Upper 8 Revision Guide English; English Revision Sheets – Upper 8 (Summer) Paper 1 (Comprehension & Writing, 75 minutes) Section A: Prose comprehension – biography, novel, report, diary or script. Section B: Persuasive Writing – write about one of the books from the Carnegie shortlist, persuading the reader that your opinion of it is correct. Paper 2 (Poetry & Writing, 75 minutes) Section A: Poetry comprehension – a short poem with poetic devices. Section B: Creative Writing – demonstrate effective use of techniques. Comprehension Techniques – section A on both papers Highlight as you read. Read all questions carefully. Answer in full sentences using your own words whenever possible. Use the mark allocation as a guide. The higher the mark allocation the more you need to write. A rough guide is up to 60 words for 6 marks, up to 80 words for 8 marks, etc. When necessary develop separate ideas in separate paragraphs. Remember that ideas have value and quotes do not. Use quotes only when necessary. Avoid starting an answer with a quote unless the question instructs you to. Answer using formal English and demonstrate your best vocabulary. Write neatly and take care with the spelling and punctuation.
Section B: Persuasive Writing – write about one of the books from the Carnegie shortlist,
persuading the reader that your opinion of it is correct.
Paper 2 (Poetry & Writing, 75 minutes)
Section A: Poetry comprehension – a short poem with poetic devices.
Section B: Creative Writing – demonstrate effective use of techniques.
Comprehension Techniques – section A on both papers
Highlight as you read.
Read all questions carefully.
Answer in full sentences using your own words whenever possible.
Use the mark allocation as a guide. The higher the mark allocation the more you need to
write. A rough guide is up to 60 words for 6 marks, up to 80 words for 8 marks, etc.
When necessary develop separate ideas in separate paragraphs.
Remember that ideas have value and quotes do not. Use quotes only when necessary.
Avoid starting an answer with a quote unless the question instructs you to.
Answer using formal English and demonstrate your best vocabulary.
Write neatly and take care with the spelling and punctuation.
You should be able to identify and comment on writing techniques and their effects. The techniques
are simile, metaphor, alliteration, onomatopoeia, rhythm, rhyme, contrasts, mood and tone. Use the
Point, Evidence, Explanation (P E E) method to develop your answer, adapting this to meet the mark
allocation.
What is ‘Point’?
Questions about how the writer does something mean that your point will need to name a
technique the writer uses.
Questions about characters will usually require an adjective about the character as your point.
Questions about the tone or mood require an adjective to express the feeling a poem or phrase
creates
What is ‘Evidence’?
A reference to an action or an example of the language the writer uses is evidence.
Some questions tell you to write out the evidence, in which case you MUST do so.
Some questions require you to explain the effect of the evidence, in which case the quote will be
necessary but may not be part of the marks you get.
Some questions already give you the evidence that you are required to use, in which case there is
absolutely no point in copying out the evidence.
Getting the ‘Explanation’ right
Always keep in mind that by far the most valuable part of your answer is your explanation. That is
because examiners wish to know how you think and how you express your thoughts.
Do not be under any illusion that the Point and Evidence counts for very much if the Explanation is
not good.
Remember to use the following if you need to develop your explanation beyond a 3rd sentence.
It is as if …
We imagine …
The reader feels …
We sense.
Highlight as you read.
Read all questions carefully.
Answer in full sentences using your own words whenever possible.
Use the mark allocation as a guide.
For each answer, when necessary develop separate ideas in separate paragraphs and use the structure we have practised. PEE
Some questions require two ideas or two quotes. Always develop each idea or comment on each quote separately. Do not state both ideas or quotes and then make a general comment on both.
Remember that ideas have value and quotes do not. Only use information from the text to support what you write, not instead of your idea.
Exercises
Persuasive Writing – Section B Paper 1
Remember that persuasive writing involves making a series of points to argue your case successfully.
These points are arranged in paragraphs. A blend of the techniques we have used should be used in
each paragraph. These include:-
Rhetorical Questions
Accusative voice – to make the reader feel guilty
Facts and figures – to give an authoritative tone to your piece
Counter arguments – to show that you are aware of other points of view, but to
demonstrate why they are wrong.
Here are some statements about fox hunting which use the techniques above
Wouldn’t you rather see an animal running free than scared out of its life?
What kick do you get out of seeing other lives being reduced to a pulped red mass?
Foxes actually only account for 2% of deaths of livestock
Whilst foxes can carry diseases, these are not harmful to humans as the animals are too wary of the
kind of contact with humans that is needed for the disease to spread.
Now try writing sentences of your own using each of the techniques for the following questions.
