How to Revise for English Language GCSE: Tips From the Experts

If your English Language GCSE is creeping up on you, what are you waiting for? The best way to improve your grade is through thorough revision.

But how do you revise for English Language GCSE?

Here, we’ll cover all you need to know – from what to revise to expert tips and GCSE English Language revision techniques recommended by experts.

Psst! Our English GCSE tutors are experts at bringing their subjects to life and helping learners to boost their grades – start your search today.

What to revise for English Language GCSE

First things first, you’ll want to know exactly what you need to revise for English Language GCSE.

This can be tricky as the texts you come across in the exam room will be unseen – meaning you won’t have studied them in class.

Plus, every exam board will work a bit differently.

That said, every student will have to cover the following content:

• Critical reading and comprehension
  • Critical reading and comprehension
  • Summary and synthesis
  • Evaluation of a writer’s choice of vocabulary, form, grammatical and structural features
  • Comparing texts
• Writing
  • Producing clear and coherent text
  • Writing for impact
• Spoken language
  • Presenting information and ideas
  • Responding to spoken language
  • Spoken Standard English

Bear in mind that, although part of the course will require you to listen to and understand spoken language – and use spoken Standard English – this isn’t assessed in the exams and won’t form part of your final mark or grade.

How to revise English Language GCSE: 8 expert tips

So now you know what content is covered in English Language specifications, you’ll want to know how to revise it.

Revising English Language can be tricky as much of the assessment is about skills rather than knowledge. Remember, the texts you’ll come across in the exam room are ones you won’t have seen before!

However, it’s still possible – and important – to revise for your English Language GCSE. It just might look a bit different than for other subjects.

Here are some top tips from experts.

1. Recap after each lesson

First things first, don’t be fooled into thinking that you need to wait until study leave to start revising for your English Language GCSE.

Rather, an easy way to get started is to recap what you’ve learned after each lesson.

Read through your notes, check that you understand everything and perhaps even brainstorm some answers to practice questions.

This doesn’t have to take long – even taking 10 minutes after each lesson to recap can save you a lot of time later down the road.

Plus, it’s a great way of spotting any areas where you could do with some extra help before you head off on study leave!

2. Read lots!

Although you can’t revise the specific texts that will come up in your English Language GCSE, you can practise reading lots of different kinds of texts.

That includes both fiction and non-fiction – such as novels, broadsheets, tabloid newspapers and essays.

It also includes texts from across the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries – which could all come up in your exams.

Not only will reading lots of different texts prepare you well for the reading sections of the exam papers – but it will also help you with the writing tasks.

After all, while you’re reading, you’re improving your knowledge of literary techniques, grammar and vocabulary – all of which will stand you in good stead in any task that involves reading and writing.

3. Know the difference between command words in questions

Reading – and properly understanding – the exam questions is absolutely crucial if you want to succeed in your GCSE English Language exams.

So, take the time to familiarise yourself with the types of questions that could come up.

And pay particular attention to command words. For instance, you might come across questions asking you…

• To what extent do you agree…?
• How does the writer structure/use language to…?
• List things
• Summarise
• Compare

These types of questions will all require very different answers. 

For instance, a question asking you to summarise something is asking you to select evidence and make inferences.

Meanwhile, a question asking how the writer uses language to achieve something will require you to identify the writer’s methods, zoom in on the language choices used and explain the effects of these choices.

4. Expand your vocabulary

Another useful way to prepare for your English Language GCSE is to focus on widening your vocabulary.

Whenever you come across a new word, look it up online or in a dictionary. Then, have a go at incorporating it in sentences yourself to ensure you have a thorough grasp of your new piece of vocab.

This can help you to be more emotive and descriptive in writing tasks.

Plus, it can ensure that you have a strong understanding of the text extracts that come up in the reading comprehension parts of the exams.

After all, there’s nothing worse than not knowing what a piece of key vocab means!

5. Hone your SPAG

‘SPAG’ stands for spelling, punctuation and grammar.

In the GCSE English Language exams, you’ll be assessed in all three. So, it’s really important that you sharpen up your skills and make sure you’re confident with the specifics.

