Seven Steps to Success: How to revise for GCSE English Language
GCSE exams are one of the most important milestones in a student’s academic career and with so much riding on the importance of our GCSE English Language grade, effective revision strategies are essential to student success. But what is ‘revision’? It’s no wonder that students become overwhelmed and lost at this time of year – here are Seven Revision tips to help you keep on top of exam stress:
1. Create A Study Schedule
One of the first steps towards effective GCSE revision is to create a study schedule. More often than not, students have been known to spend so much time colour coding a revision timetable that it could pass for an artistic masterpiece – the reality is that a simple grid is more than enough to help you make the commitment and keep you on track. A revision timetable should allocate enough time for each subject and also factor in regular breaks. This ensures that you will have a clear idea of what you need to do each day, helping you stay organized and motivated as you tick through your list.
2. Use Flashcards
Flashcards are a great revision tool that can help you to memorise key concepts and definitions. These can be very useful to memorise quotations, themes and characters for GCSE English Literature but can also be used to revise language techniques for the GCSE English Language Writing section. Students can create their own flashcards on paper or use pre-made ones which can be purchased at very low cost . You could also use digital flashcards, which can be more convenient and accessible if they’re stored on your mobile device.
3. Use Past Papers
Completing past papers is an effective way to prepare for GCSE exams – this is so important that I dedicated an entire blog post to this subject! Not only do past papers for GCSE English Language allow you to familiarise yourself with the format of the exam and the types of questions that you may be asked, it also helps you to identify areas where you may need to improve issues with timing and knowledge. Ran out of official exam board papers? You can download some sample mock papers for AQA and EDEXCEL here.
4. Create Mindmaps
Mind maps are a useful revision tool that can help you to visualise your learning. They are especially useful for subjects that involve a lot of interconnected concepts, such as GCSE English Literature but could also be used for GCSE English Language to revise techniques and text types for Transactional and Imaginative Writing. To create a mind map, start with a central idea or theme and branch out to related ideas. Use color, images, and symbols to help you remember key concepts but remember this is revision for GCSE English – not art!
5. Use Online Resources
There are many online resources available to GCSE students that can help you to revise effectively. These include educational websites, revision apps, and YouTube videos. Online resources can provide you with access to a wide range of revision materials and can be particularly useful for visual learners or those lacking inspiration. The resource section on my website has a good selection of revision material and I add to it often – join the growing number of my subscribers and never miss an update again!
6. Take Breaks
Taking regular breaks is essential for effective revision – in the run up to exams, there is a real risk of burnout and the temptation to cram is often too strong to resist. You should take a significant break every 45-60 minutes to give your brain a chance to rest and recharge. During breaks, you can do something relaxing, such as going for a walk, listening to music, or chatting with friends. I’m a big fan of the Pomodoro method – the research behind it is fascinating and it’s made me more productive and focused, particularly when I’m examining GCSE English Language papers each summer!
7. Active Learning Strategies
Revision doesn’t have to mean sitting at a desk, hunched over folders and notebooks – Active learning can help you to engage with the revision in a more meaningful way. Why not try making up a song about a character from your GCSE English Literature text? Act out different punctuation types to elevate your GCSE English Language Writing? You can practice active learning by asking questions, summarizing key concepts in your own words, then teaching the material to someone else. By revising in a more memorable and active way, the information you’re recapping instantly becomes more embedded – and that’s the whole point, isn’t it?
The reality is that although we all know that revision is essential for success, it can be monotonous and boring. Make sure that you set achievable goals, build in some rewards for your effort and keep your eyes on the prize of a good GCSE grade. You can access various free and paid resources to further guide your revision here.