by Chloe Peratikou
Experienced Tutor and Literature and Arts Masters Student at the University of Oxford, with a BA (with Honours) in English Literature, First Class
Posted April 2025
Feeling overwhelmed by your English Language exams? Whether you’re preparing for GCSE, IGCSE, IB, or A Level, getting on top of your revision can feel like climbing a mountain. The content is vast and sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start. Everyone tells you to look at mark schemes, read examiner reports and do lots of practice, but it doesn’t feel like enough. Don’t worry—I’ve got your back. With these tailored strategies, you’ll be able to conquer each level with confidence.
Hone Your Key Skills
Two of the most important skills that you need for the GCSE are:
Study Language Techniques
Literary devices like metaphors, similes, and rhetorical questions are your best friends. Not only do you need to recognize them in texts, but you should also be able to explain how they contribute to the overall effect. When revising, make sure that you know this vocabulary inside out and feel confident using it in your discursive, descriptive and creative writing.
Build a Strong Vocabulary
A rich vocabulary can make a huge difference in how you express your ideas. Read widely—novels, articles, poetry—and observe how other writers use vocabulary to propel their ideas. Keep a notebook for new words and phrases, and reference it regularly for inspiration.
Dive Deep into Textual Analysis
IB English is all about critical thinking and detailed analysis. Work on breaking down texts to understand how language creates meaning, tone, and style. Always think about the global context and how different cultural perspectives can change the interpretation of a text.
Master Commentary Writing
You’ll need to be able to write detailed commentaries on unseen texts. You don’t have to just rely on past papers: practice regularly by picking random texts and analysing them—focus on language use, stylistic features, and the impact on the reader.
Ace the Written Task
Your written tasks should be creative but also well-grounded in the language topics you’ve studied. Make sure you know the criteria and practice writing tasks that adhere to these guidelines.
Connect with Global Issues
IB is about understanding the broader context. Keep up with global news and events, and think about how they relate to the texts you’re studying. This will add depth to your analysis and help you stand out.
Understand the Dual Focus
While Language focuses on the use of language in various forms and contexts, Literature delves into the analysis of literary texts. It’s crucial to balance your revision between these two aspects.
Textual Analysis for Literature
For the Literature component, you’ll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of literary texts. Practice close reading and textual analysis, focusing on how authors use literary devices, structure, and language to create meaning. Annotate your texts thoroughly, and make notes of key themes, motifs, and character developments. Practice writing essays that compare and contrast different texts, to prepare for the comparative essays.
Master Commentary Writing
Commentary writing is a significant part of both the Language and Literature components. For unseen texts, practice writing commentaries that explore the text’s purpose, audience, tone, and style. Remember, in Literature, the focus should be on literary techniques and how they contribute to the overall meaning, while in Language, the emphasis is on how language shapes the text’s impact.
Develop Comparative Essay Skills
In IB English, you’re often required to compare texts, whether within the Literature component or when analysing different types of media in Language. Focus on how to draw meaningful connections between texts, such as thematic similarities, contrasting perspectives, or differing stylistic approaches. Practice structuring these essays to ensure your comparisons are clear and well-supported. Don’t fall into the trap of talking about the two texts in isolation as it will make you lose comparison marks! Make sure to be constantly relating them to each other in each of your paragraphs.
Engage with Critical Perspectives
IB Literature encourages students to engage with different critical perspectives. This could include feminist, Marxist, or post-colonial readings of texts. Learn about these theories from different perspectives, by reading academic articles or critical essays by various authors. A good website to find these is JSTOR.
Practice Oral Commentaries
The IB course also includes oral assessments. Practice delivering oral commentaries on both familiar and unseen texts. Focus on organizing your thoughts clearly and backing up your points with specific references to the text. Recording yourself and listening back can be a helpful way to improve your delivery and ensure that you’re hitting all the necessary points. You can also practice this casually by discussing with friends.
Connect with Global and Cultural Contexts
Both Language and Literature components require you to consider texts in a broader global and cultural context. For Language, think about how language varies in different cultural settings and how it reflects societal values. For Literature, consider the historical and cultural context in which the texts were written, as well as how they might be interpreted differently in various cultural contexts today.
Sharpen Your Analytical Skills
A Level English Language goes beyond just reading and writing—it’s about understanding how language works in different contexts. Focus on the key linguistic concepts and theories, and practice applying them to various texts.
Study Linguistic Frameworks
Phonetics, grammar, semantics—know these frameworks inside out. They’re essential tools for analysing texts and will make your essays much more sophisticated. David Crystal is a great linguist to study, especially if you are studying English in an international setting. Robin Lakoff is fantastic if you are looking at language and gender. Read as widely as possible on different theories, and try to stay up to date with any new ones.
Explore Real-World Case Studies
Language is constantly evolving, and real-world case studies can provide great examples of how linguistic theories play out in practice. You don’t have to just rely on past papers: take speeches, magazine articles and book chapters and create your own questions!
Revising for English Language exams at any level can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely within your reach. Focus on consistent practice, active engagement, and a deep understanding of both texts and their contexts. Remember, these exams aren’t just about what you know—they’re about how you apply that knowledge effectively.
Tailor your revision techniques to each exam’s demands, and balance your studies with self-care. A clear mind is your best ally on exam day. Approach your exams with confidence, trust in your preparation, and remember: you’ve got this!
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