Past Paper Revision Notes PDF

Reading Comprehension Key Themes and Questions 1. Understanding Themes: ○ Focus on identifying themes like overcoming fear, friendship, determination, and competition. ○ Example: In a story about a character’s first swimming lesson, the theme might be o...

Reading Comprehension Key Themes and Questions 1. Understanding Themes: ○ Focus on identifying themes like overcoming fear, friendship, determination, and competition. ○ Example: In a story about a character’s first swimming lesson, the theme might be overcoming fear as they learn to be comfortable in the water. 2. Analysing Sentences: ○ Recognize sentence types: Declarative (states a fact). Interrogative (asks a question). Imperative (gives a command). Exclamatory (shows excitement or strong emotion). ○ Example: "Mia realises that swimming is not as frightening as she thought" is declarative. 3. Grammar & Punctuation: ○ Commas are often used to separate introductory clauses from the main sentence, enhancing readability. ○ Exclamation marks add excitement or emphasis. 4. Vocabulary in Context: ○ Practice identifying words suggesting confidence (e.g., eager) or excitement (e.g., admired). 5. Application to Real-life Situations: ○ Learn to use characters' experiences to offer advice, such as encouraging a friend to try new things by “taking it one step at a time.” Sample Exam Questions: What is the main theme of a passage? Identify a word that suggests courage. Explain why punctuation, like commas or exclamation marks, is used in a sentence. Choose the correct sentence type in context. Writing Section Descriptive Writing Prompts 1. Sensory Details: ○ Use sight, sound, and touch to describe a scene vividly. ○ For example, in a forest scene, describe the rustling leaves, the shadowy path, and the feeling of being watched. 2. Figurative Language: ○ Include at least two similes (comparisons using "like" or "as") or metaphors (direct comparisons).  ○ Personification (giving human qualities to nonhuman things) enhances descriptive writing. ○ Example: “The trees whispered secrets as the wind brushed through.” 3. Structure & Word Count: ○ Aim for 100-150 words, keeping writing concise yet descriptive. ○ Focus on main actions and sensory descriptions to make scenes vivid. Tips for Creative Writing: Use Adjectives to create a strong image (e.g., “shadowy path,” “crisp autumn air”). Be Specific in descriptions (e.g., instead of “trees,” write “towering pines”). Practice with Prompts: Imagine yourself in settings like a crowded festival or a quiet forest, then describe using all five senses.