This book is a superb all-in-one guide to success GCSE English Language and English Literature - GCSE English 2003
Getting Your Answer Right
Section Seven — Inform, Explain, Describe
In the exam, you'll have to do a question where you need to either inform, explain or describe.
Each type needs to be tackled in a different way — and you'll lose marks if you don't do it right.
Pick out the Key Words in the Question
To answer any question well, you need a clear idea of:
1) Your purpose — What are you writing about? And do you need to inform, explain or describe?
2) Your audience — The tone, structure and words you choose will depend on who your reader is.
Key words in the question will tell you what sort of answer the examiner is after.
Scribble a circle around them and keep them in mind as you write:
Informing is about Giving Information to Your Reader
For this type of question, imagine you're teaching your reader something that they don't know much about. You want to give them a good outline of the topic so they can understand it better.
Whether you're writing to inform or explain, it's important to go into detail and back up your statements with evidence. An essay that is just personal opinion will get you zero marks.
Give examples every time you make a statement, to explain what you are saying.
There are two ways to do this:
✵ Give an example/fact.
✵ Give an expert's opinion.
Always, always, always think “What is this question asking me?”
This can never be said enough. You MUST spend a little time pondering over what the question is actually ASKING you. Don't just start scribbling without a thought. THINK and you'll be just fine.
Getting Your Answer Right
Explaining Means Giving a Detailed Discussion
You might be asked to explain what you think about something.
You need to explain what your beliefs are, in a logical way:
✵ Decide what your main arguments are, then write a paragraph explaining each one.
✵ Make sure that each point is backed up with evidence — reasons why you think what you say.
Make Descriptions In-depth
When you answer a describing question, it's all about giving a variety of interesting details.
Entertain your reader by using loads of unusual and exciting words and different kinds of sentences.
Describe sensations and feelings to give them a picture of what you're describing, in their mind's eye.
Make Descriptions Interesting
Don't be obvious. Add in any little details that will make it more interesting.
Giving good descriptions — the proof is in the paragraph
Paragraphs. I'll say that again: PARAGRAPHS. It's an easy way to organise your essay but it'll get you good marks. Each paragraph should be a statement, followed by evidence to back it up.
Starting Your Essay
As I said, in your exam you'll have to write an essay that explains, informs or describes. No one's trying to trick you — it really should be pretty simple, as long as you know what you're doing.
4 Ways Not to Mess it Up
Stay logical and the conclusion will be good marks
Examiners aren't nasty people — they're just following their mark schemes. This kind of essay should be coherent, logical and persuasive. Do it like that and they will love you for it.
Make Sure Everyone Can Understand
It's no good if you're the only one that understands what you're writing about — you've got to make sure that everyone will be able to get their head round it.
Think About Your Readers
You're supposed to be explaining something.
Explain Unusual and Technical Language
1) If you're writing about something you know well, it's easy to forget that your reader won't understand all the technical words you're using.
2) Your aim should be to make your writing clear enough for anyone to understand what you're saying.
3) Take care even when you're explaining something as ordinary as cooking dinner.
You might think it's obvious what "boil the potatoes" means. But a reader who doesn't know about cooking needs you to explain that "boil" means, "put in boiling water."
DON’T confuse your readers
Technical jargon is really good for impressing examiners. BUT you MUST explain the tricky stuff properly, to show you're trying to help your reader, and you'll get more lovely, lovely marks.
Finishing Off Your Essay
At the end of your essay you need to tie up what you've been saying...
Finish Your Essay with a Conclusion
Before you start your conclusion look back at the introduction. Make sure that your conclusion agrees with the introduction. This will make the examiner feel as if the essay's a complete package, not just some random thoughts strung together.
Your conclusion should:
You Must Check What You’ve Written
Once you've got a conclusion, go back over the whole essay and check these points:
1) If your answer to any of these questions is 'no', then do something about it.
2) There isn't much you can do if there are just 15 seconds to go — but five minutes is enough to make a difference. That's why it's so important to leave time for checking.
3) If you want to add anything, put a star (*) where you want the extra words to go and write them as clearly as you can in the margin.
4) If you want to get rid of anything, just cross it out neatly. Don't scribble all over it.
Conclusions are your chance to wrap up your argument
The conclusion is your chance to hammer home what you've been talking about, and finish things off nicely. It (and the introduction) are really vital for grabbing the reader's attention and making your point.