1. More important than developing land for new buildings is the preservation of nature. Do you
agree or disagree with this view? Write a speech in response.
2. Write a magazine article for children of your own age in which you argue for the preservation
of good manners in society.
3. The internet: a valuable resource or a waste of time?
Creative Writing – Section B, Paper 2
To practice writing effective metaphors, here are some typical titles for essays. Think up a suitable
metaphor for each and make a list of verbs and nouns that would match. Remember to keep the
words relevant to the metaphor, not the original subject, and that this should push you to use words
that are unusual for the subject you will write about. In the exam, making the list is something you
should do in your plan with the intention of using these words when you write.
1. A serious mistake
2. Coming Home
3. The Meeting
4. Describe the centre of a town or a city, either during the day, or at night, or both.
Maths;
Number work with and without a calculator Indices, standard index form, significant figures Fractions, decimals and percentages Fractions on the calculator Algebra:
- Substituting values into formulae - Simplifying expressions - Expanding the brackets - Factorising - Equations and Inequalities - Simultaneous equations - Quadratic equations with graphical interpretation - Intersection of a parabola and a line graph -
Sequences, finding the nth term Transformations Greek letter Pi (π) Circles Area and Volume of a 3D shapes Geometry:
- Properties of angles on parallel lines - Polygons and Sums of interior and exterior angles - Construction of 2D shapes
Pythagoras’ theorem Statistics Probability Equipment: Sharp pencil or propelling pencil, rubber, cartridge pen, Maths set (clear plastic protractor and set square, set of compasses and a ruler in cm and mm) CLEAR PRESENTATION AND SHOWING OF ALL CALCULATIONS IS VERY IMPORTANT
Science;
Neatness is advised. Marks will not be awarded if there is doubt about a letter, word or number.
The 13+ exam will consist of Biology, Chemistry and Physics papers, each of 40 minutes duration.
Although not essential, a calculator may be used. Graphs often provide up to 10% of the total
marks. Remember to bring two working pens, ruler, pencil eraser and couple of sharp pencils to
each exam. Marks are awarded for graphs that include a title, an appropriate scale, correctly
labelled axes and accurately plotted points. If in doubt about whether to draw a smooth curve,
points should be joined using a ruler and sharp pencil. Mark each point with a small, neat cross.
Remember to include the correct unit of measurement e.g. mm, cm³, ml or °C.
Please study my four page Science Revision Guide issued for the November 2014 examination and
the list of internet links. You will find this in your present or previous exercise book. Look at the
Common Entrance Science Syllabus ( http://www.iseb.co.uk/Schools/Examination-syllabuses-
specimen-papers ) and concentrate on your weakest topics. Try to make topic summaries using key
words, colour and annotated diagrams.
Learn some basic point scoring facts e.g.
Chemistry: Preparation and tests for oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and water. General
properties of metallic and non-metallic elements. General properties of metal oxides, hydroxides,
carbonates and salts. Rusting. Combustion.
Reactivity series of metals, oxidation, reduction and displacement reactions.
Distillation, chromatography, decanting and filtration.
Acids and alkalis. The pH scale. pH indicator colour changes. Formation of salts.
Pollution, climate change, destruction of the ozone layer and acid rain.
Physics: Formulae for density, pressure, moments and speed.
Electrical and electronic symbols and circuits. Series and parallel circuits.
Electromagnetism. Forces and moments.
Basic facts about light e.g. reflection, refraction and dispersion. Properties of sound e.g. sound
reflection and the conduction of sound through different media. Simple facts about the solar system
including the Moon, Sun, eclipses, planets, cause of day and night and the seasons.
Learn about the main types of energy and examples of energy transfer.
You will need to answer an Evidence (source-based) question on EITHER the Norman Conquest OR King John. You will not know which topic until the exam paper is opened, so read up on the topics yet mainly concentrate on ensuring your technique is sound. You should prepare for the source question by re-reading the chapters on the Norman conquest and King John and completing/ editing any papers you have been given. You should also read the worksheets and information sheets you have been given. Look at the source extracts in both chapters and, as you read, identify the CONTENT of the source (a, b and c) and PROVENANCE (where it came from, why made it, why was it made) and BIAS (what side/perspective is the information from, does its bias [they will all be biased] affect its trustworthiness?). You must also comment on the USEFULNESS and RELIABILITY of each source. The Essay: You are required to complete an essay that analyses a topic, weighs up evidence and forms a clear argument. You must acknowledge both sides of the argument but your evidence will be weighted to one side. You should revise 4 topics in great depth. By 'in depth' I mean you should have a confident grasp on events, dates, names, chronology, description, historical context and consequence... you need to know it inside-out. You should prepare for the exam by selecting your essay topics, re-reading ALL the information in
the textbook and workbook about that topic, making notes/spider diagrams/mind map/note cards
of key factual information, then looking at an essay question. You should practise as many essay
questions as possible.
