How I got an A in ENGLISH GENERAL PAPER (8021)| Paper 1 and 2

Summary

In this video, Ria shares her experience of scoring an A in the EGP 8021 (English General Paper) exam. She offers valuable tips for both the essay and comprehension sections, emphasizing the importance of a structured approach. For the essay, she advises mind mapping, presenting well-thought-out arguments with supporting examples, and acknowledging opposing views. For comprehension, she recommends practicing past papers and using context to answer vocabulary and subjective questions effectively. Ria’s straightforward advice and personal insights aim to help students feel confident and well-prepared for the exam.

Takeaways

• 😀 Plan ahead: For the English General Paper, spend the first 15 minutes mind-mapping your essay. This will help structure your thoughts and create a well-organized essay.
• 😀 Choose a topic you can confidently write about: The essay section offers a variety of prompts, including topics on politics, art, environmental management, and more. Choose one that aligns with your interests and knowledge.
• 😀 Research general topics: Read up on common essay topics such as climate change, disasters, war, video games, and art/music to be prepared for a wide range of prompts.
• 😀 Mind-mapping is key: For each essay, brainstorm your main points. Aim for three major arguments and one counter-argument. This structure will ensure clarity and depth.
• 😀 Structure your essay: Start with an introduction that includes a hook and your stance. In the body, present three main points with evidence, and in the conclusion, summarize your arguments and end with a strong, impactful statement.
• 😀 Use relevant examples: Support each argument with real-life examples or anecdotes to back up your points. This adds credibility to your essay.
• 😀 Avoid controversial topics: Be mindful of sensitive topics. For example, avoid writing about colonization if you are not comfortable with the potential biases of the examiners, as it may cost you marks.
• 😀 Vocabulary isn’t everything: Don’t worry if your vocabulary is not extensive. Focus more on clear, well-thought-out arguments and well-structured paragraphs.
• 😀 Comprehension paper is all about finding answers in the text: The comprehension section is based on extracting information directly from the provided text. Practice solving past papers to improve speed and accuracy.
• 😀 Focus on matching marks with points: When answering questions, especially the longer ones (5-8 marks), ensure you provide a sufficient number of points. For instance, a 7-mark question should have at least 7 points.
• 😀 Contextualize vocabulary questions: If asked to define a word or phrase, try to determine its meaning by reading the sentence context. Then, use the word correctly in a sentence to avoid ambiguity and lose marks.
• 😀 Practice makes perfect: For the comprehension paper, practice at least five past papers to build confidence and familiarity with the question types. This will help you perform well on the exam.

Q & A

What is the structure of the English General Paper (EGP) 8021 essay?

The essay section of the EGP consists of 10 prompts. You must choose one question and write an essay of 600 to 700 words. The essay should include an introduction, three points in favor of your opinion, one point acknowledging the opposing side, and a conclusion that summarizes the points with a strong, impactful closing statement.

How important is research when preparing for the EGP essay?

Research is essential for the essay. Reading up on general topics like climate change, disasters, war, video games, art, and music is recommended. You should be familiar with current issues or popular topics that often appear in the prompts.

What is the first step to take when starting the EGP essay?

The first step is to spend the first 15 minutes mind-mapping. This helps organize your thoughts, ensuring the essay is well-structured and coherent. Your mind map should outline the main points you want to discuss, including examples and evidence.

How should you structure your essay to maximize marks?

Your essay should have an introduction with a hook and a clear stance on the topic. In the body, you should present three main points supporting your stance and one point acknowledging the opposing view. The conclusion should recap your points briefly and end with a strong, memorable statement.

What role does vocabulary play in the EGP essay?

Vocabulary is important, but it’s not necessary to use complex words to score well. The key to a high score is having a well-thought-out essay with a clear structure and valid points. Focus on clarity and coherence in your writing rather than using fancy vocabulary.

Can you provide an example of how to use evidence in the essay?

Yes! For example, if writing about censorship in democracy, you could mention the historical example of how the British censored newspapers during the Indian independence struggle. This example supports the point that censorship can undermine democracy and cause instability.

What is a common mistake to avoid when writing about sensitive topics in the essay?

Avoid writing about topics that may be politically sensitive or controversial in a way that could upset the examiners. For instance, criticizing the British Empire may not be the best choice as the paper is graded by British examiners.

What is the key to succeeding in the comprehension paper?

The key to succeeding in the comprehension paper is practice. Solve past papers to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions. All the answers are in the text, so you just need to find and interpret them correctly.

What types of questions are common in the comprehension paper?

Common types of questions in the comprehension paper include vocabulary synonym questions, long-format questions (5-8 marks), and subjective questions requiring you to evaluate or analyze a situation, like choosing between options based on the provided text.

How should you approach vocabulary questions in the comprehension paper?

For vocabulary questions, even if you don’t know the exact meaning of the word, think contextually. Read the sentence and try to fill in the blank with a word that makes sense in the given context. Use your understanding of the text to infer meanings.

What’s a good strategy for using words in sentences for vocabulary questions?

When asked to use a word in a sentence, make sure the sentence clearly conveys the word’s meaning. Avoid vague or ambiguous sentences. For example, instead of saying 'Rahul is tall,' you could say 'Rahul is as tall as a giraffe,' which gives a clearer sense of the word 'tall.'