English notes

what to write in english paper 

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Argue

important words and phrases to use:

the most important aspect... sometimes... moreover... despite the view that... on the other hand... nothwithstanding... firstly... research shows that... secondly... the evidence clearly shows that... thirdly... another factor to be considered is... howvever... opponents declare..but... nevertheless... on balance..

some other features:

  • formal language
  • balanced sentences
  • people's opinions (real or made up)
  • specific examples of situations
  • range and variety of points
  • countering opposing points of view
  • a neat conclusion
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persuade

important words a phrases:

some people think... it would be useful to consider... do they really think that... in my experience... what would the consequences be... common sense dictates that... what would happen if... all reasonable people think...by far the best solution would be ... do we really want to... it is frightening to think that... we need to make sure that... i have no doubt at all that... imagine what would happen if... i am sure you will agree that... there can only be one conclusion...

some other features: 

  • emotive language
  • apparent balance
  • mixture of first, second and third person
  • some short sentences
  • identify with audience by using 'we'
  • perhaps some attempt to shock reader into agreement
  • varied choice of adverbs and adjectives
  • come 'litertary' devices such as alliteration, groups of three. 
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advise

important words and phrases:

you might be able to... think about... make sure that you... you should be careful to... don't... if you.. then you could... i undertand that you feel... don't worry if... one solution might be... another possibility would be to... if you don't.. then you could... be careful to... in order to avoid... i think you should... be confident about... if, on the other hand, then...

some other features:

  • close relationship with audience
  • providing reasons for a course of action
  • empathy with the audience's problems
  • several suggestions about what to do
  • use of modal verbs (e.g. might, could, should)
  • build the confidence of the reader
  • address the reader directly in the second person (you)
  • use imperatives (e.g. 'you should', 'make sure that you', 'be careful to')
  • raise the questions and give answers
  • lead to a clear conclusion about action to be taken
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non- fiction text

One of the questions you are likely to be asked is to talk about how the writer uses facts and opinions to convey their ideas.

If you get a question like this it is usually worth around 6-8 marks.

To get full marks all you have to do is Say:

One fact the writer uses is....(give an example of a fact used in the text). I can tell this is a fact because...(the use of numbers and statistics). The writer uses this fact to (make us more confident in the text/ to illustrate their point)

Another fact the writer uses is....(give an example of a fact used in the text). I can tell this is a fact because...(the use of numbers and statistics). The writer uses this fact to (make us more confident in the text/ to illustrate their point)

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non- fiction text

One opinion used is....(give an example of an opinion used in the text). I can tell this is an opinion because...(there are no numbers used/it is someones piont of view). The writer uses this opinion to (to illustrate their point)

Another opinion used is....(give an example of an opinion used in the text). I can tell this is an opinion because...(there are no numbers used/it is someones piont of view). The writer uses this opinion to (to illustrate their point)

This is an easy formula to get full marks for this question. And as you can see there is no need for an introduction or conclusion, which just wastes time.

If it is an 8 mark question just add one more fact and done more opinion.

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