Example essay questions include:
1. Choose a war or rebellion you have studied and explain its most important consequences. 2. Assess, by describing and explaining, the importance of the role of a commander in a battle won
by England/Britain. 3. Describe an important event in the development of Parliament and explain its significance. 4. Choose a monarch or chief minister you have studied and assess whether he or she was
successful. 5. Assess, by describing and explaining, the significance of an important religious event or religious
development you have studied. 6. Choose an important figure involved with religion in the period you have studied and explain
why he or she is remembered. 7. Assess, by describing and explaining, the significance of an event which changed the lives of
people in the period you have studied. 8. Choose one economic revolution you have studied. How did it change the lives of the people of
England/Britain? 9. Explain the importance of one woman’s life during any period you have studied. 10. Choose a local or other historical site you have visited. Explain why it was important in the
history of its area
Geography;
Revision tools:
Your orange exercise book (class and homework notes) from year 7 and year 8
Geography text book (Book One)
Geography text book (Book Two)
1. Ordnance Survey map work skills (Book 1: Chapter 1 page 4-35) You should know and understand:
4-figure and 6-figure grid references
eastings, northings
spot heights and contours
direction
orientation (8 points of the compass)
distance
area You should be able to:
follow routes
Identify relief and landscape features (slope steepness, plateau, flood plain, valley, headland, bays etc.)
annotate simple sketch sections
2. Earthquakes and volcanoes (Book 1: Chapter 3, page 79-103) You should know and understand:
the global distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes
an example of an earthquake (Case study: Indonesia 2004)
and a volcanic eruption (Case study: Mount Etna 2001) You will need to know the nature, causes, environmental and human effects, and human responses for both case studies
You should be able to:
annotate a diagram of a destructive plate boundary (where oceanic and continental plates meet)
label one example from an MEDC and one from an LEDC (both Etna and Indonesian earthquake are destructive boundary)
3. Weather and climate (Book 2: Chapter 3 page 70-102) You should know and understand:
the differences between weather and climate
microclimates the influence of aspect, shelter, buildings, surface and natural features
the water cycle evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, interception, surface run-off, infiltration and throughflow
types of rainfall relief, convectional, frontal
You should know how to draw or annotate:
a diagram and explain the formation of different types of rainfall
causes of temperature and rainfall variation from place to place in the British Isles
the main temperature and rainfall patterns in the British Isles
the influence of latitude, altitude, relief, prevailing winds, distance from coast and the impact of the North Atlantic Drift
4. Economic activity (Book 1: Chapter 4 page 104-134) You should know and understand:
the different types (sectors) of economic activity primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary
the relationship between the level of economic development and the percentage of people working in each sector
how economic activities operate in contrasting locations
an example of either a local primary or secondary economic activity in the United Kingdom (Case study in UK: Toyota, Burnaston)
and an example of either a primary or secondary economic activity in an LEDC (Case study Nike, South East Asia)
reasons for their location (e.g. labour, site, raw materials, market, transport)
their inputs, throughputs, outputs and linkages the potential benefits and problems these industries bring to the area
5. Environmental issues ( Book 1: Chapter 2 pages 49-78)
You should know and understand:
how conflicting demands on an environment arise
how human activities place pressure on environmental resources, e.g. agriculture, recreation, forestry
the following terms: exploit, protect, conserve, manage
One example of a managed location (Case study: A national Park. Lake District or your own choice)
why and how the case study is being managed and the effects (both positive and negative) of this management both on people and the environment
how and why attempts are made to plan and manage environments (this should include ideas of conservation and sustainable development)
the effects of environmental planning and management on people and places
6. Rivers and Coasts (Book 2: Chapter 2 pages 34-56)
You should know and understand:
processes of weathering physical (freeze thaw/frost shattering, onion-skin), chemical and biological weathering
Landforms: waterfall, meander, caves, arches, stacks, stumps, spits (You should know how to draw an annotated diagram to show the formation of each of these landforms- one diagram only is required to show the sequence from cave to stump)
The causes and effects of and responses to a flood, Pakistan 2010- causes, effects and responses.
