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

Revision Summary
Section Ten — Language and Grammar

There's quite a lot to take on board here. Have a browse back over this section, and when you feel confident, try these questions. Nip back and check the ones you get wrong, then have another bash. It'll probably take a little while — but you need to be able to sail through the questions like a knife through butter.

1) What four things do you need to do in your writing to get an A or an A* grade?

2) When you have finished, why is it important to check through your writing?

3) Write a paragraph to show that you know what standard English is.

Jot down one example of standard English and one of non-standard English.

4) True or false: You should try to use dialect words, slang and cliches when writing in standard English.

5) Name three things you need to remember so that you don't make mistakes when writing standard English.

6) What are the three places where you can use commas?

7) What are semicolons used for?

8) What are colons used for?

9) What do ellipses and dashes do? When should they be used?

10) Correct the mistakes in these sentences:

a) The hamster has looked very happy since I brushed it's coat.

b) Its nice to see a smile on its little face.

11) Cut out letters and replace them with apostrophes. The first one is done for you.

a) I will not = I won't

b) can not

с) I had        

d) It is e) they are

12) True or false: You should use apostrophes for plurals.

13) What should speech always start with when you're writing? And what should it end with?

14) What is a double negative and why are they bad?

15) Which of these statements is correct?

a) We where going to a fancy party.

b) I decided to wear my birthday suit.

с) I don't know were that idea came from.

16) What kind of word does every sentence need to have in it?

17) What is it important to remember about verb tenses when you are writing?

18) When you are writing, why would you use:

a) parallel structure?

b) sentences of different lengths?

19) What is chronological order? Why is it a good thing to stick to it?

20) True or false: Using different and fancy words will impress the examiner.

21) When you're writing, why is it good to make comparisons between things?

22) What are two ways of using similes?

23) Name the four kinds of noun and give two examples of each.

24) What are verbs?

25) What do adjectives describe?

26) What do adverbs describe?