Learning Technique: Essay Planning, exploring structure (Open Questions)

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Instructions

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This technique encourages your learners to explore the importance of structure within their exam responses. Of course, changing the subject matter and examples couldn't be easier! Simply double-click any elements you want to change and select or upload the images you desire. We personally recommend using an example from your subject from a recent year's examination, a standout example from your class or even an answer you have modelled yourself!

Throughout, your students have the opportunity to reflect on what they have decided is a feature of an exceptional answer, leaving you with the opportunity to discuss their observations as a class - change the open questions to be anonymous if your class is a bit shy, or you do not want to single anyone out.

Students will need access to a device or paper when responding to the practice question you provide.

Ensure they have ample time to consider and write down their response - a timer inserted from the '+ component' menu might be a perfect addition to your class.

You could also include your school 'formula' for answering the specific question type after each question, or change the open question so that they 'have a go at it' for themselves.

Essay Planning, exploring structure

Learning Technique

OCR: GCSE English Language [J351]

Paper 2, question 4.

Notice the choice of language in the question: 

"both texts powerfully argue"

This should help give you an insight into how you want to formulate your answer. Do they both powerfully argue? Does one do it better? Does one or both even do it at all in your view?

Ensure to clarify your point of view mentally before you begin to write. 

Consider these points as a list of 'to-do's' in your writing and planning - how are you going to address these, and where do you stand based on your understanding of the texts? 

Here is the basis of your planning! If at the end of your writing, you have not addressed these points, there is no way you will be able to move into the grades I know you deserve!

How does good structure help gain marks in an exam setting?

Pearson: GCSE English Language, Paper A

Step 1: Set out your intentions and viewpoint clearly and decisively!

BUT REMEMBER...

Your viewpoint is only considered if you can demonstrate an understanding of the text, so using a brief synopsis of the story and the author's intent is very important!

"Both texts powerfully argue that the countryside should be a place where you can be free of rules and restrictions" - How far do you agree with this statement? (18 marks)

What, in your opinion, are the features of a level 9 introduction?

Pearson: GCSE English Language, Paper A

"Both texts powerfully argue that the countryside should be a place where you can be free of rules and restrictions" - How far do you agree with this statement? (18 marks)

Quotes to justify your viewpoint in your opening paragraph is always a good idea..

Quotes from different texts that highlight the same feeling or justification for your POV is one of the most powerful ways to get extra marks, especially when the context is easy to understand - like they were written in sync!

Pearson: GCSE English Language, Paper A

"Both texts powerfully argue that the countryside should be a place where you can be free of rules and restrictions" - How far do you agree with this statement? (18 marks)

Mistakes can happen - just put a line through it and carry on! 

These quotes have been selected so precisely that the student has not had to explain their own point of view with much detail - the authors have spoken for themselves, which means our student simply has to connect the texts to the answer they have given.

It is always worth spending another minute highlighting and collecting quotes based on your answer before you start writing for yourself - this will make your job much easier, and shows you have a deeper understanding of the text!

What are the key steps to setting out your argument?

Pearson: GCSE English Language, Paper A

Just like in your language persuasive writing question, it is always good to show where you have found a contrast or mis-alignment in the texts. You will never have works from the same author, so of course there will be narrative differences. 

If you are looking for a quote to support your idea, but happen across something that makes your point seem weaker.. great! Don't forget to highlight what it is, and why overall your POV is stronger.

Really nice if you could examine the use of narrative devices. This is some high-level stuff, and perfectly demonstrates why a little bit of 'reading for pleasure' can really boost how effective you are at seeing differences and comparisons with different authors. 

"Both texts powerfully argue that the countryside should be a place where you can be free of rules and restrictions" - How far do you agree with this statement? (18 marks)

What are the benefits of highlighting the key points against your side of the argument?

In your opinion, as a percentage, how satisfied do you think the examiner was with this answer?

0100

Pearson: GCSE English Language, Paper A

"Both texts powerfully argue that the countryside should be a place where you can be free of rules and restrictions" - How far do you agree with this statement? (18 marks)

Pearson: GCSE English Language, Paper A

"Both texts powerfully argue that the countryside should be a place where you can be free of rules and restrictions" - How far do you agree with this statement? (18 marks)

THERE WASN'T A CONCLUSION!

Pearson: GCSE English Language, Paper A

"Both texts powerfully argue that the countryside should be a place where you can be free of rules and restrictions" - How far do you agree with this statement? (18 marks)

Luckily the quote selection was perfect and the answer was well-structured, so they received 17 marks. But learning to plan is very important, structure always brings marks!

What should you cover in a concluding statement?