Section A Anthology You will be tested on: Fiction Non-Fiction (the article is non-fiction) Poetry
What is required of me in the exam? Paper 1 is 2 hours and 15 minutes long. There are three sections: Section A (Unseen non-fiction), Section B (One reading task and one writing task based on a piece from Section A of the anthology) Section C (Unrelated writing task to inform, explain, describe) This article is in Paper One, Section B AO2 is reading: i) Read with insight and engagement, making appropriate reference to texts and developing and sustaining interpretations of them. ii) Follow an argument, distinguishing between fact and opinion iii) Understand and make some evaluations of how writers use linguistic and structural devices to achieve their effects
Purpose, Audience, Format. Purpose: The purpose of this text is to EXPLAIN to the reader what global warming is and to INFORM the reader about the facts of global warming and how it could affect the Earth. Audience: The audience are the readers of the Guardian newspaper supplement Science Course Part III: The Earth and so we can assume that the reader is interested in these issues and fairly well educated and inquisitive about current affairs and science (although they may not, necessarily, know much about science). Format: The format is that of a newspaper article. The main features of this format are the headlines and the fact that the text is structured into paragraphs, some with separate, smaller subheadings.
How she does it: She uses a range of linguistic and formatting techniques to communicate her message. To make the information clearer, she makes good use of diagrams and charts which illustrate her ideas. Linguistic and Formatting Features: What she has to do: Kate Ravilious has to present the subject in a scientific way (clear, logical and based on fact) but also in a way which will ensure that any reader can understand it.
Language Analysis Opinion as Fact: The way she expresses an opinion makes it more difficult to argue with. This is a persuasive technique: The subject of global warming has become impossible to ignore. Direct Questions: These add interest and they also involve the reader. These key questions are used to structure the article: But what are its implications? And is mankind really to blame?
Language Analysis Metaphors: These make the language lively and interesting and are emotive for the reader: Today global warming has become a political hot potato Facts and Statistics: This is another persuasive technique that provide justification and evidence for the author s opinion: The average global temperature will have risen between 2.5C and 10.4C by 2100.
Language Analysis Alliteration and repetition: This adds more interest for the reader and emphasises the importance of what is being said and makes it more memorable: overall they demonstrate a relentless rise the rapid rise Simple Lexis: The author uses straightforward, direct language to make explanations clear and allows her to communicate in a matter of fact manner: The higher levels of greenhouse gases are causing our planet to warm global warming.
Language Analysis Personification: Brings the text to life, increases the threat and helps the reader to identify with the problem. oceans and trees are helping to mop up some of the heat, runaway greenhouse effect. Personal Pronouns: This allows the author to reach out to the reader and include them in the article. our actions are having an effect on Earth s climate, How will it affect us?, we are already committed
Language Analysis Expert Opinion: Another way of providing evidence and justification for the author s opinion, it also helps to distance the author, allowing her to remain unbiased: scientists fear that many delicate thresholds exist Colloquial language: Relates to the reader, adds interest and the author uses slang to enhance the impact of the article: farting cows, burping vast quantities
Format Analysis Varied Sentence Structure: The author uses a combination of complex descriptive sentences and short simple sentences (and fragments) to add interest and impact: No., Unfortunately not. Direct Questions as subheadings: These help to organise the material so that it is easy to understand and relevant: How will global warming affect us?
Format Analysis Bold font for headings: These are used for easy reference, clarity and impact. Larger font for headline: The title is simple and uncomplicated, preparing the reader for the style of the article. This is an unbiased, matter of fact piece of writing, and it is essential that it is not seen to be sensationalising the topic.
Format Analysis Short Paragraphs: Again, these allow the article to appear uncomplicated. The information is split into manageable paragraphs and each one is introduced by a relevant question and appropriate topic sentence. Diagrams and Charts: These are used to illustrate the points made in the article. The can help readers to understand the information visually.
In Summary Kate Ravilious has aimed to present an informative article that explains the dangers of global warming and explores the reasons for it. She uses format and linguistic techniques to communicate some complicated scientific information in a way that will appeal to any reader. The article is clear, unbiased, logical and based on fact.
What to expect in Section B 1: An essay style question on the extract (10 marks) 2: A writing task based on the extract this can examine any triplet and could ask you to write in any format (10 marks) You will have roughly 45 minutes for these questions and you will not have any choice between questions.
Example Reading Tasks How successfully does the author communicate difficult scientific information in a way that is easily understood by the reader? How successfully does the writer of "Climate Change: The facts" strike the balance between raising awareness of the scale of the problem while also ensuring that the tone doesn't become overly pessimistic. How does the author use language and formatting techniques to present the information in an interesting way?
Example Writing Tasks Write a leaflet for display in your local doctor s surgery persuading members of the community to get more involved in saving the planet. Give your views on what are the greatest dangers facing the world today. Write a letter to you local MP, explaining and informing them of the dangers of global warming. Write an article for your school newspaper about how you can make your school more environmentally friendly. Imagine that you are alive 200 years from now, write about how the world has changed and describe what it is like.
How to Prepare Go through all your notes and organise them Revise all your anthology texts and your three sections of Literature Use your text book You must practise writing TIMED responses. Make checklists of what you need to include for each question
GOOD LUCK But it s not really down to luck This is probably your most important GCSE so do not neglect it Work hard and prepare properly Arrive at your exam confident, calm and fully prepared Keep calm and do brilliantly!