English Language - Cambridge OCR

Boost your confidence for the English language exam with expert guidance, tailored tips and key revision strategies.

Carl Anka and Jean Menzies guide you through useful skills for you GCSE English language exam.

Fiction is usually made up by the writer. Fiction texts could be based on the writer’s own life experiences or come from their imagination (or be a mixture of the two).

The setting of a text includes the location and time when events take place. Setting can play a crucial part in establishing atmosphere and reflecting themes and character within a text.

Themes are the main ideas or meaning that run through a text and may be shown directly or indirectly. When working out themes it helps to look closely at the language choice, setting and characters.

Characterisation is when a writer creates fictional characters for a narrative.

Language (words and phrases) and structure (the order of ideas in a text) are the methods used by writers to create effective characters, setting, narratives and themes.

Annotating is when you add notes or comments to a text; this could also include underlining or circling individual words or phrases.

When responding to the two fiction texts you will be asked to focus on a particular area, picking out specific details or responding more fully with a close analysis.

An example of the type of question you might be asked in the exam and how best to approach it.

Non-fiction texts come in many types, and have many different purposes. They surround us in everyday life but can also come in more sophisticated forms.

When we talk about the purpose of a text, we are talking about what the writer wants to achieve. Writers use language and structural features to deliberately appeal to their intended audience.

Writers choose words and language features deliberately - to have an effect on their readers. The way they structure parts of a text, eg openings and endings, influences the reader too.

In the exams, you will demonstrate your understanding of non-fiction text types, their intended audience and purpose, and how the writer has used language and structure.

An example of the type of question you might be asked in an exam and how best to approach it.

Comparing involves directly linking texts through their similarities and differences. It is important to move equally between the two texts, and write about them together, not separately.

An example of the type of question you might be asked in an exam and how best to approach it.

Establishing audience, purpose and form allows you to choose the most appropriate language, tone and structure.

Writing fiction is an opportunity to come up with creative and original ways of using language. You might find inspiration from your own experiences or from your imagination.

Non-fiction texts are those that deal with facts, opinions and the real world. Many non-fiction texts follow specific conventions of language and structure.

It’s always a good idea to plan before you write. You can gather your main ideas, list vocabulary you’d like to include and map out your structure in a way that makes writing easier.

Well-organised writing is easy to follow and understand. Points follow on from and build upon each other to lead to clear conclusions.

Writers use language to create different effects. Learning how to use these will make your writing more engaging.

Make your writing interesting and lively by using a wide range of vocabulary. Use specific words to convey your meaning.

Learning to spell correctly means you’re more likely to be understood. You can improve your confidence by reading widely and learning to use spelling strategies.

Using punctuation effectively means that your reader can make sense of your writing. It can also help create dramatic effects in your writing.

Grammar refers to the structure of language and how different words fit together. Knowing something about English grammar rules should help you to construct clear and meaningful sentences.

Effective face-to-face communication means thinking about audience and purpose. Generally this means using Standard English, listening carefully and being polite and co-operative.

Face-to-face communication includes the words you say and, more importantly, the way you say them. Eye-contact, gesture and posture can all add to the impact of your talk.

How you speak affects the meaning of your words. Varying your tone, volume and pace can help engage a listener.

In an individual researched presentation you will need to give a presentation in front of an audience. You’ll need to research your topic beforehand and may need to answer questions from the audience.

Participating in a group discussion allows you to respond and interact with others. You can share your opinion as well as respond to the opinion of others.

Get ready for the GCSE English language exams with these interactive resources from BBC Bitesize.