For instance…

• When to use a full stop instead of a comma
• Where to use apostrophes
• Not muddling up your tenses

Top tip: This doesn’t mean you should play it safe! The examiners will want to see at least 11 different types of punctuation in your writing if you’re going to access the top marks.

6. Regularly complete past papers

Completing past papers is a fantastic way to revise for your English Language GCSE.

You’ll be able to…

• Get familiar with the types of questions you could come across in the real thing
• Practise managing your time
• Gain valuable writing practice
• Get used to dealing with exam pressure
• Boost your confidence for the big day
• Gain an up-to-date understanding of where you’re at in your learning

It can be pretty difficult to mark your own English Language GCSE past papers, as there’s often no straightforward ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer.

With that in mind, we always recommend getting your past papers marked by a teacher or English GCSE tutor. 

Then, comb through your paper to identify your strengths and weaknesses, before tweaking your revision timetable to focus on those areas that need it most.

7. Pace yourself

There’s only so much a brain can assimilate in a day.

So, try not to cram. 

Instead, divide your revision up into manageable chunks, schedule in plenty of breaks and get plenty of fresh air and exercise.

Plus, plan things to look forward to so that you can get a well-earned break from your desk.

Revising little and often is typically the best way to help material to stick – and to avoid burning out.

“I would say don’t cram, take 20-minute study sessions then take a break. Look after yourself and try to stick to regular bedtimes, no computers late at night etc.

“Get some fresh air and exercise to help with pent-up energy or nerves too.”

– Katherine R, GCSE English tutor

8. Get the help of a tutor 

Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness!

If there’s anything you don’t quite ‘get’ – or you want your own personal cheerleader to help you prepare for your exams – a GCSE English tutor should be your go-to.

They’re experts at bringing their subject to life and will be able to explain difficult concepts in a way that clicks for you.

With tailored lesson plans that take into account your strengths, weaknesses and learning style, English tuition can be a fantastic way to boost your confidence and improve your grades.

In fact, 90% of Tutorful students improve by at least one grade – and many improve by even more!

8 English Language GCSE revision techniques to try

Every student is different. So, it’s important to figure out your learning style and use the revision techniques that suit you best.

It can also be handy to mix up your revision techniques from time to time, to keep you engaged and prevent your revision from getting stale.

Here are some techniques that can be particularly helpful in your English Language GCSE revision.

1. Stick up questions from past papers

Stick up comprehension questions from past papers around your room, in large print. Then, each time your glance settles on one, take some time to think about possible arguments (you’ll need the extracts in front of you!).

You could even add post-it notes with evidence to support your arguments to each one.

2. Make mind maps

Mind maps are another great way to practise forming essay answers.

Take a practice question, and then create a mind map with your theory in the centre and all the different supporting evidence you can think of around the edge.

3. Explore different revision resources

There are lots of resources available to help you revise for GCSE English Language.

These include:

• Revision guides
• YouTube channels
• Podcasts
• Revision apps
• Revision websites (like BBC Bitesize)

Using resources like these can help to make your revision more engaging.

Top tip: A GCSE English tutor will also be able to point you towards the best revision resources for your learning style.

4. Make flashcards

Flashcards can be a brilliant way to memorise key pieces of information – like grammar rules or key subject terminology.

Although you can find flashcards online, we always recommend creating your own. This is because the process of creating them can be a valuable revision exercise in itself!

5. Go mad with post-it notes

You could also write key terminology or grammar rules on post-it notes and stick them in places where you’ll see them on a regular basis – like the bathroom mirror.

By seeing them again and again, this can help the information to stick.

6. Brainstorm useful sentences

A good exercise to help you structure your answers to reading comprehension questions is to brainstorm useful sentences or connecting words.

For instance, in questions that ask you to compare or contrast two extracts, you might find these kinds of sentences useful:

• Both ____ and _____ explore _______. However, in _______, the _____ is…
• In source A, the phrase “_________” implies…
• Similarly
• On the other hand
• In contrast

7. Lean on mnemonics

Mnemonics can help you to remember nuggets of wisdom in the exam room.

