Year 10 English Literature Exam
Length:
1 hour 45 minutes
What should I bring?
A couple of writing pens (blue or black ink), highlighters.
What can I expect?
Your Literature paper contains two extracts, one from Jekyll and Hyde, and one from Macbeth, with an essay-style
question at the bottom of each. You will be expected to write two full essay responses in the time given.
Skills involved
You must know the plot, themes, characters and significance of settings in Jekyll and Hyde and Macbeth.
You must be able to analyse language and explore the possible layers of meaning in writers’ chosen words.
You must be able to comment on the effects of specific devices used by the writers.
You must be able to write analytically (in PETE/PEE style paragraphs).
You must have some knowledge of specific context related to both texts.
How can I revise?
Re-read/listen to the audiobook/watch an adaptation of both texts.
Revisit classwork notes on Jekyll and Hyde and Macbeth in your folders and annotated copies of the texts.
Write out mind maps and/or flashcards with information about plot, characters, themes/ideas/motifs, and key
quotations for each text: ask someone to test you on this information.
Print off unannotated extracts and annotate them in detail.
Make sure all of the annotations in your texts are up to date, if not complete them.
Practise planning other extracts/questions.
Practise exploding quotations (copying out a quotation, identifying devices, writing definitions and exploring possible meanings in note form).
Practise writing PETE/PEE style paragraphs.
Length:
1 hour 45 minutes
What should I bring?
A couple of writing pens (blue or black ink), highlighters.
What can I expect?
The Language paper has two sections:
Section A: Reading – An extract from a piece of fiction with four questions focused on retrieval, analysis and evaluation.
Section B: Writing – A choice of two creative writing tasks: a description based on an image, or the beginning of a story.
Skills involved
Reading Section
You need to be able to identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas.
You need to be able to explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve
effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support your views.
You need to be able to evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references.
You must be able to write PETE style paragraphs.
Writing Section
You need to be able to communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences.
You need to be able to organise information and ideas, using structural and grammatical features to support coherence and cohesion of texts.
You need to be able to use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation.
How can I revise?
Revisit classwork notes, past responses and practice questions in your folder.
Have a go at attempting some past paper questions, or plan them in note form.
Find an image and annotate it with possible ideas for creative writing including: vocabulary, devices, plot etc.
Practise writing PETE/PEE style paragraphs.