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The
finale
Natasha Thomas-Francis, Contributor
Hello
class! We have come to the end of
our journey together. The English
A examination is but a few days away
and by this time you should be studying
in earnest. Pace yourselves; do not
waste time but focus on what lies
ahead of you.
Today,
I wish to leave with you some reminders
based on the make-up of the examination.
Remember that success in this examination
will open doors of opportunities for
you, especially in pursuing further
studies.
As
you know, the examination is divided
into two papers. Paper 02 is 2 hours
40 minutes and Paper 01 is 11/2 hours.
Paper 02 is divided into four sections:
- Section
one tests your ability to identify
and rephrase factual information.
The stimulus could come in the form
of a summary, statistical report
or any other format which requires
you to write in a concise way. Remember
that you must adhere to the word
limit in this section of the paper
as the instructions make it clear
that any response after the word
limit will not be assessed.
- Section
two tests your comprehension skills.
This section consists of two stimuli.
You must respond to both pieces.
Usually, the questions posed are
based on a poem and a prose passage.
The prose passages selected can
be of an expository, narrative or
persuasive nature. Just remember
that context clues will assist you
in answering the questions. You
should also revise your figures
of speech.
- Section
three tests your descriptive and
narrative writing skills. This section
consists of three options, one of
which is a picture stimulus and
another is a descriptive stimulus.
The third option is normally a line
which you should include in your
story. Whichever option you choose,
you must follow the instructions
carefully. If you choose to respond
to the description, be careful that
you do not end up writing a story
as this would be detrimental. CXC
will expect you to use your figurative
devices to appeal to the senses
for this type of question.
If
you choose the story option, your
plot must be properly developed. Remember
to introduce a conflict and ensure
there is a resolution. We have discussed
the other elements in previous lessons.
Look back at those notes.
- Section
four tests your argumentative skills.
You will be expected to respond
to one of two options given. Depending
on the instruction, your response
could be in the form of an essay,
a letter or a speech. The important
thing is to follow the instructions,
discuss at least three clear points
and use your persuasive techniques
and devices. Just take a look at
the lessons we did on this topic
to jog your memory.
Paper
01 is the multiple-choice paper. It
consists of 60 items. Items 1-20 include
grammar and vocabulary-type quotations.
These include spelling, sentence completion,
synonyms, antonyms, usage and equivalent
sentences. Items 21-60 require you
to read approximately five pieces,
including poetry, prose criticism
and advertisements.
Time
management is key in your approach
to both papers. In Paper 02, CXC gives
you a suggested time limit for each
section. On the multiple-choice paper,
spend most of your time reading and
responding to items 21-60.
Your
aim should be to complete all sections
and items on both papers within the
given period of time. If you are able
to do so, you are well on your way
to receiving your grade one!
I
will leave with you some past-paper
questions related to sections three
and four of Paper 02. In your practice
session, respond to these questions
under timed conditions.
May
God guide you in your final preparations
for the examination. All the best!
Section
three - suggested time: 45 minutes
(35 marks)
- As
she made her way towards the bus
stop, Aleesa knew she was making
the right choice. She walked confidently
down the dirt road. There would
be no turning back. Write a story
using these sentences.
- Suddenly,
the car did a high-speed u-turn
and roared off. The driver must
have smelled a rat. Write a story
which includes these words.
- When
the sun came up, they came slowly
out of the cave. The walls of rock
to the right and left were not high
but they focused their eyes straight
ahead first. Describe what they
saw.
Your
answer in this section should be approximately
400 to 450 words in length.
Section
four - suggested time: 30 minutes
(35 marks)
- School
uniforms are outdated. Students
should be allowed to wear to school
anything they choose. Write an essay
giving your views on this statement.
- The
fact that mothers are working away
from home is largely to blame for
the growing delinquency and crime
among the youth. Write an argument
EITHER supporting OR opposing this
view.
Adults
should always be respected.
Speaker
B:
No
way! Adults must earn respect.
Write
an essay supporting either speaker
A OR speaker B.
Natasha
Thomas-Francis teaches at Glenmuir
High School. Send questions and comments
to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
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