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

Writing Varied Sentences
Section Ten — Language and Grammar

Use Different Words for the Same Thing

Don't fall into the trap of using the same word all the time — especially adjectives like "nice" or "weird". Examiners don't like it and you'll lose loads of marks.

Fancy Words Impress the Examiner

Using different words is a good start. If you can use different and clever words, then you're laughing — they can really improve your grade.

Using long words is an exceedingly good idea

Get a dictionary and learn some new words. That might sound thoroughly ridiculous, but using the odd long and impressive word really will make a good impression on whoever is marking your work.

Writing Varied Sentences

This page will show you a couple more tricks to help win the examiner over.

Describe Things by Comparing them to Other Things

Comparisons create interesting visual images for readers. It's good to use them instead of adjectives sometimes. There are two different ways of comparing:

Use Metaphors

You use metaphors when you talk about one thing as if it were something else, rather than as if it were like something else. It's quite a sophisticated way of livening up your writing. Use them for a C or above.

I’ve told you a million times — stop exaggerating

Using similes and metaphors will make the examiners see your work as an oasis of loveliness in the lonely desert of tedious, unimaginative essays that they all too often have to mark. So USE THEM.