English Language

    OCR
    GCSE

    Specification: J351

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    21

    Topics

    0

    Objectives

    112

    Exam Tips

    112

    Pitfalls

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    Study Guides

    3 revision guides for OCR GCSE English Language

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    Assessment Objectives

    AO1
    %

    Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas

    AO2
    %

    Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers

    AO3
    %

    Compare writers' ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across two or more texts

    AO4
    %

    Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references

    AO5
    %

    Communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences

    AO6
    %

    Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation

    What Gets Top Grades

    A*/Grade 9

    Knowledge & Understanding

    Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

    • Uses correct subject-specific terminology
    • Shows detailed understanding of concepts
    • Makes accurate connections between topics
    • Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

    Application

    Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

    • Selects relevant knowledge for the question
    • Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
    • Uses examples appropriately
    • Shows awareness of context

    Analysis & Evaluation

    Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

    • Constructs logical chains of reasoning
    • Considers multiple perspectives
    • Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
    • Acknowledges limitations and nuances

    Key Command Words

    OCR
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name or select

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Account of process or features

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome

    Evaluate
    9-12 marks

    Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Drifting outside the specified line references (e.g., citing line 12 when the question specifies lines 1-10).
    • •Providing implicit inference (what the text suggests) rather than explicit fact (what the text says).
    • •Indiscriminate lifting: copying long sections of text where only a specific phrase is required.
    • •Listing more points than requested (e.g., providing three examples when only two are asked for); examiners mark only the first n responses.
    • •Providing a linguistic analysis (AO2) of metaphors/similes without linking to the evaluative statement
    • •Summarising the plot or content rather than evaluating the writer's craft
    • •Asserting an opinion ('I agree') without providing specific textual evidence
    • •Failing to address the counter-argument or nuance, leading to a one-sided, simplistic response

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Draw a box around the specified lines in the insert immediately to prevent reading outside the target area.
    • •Highlight the specific focus of the question (e.g., 'reasons for' vs 'features of') to avoid irrelevant retrieval.
    • •Keep answers concise; use bullet points to separate distinct points clearly for the examiner.
    • •Double-check that the selected quote makes grammatical sense in isolation and directly addresses the command.
    • •Start your response by explicitly stating your stance on the prompt (e.g., 'I largely agree, although...')
    • •Use evaluative adverbs (e.g., 'successfully', 'harrowingly', 'subtly') to signal AO4 focus
    • •Ensure every paragraph links the writer's method back to the statement provided in the question
    • •Select evidence that allows for discussion of the writer's intent, not just plot points

    Specification Topics

    21 topics

    Identifying Explicit Information

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Evaluating Texts Critically

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Identifying Bias and Context

    0 objectives8 tips8 pitfalls2 subtopics

    Interpreting Implicit Information

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Selecting and Synthesising Evidence

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Analysing Language

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Analysing Structure

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Understanding Writer's Purpose, Audience and Perspective

    0 objectives12 tips12 pitfalls3 subtopics

    Comparing Writers' Ideas and Perspectives

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Communicating Clearly and Effectively

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Planning, Drafting and Editing

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Adapting Tone, Style and Register

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Organising Information and Ideas

    0 objectives8 tips8 pitfalls2 subtopics

    Using Vocabulary and Sentence Structures

    0 objectives8 tips8 pitfalls2 subtopics

    Spelling and Punctuation

    0 objectives8 tips8 pitfalls2 subtopics

    Writing for Audience, Purpose and Form

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Presenting Information Clearly

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Responding to Questions

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Using Standard English

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Engaging the Audience

    0 objectives8 tips8 pitfalls2 subtopics

    Structuring a Presentation

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

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