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

Warm-up Questions
Section Seven — Inform, Explain, Describe

You must be getting used to the routine by now — the warm-up questions run over the basic information, the worked example shows you how to tackle an essay question, and then after that it's all up to you.

Warm-up Questions

1) Explain what is meant by each of these essay instructions:

a) explain

b) inform

c) describe

2) How would the vocabulary you use differ in a letter to a child and a letter to a parent?

3) List two ways you can support statements you make in an informative essay.

4) When should you not use technical or unusual language?

5) Which of these is the less interesting and less vivid description? Why?

a) He wore a long, black overcoat that was ragged at the edges and fading in colour. His tattered hat was tilted to cover his eyes. As he loomed over me, I felt my heart in my mouth. I couldn't breathe.

b) He wore an old coat and when he came near me, I was scared.

6) Which is the better explanation and why?

a) Put some beef in a pan and cook it.

b) Over a low heat, warm three tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep frying-pan. Add 200 grams of stewing beef that has been sliced thinly. Cook until the meat is a light brown colour on both sides.

7) Why is it important to think about how your reader might react towards your piece?

8) Which is more likely to persuade your reader — a balanced argument or a ranting one?

9) What should you include in a good conclusion?

10) List five things you should check for at the end of the exam.

11) There are 4 photos below showing different landscapes. Write a paragraph describing each one. Explain how each one is different from the others.

Worked Exam Answer

Exam questions are the best way to practise what you've learnt. After all, they're exactly what you'll have to do on the big day — so go through this worked essay very carefully.

Worked Exam Question

1. Places can seem different at different times of year. Choose one of the following places: a school playground

a High Street

a pond

a country lane.

Describe it in winter and summer.

Essay plan:

1. Begin by describing the country lane in winter — concentrate on the sensations of cold.

2. Describe the harshness of the landscape and the wildlife struggling against the elements.

3. Describe the country lane in summer — contrasting the beauty of the landscape with that of winter.

4. Describe the wildlife and al! of nature coming to life again.

Exam Questions

Q1 Choose a place that has been significant in your life.

Write about it in a way which will inform other people.

Q2 Think about a time when you fulfilled an ambition.

Explain what the ambition was and why it was so important to you to achieve it.

Q3 Choose one of the following places:

a cafe

a market place

a fairground

a seaside resort

Describe it during the day and at night.

Q4 What job would you most like to do one day?

Describe what it would involve and explain why you would most like to do it.