This book is a superb all-in-one guide to success GCSE English Language and English Literature - GCSE English 2003

What you have to do
Section One — Writing Essays

The course is split into three parts.

1 — The Exams

This is the 'meat' of the exams:

Literature essays Answer questions about the poetry, prose or drama that you've been studying in class. They could cover characters, style, tone, themes etc.

Explaining essay Explain or describe something to the reader, or inform them about something.

Arguing essay Argue a particular point and persuade readers to agree with a point of view, or advise readers about something. It needs strong persuasive writing skills.

Different cultures Write about poems or short stories by writers from outside the UK.

Responding to unseen texts Read a piece of text in the exam (often a magazine or newspaper article) and then answer questions in — response to it.

2 — Coursework

There shouldn't be any sweaty-palm moments here.

Same as above — write essays about the texts you've studied in class.

Literature essays This time, though, you'll have lots more time to think about it and make it extra brilliant. One of them will have to be about a Shakespeare play.

Analysing essay Analyse and comment on something, or review something.

(Some exam boards do this part in an exam essay rather than in coursework — check with your teacher.)

Original writing Write creative, imaginative and entertaining stories about whatever takes your fancy really (although usually within some kind of guidelines).

Sometimes you're asked to write in a certain style, e.g. for a newspaper.

3 — Listening and Speaking

This part might not feel like an exam — but it's just as important to do well in it.

Speaking and listening exercise

Communicate ideas by speaking. This could be tested through a drama-based activity, a group activity (e.g. a debate), an individual presentation or a combination of the three.

Stick with this revision guide, and your exams will be just fine

Talking about exams isn't the nicest way to start a book, but it's good to know exactly what's coming. It's going to get nicer — just go through the book page by page.