Preparing for Paper 1!

Receiving 38.5/40 in Paper 1, specifically full marks in section 1, whilst it is overwhelming, there are a variety of habits that you can implement in order to be successful.

GENERAL

1. Do full paper run-throughs and understand your timing!

ADVICE FOR SECTION 1: Comprehension is where students often lose marks, typically running out of time or failing to write what is expected. Here is my main advice for doing well.

1. Know your techniques: For each form, including poetry, non-fiction, fiction, and prose, I had a list of techniques. When first practising, I would have these next to me in order to practice using a variety of techniques.

2. Know your marking allocation: To avoid wasting time, be aware of what each marking allocation expects of you. For example, three marks don't require a closing sentence, just a topic sentence and two units of analysis.

3. Practice Papers: Complete practice papers; practice makes perfect!

4. Receive feedback: See where you are doing well and where you need to improve.

SECTION II:

1. Know your rubric: Texts and Human Experiences have a tone of language and ideas. Knowing these well helps better prepare you for the question.

2. Keep a running analysis document: Throughout the year keep a running document with all your analysis. That way, before your exam, you can memorise strong 'spare' analysis, so you are ready for every question.

3. Have a strong base essay: Go into the exam with a strong basis!

4. Practice adjusting the base essay: This base will be useless if you don't know how to adjust it to questions. Practice theme, form, context and to what extent questions.

5. Receive feedback: Just like for Section I, you want to know where you need to improve in order to maximise your marks.

Good Luck!