling with your studies.

Q & A

What subjects did the speaker achieve a grade 9 in?

The speaker achieved a grade 9 in English literature and language at GCSE.

What were the speaker's previous experiences with English grades before achieving a 9?

The speaker had been getting grades of 6 or 7 in English throughout the year, with a past experience of getting a 3 due to plagiarism.

What is the speaker's first tip for improving English grades?

The first tip is to read model answers that have received full marks in exam conditions, as this helps students understand the quality of writing expected.

What website does the speaker recommend for model answers?

The speaker recommends a website called MME Revis for accessing model answers.

What does the speaker mean by 'quality over quantity' in exam writing?

The speaker emphasizes that writing less, but with better quality, is more effective than writing excessively long responses that may lack focus.

How does the speaker suggest managing time during exams?

The speaker recommends monitoring the clock and allocating specific time for each question based on its mark value, ensuring that enough time is spent on the creative writing question, which carries more marks.

What resources did the speaker use for studying English literature?

The speaker primarily used websites like Light Up Tutoring and Save My Exams for resources, and created flashcards for different characters and themes.

What method did the speaker find effective for studying poems?

The speaker found it more efficient to create flashcards based on themes rather than individual stanzas due to the complexity of poems.

What creative writing approach did the speaker use for their exam?

The speaker chose to write a diary entry for their creative writing task, using personal experiences and emotions to develop the story.

What concern did the speaker have about their creative writing topic?

The speaker was worried that writing about abuse in their story might raise concerns with examiners about their personal situation, but ultimately it did not.