For instance, learners with the exam board AQA are encouraged to use VEME when constructing answers that discuss the effects of a writer’s methods. This stands for:

• Viewpoint
• Evidence
• Method
• Explore the effect

8. Form a study group

English Language GCSE is a subject where there’s often no one correct answer. So, why not form a study group and discuss potential responses to various exam questions all together?

This can be a great way to gain different perspectives and ideas. 

Top tip: Make sure to pick your study mates wisely – it can be easy to get distracted!

How to prepare for English Language GCSE: 6 tips for on the day

With these revision tips and techniques, hopefully, you’ll be feeling prepared by the time your GCSE English Language exams roll around.

But the right approach to exam day itself can also make a big difference.

Here are some things to bear in mind.

1. Give yourself the right fuel

Don’t stay up late revising the night before.

Instead, get a good night’s sleep and have a proper breakfast in the morning. This will give you the best chance of feeling energised for the day ahead.

2. Overcome exam fear

Try some calming techniques to help you overcome exam fear – like listening to a calming playlist.

It’s also important to focus on getting in the right headspace – try to focus on what you have done rather than what you haven’t. Remember, you’ve worked hard and can be proud of yourself, whatever happens!

“Don’t focus on over criticising yourself. Watch those negative little voices in your head!

“Know that you have worked hard and therefore tried your best.”

– Katherine R, GCSE English tutor

3. Plan your time

Keep an eye on the clock in the exam room and make sure you’re not spending more time than you should on each question.

Every year, good students waste marks because they write answers that are far too long for 4-mark questions, and then run out of time and end up rushing questions that are worth more marks.

As a general rule, try to spend the most time on the questions that are worth the most marks, and vice versa. 

4. Read every question carefully

Read each question at least twice before answering, so that you’re not making any silly mistakes.

It can also be worth underlining key words in the question to keep you focused – like those command words we talked about earlier.

5. Plan your answers

Before you start writing, make sure you plan how you’re going to answer the question.

This is important for longer reading comprehension tasks – for instance, for analysis type questions.

However, it’s especially important in your writing tasks. By carefully planning the structure of your piece before you start writing, you can stay on track and make sure you’re able to deliver a finished task in the time you have available.

6. Stay calm!

Last but not least, don’t panic!

Work through the GCSE English Language exam papers calmly and methodically, without rushing.

And remember that you’ve worked hard. So, you can be proud of yourself whatever the outcome.

Find a tutor to help you revise GCSE English Language and ace it!

If you’re worried about passing English Language GCSE – or getting the best grade possible – you don’t have to worry alone.

A GCSE English tutor will have the tools, knowledge and experience needed to help you achieve the grade you’re after. 

From tailored plans to practice exams, they’ll give you the one-to-one attention and dedicated time you need to ensure you reach your full potential.

FAQs

What is the best way to revise for English Language GCSE?

The best way to revise for English Language GCSE is to identify your areas of weakness using past papers. You can then use your preferred revision techniques to work on those areas and make the biggest improvement in the shortest amount of time.

How to improve English Language GCSE?

Here’s how to improve your English Language GCSE grade in a few simple steps:

• Go through your mock exam or practice test papers to identify your areas of weakness
• Set SMART goals
• Create a solid revision timetable
• Start revising early
• Know your exam board’s specification inside out
• Try different revision techniques to find what works best for you
• Utilise different English Language GCSE revision resources
• Regularly attempt past papers
• Get help from an English language tutor

How do you study English Language GCSE?

There are lots of different ways you can study for your English Language GCSE. Here are some useful approaches:

• Read a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts
• Hone your SPAG
• Expand your vocabulary
• Complete past papers
• Try structuring practice questions

How to get a 9 in English Language GCSE?

To get a 9 in English Language GCSE, you’ll need to…

• Have accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Have a deep understanding of how language is used to create specific effects
• Apply relevant subject terminology
• Show that you can analyse texts in a subtle manner
• Fulfil the intended purpose of your writing tasks

Ultimately, these are a few things that help grade 9 students to stand out from those who achieve a grade 8.
Remember, an English GCSE tutor can help you to reach your full potential and access the highest grades possible.