What is the purpose of the examinations?
These end of year tests are designed to help you develop your skills in writingexaminations in a formal setting with time limits. Hand written (without spell-check)examinations remain the major instrument of assessment in most systems and it isimportant you acquire the necessary skills. Remember that your other majorassessment tasks are also important, and you should make sure you spend time andeffort on those as well.
What will I do in the examination?
In the examination you will write a discursive essay on a contemporary issue relatedto the issues we have been discussing in class. You will be given a choice of threetopics all related to globalisation. As this is an English task the focus for theassessment will be on your use of language, the development of your ideas and thestructure of your essay.
What can I do to revise?
Reading and writing skills are the major focus of these tests and it is difficult to selectspecific aspects of these skills for revision. However, there are, of course, useful waysto prepare for this exam.
•
Look through your folio pieces and work out ways to improve upon yourweaknesses, especially with regard to essay writing.
•
Read articles and watch documentaries on contemporary issues and think abouthow they are structured and designed to have maximum impact on the audience.
•
Work on your spelling and punctuation (practice, test yourself, have people testyou).
•
Practice writing formal essays and articles. Put them on your blog and ask peopleto comment on them.
•
Use the attached assessment criteria to work out what skills you need to work on.Focus on topic sentences, register and structure.
•
Use the vocabulary table to make sure you know and understand these words
Useful vocabulary to know
How will I be assessed?
In keeping with the methods we have been using all year, you will be assessed usingthe English Department criteria.
!
Grade 8 English examination study guide
2009
effectaffectglobal issue
human trafficking
stakeholder(s)societytopic sentencesignpostopinionspokespersonpressure groupargumentmotivationsupporteroppositionconnectivecriticregisterproponentcontemporary
Leave a Comment