7. Location Knowledge (Book 1: Chapter 5 page 135-160 and Book 2: Chapter 5 pages 138-
154))
You need to know:
a. Major global physical features Continents Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Oceania, Europe, North and South America Mountain ranges Alps, Andes, Himalayas, Pyrenees, Rockies Desert Sahara Oceans Arctic, Indian, Atlantic, Pacific Rivers Amazon, Mississippi, Nile, Rhine, Yangtze
b. Other global features: Arctic Circle Antarctic Circle Equator International Dateline North Pole Prime Meridian South Pole
Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn
c. British Isles: Countries: The countries of the UK and the Republic of Ireland Sea areas: English Channel, Irish Sea, North Sea Rivers: Severn, Thames, Trent, Clyde, Shannon Hills: Grampians, Lake District, Pennines, Snowdonia Major cities: Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle
d. Countries: Europe France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine Africa Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa Americas Brazil, Canada, Mexico, USA Asia Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia Oceania Australia, New Zealand
e. Major cities and city states Beijing, Berlin, Cairo, Delhi, Los Angeles, Madrid, Mexico City, Moscow, New York, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Sydney, Tokyo, Warsaw, Washington DC
For the examination, you will need: A sharp pencil, An ink pen, A ruler, A rubber
Latin;
Level 1
You will need to know everything from the Level 1 syllabus (that’s everything in your Level 1
textbook):
Nouns of the 1st and 2nd Declensions (you need to be able to identify the Case & Number of
any Latin noun and to select the correct Case & Number ending when asked to translate into
Latin. In other words, you will need to be able to decline each noun..
Verbs of the 1st, 2nd , 3rd , 4th & mixed conjugations + sum in the present, imperfect and
perfect tenses (you need to be able to identify the Person and Number of any Latin verb).
Learning your principal parts is essential!
The structure of Latin sentences: you will need to be able to identify the Subject, Object &
Verb of a Latin sentence.
Conjunctions e.g et
Questions starting with cur or using ~ne
Prepositions (you will need to know which Case each preposition governs)
You need to know all of the vocabulary in your textbook from Latin to English, together with
all of its linguistic information e.g. principal parts of each verb so that you know its
conjugation and full listing of every noun so that you know its declension.
You need to be confident of all of the grammatical terms given in the Grammar Check 5 on
p128 of your textbook so that you can use the correct language to give answers about
grammar.
In your examination, there will be:
1. A short text followed by comprehension questions;
2. A second part to the text for you to translate into English;
3. a section of grammar questions and a short composition section in which you will translate
some English sentences into Latin. The vocabulary is given to you in this.
4. A short essay question on myths and legends. Use your Greeks and Romans book to revise
for this part. You need to know the stories of Perseus, Jason, Theseus, Heracles, The Trojan
War, The Wanderings of Odysseus, Romulus & Remus, Horatius, (Mucius Scaevola &
Coriolanus but only as a last resort!)
When doing your learning, write down as much as you can (your exam is written so you need to get
used to proving your understanding in writing). It is not enough to know what Latin words mean;
you have to be able to decline all of your nouns and to conjugate all of your verbs. Do your actions
when practising your verbs and nouns out loud.
When translating from Latin into English, identify the verb, analyse it then hunt down the subject
that matches it. The Case endings will tell you which word is the Object etc.
When composing Latin sentences, place the verb at the end and check that you have put it into the
correct Person and Number.
You should have: your purple textbook, the App “Pipiatum” Level 1 (recommended), a vocab list, 2
past papers, your blue exercise-book, your folder, the textbook “Greeks & Romans” and access to:
rome.mrdonn.org/roman-kingdom (for Romulus & Remus and Horatius) and
rome.mrdonn.org/ancient-history/Greece/Homer’s Iliad and Homer’s Odyssey for the Troy-related
myths.
Good Luck,
Mrs Waldron.
French;
Use all your notes in your exercise books , especially your past essays and corrections, the sheets
in your folder, Equipe 4 and your little green books.
Hobby sheet in the present, the past and the near future especially for the description of icons.
Family members.
Weather in all tenses.
Learn the sheet about essay writing, how to start and end a letter properly in French.
Food,holidays,celebrations.
Monuments in Paris and how to spell them eg: La Tour Eiffel, la cathédrale Notre Dame, L’Arc de
Triomphe ...
Description of a French meal and typical French food
Description of a journey to France and a typical excursion.
Time expressions and what tense they trigger eg: aujourd’hui , hier, demain....
Revise regular and irregular verbs in the 4 tenses we have learnt, irregular PPs, verbs taking etre ,
reflexives, prepositions, articles, adjectives, modals and the infinitive construction, all pronouns.
Practise grammar with languagesonline.org.uk
Do some French every day during the holiday until the exam or you may forget important idioms. So
practise often.
For the reading comprehension part, read texts in your Equipe 4and revise your little vocab book.
Practise with BBC bitesize
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education
RE
Remember the format for the exam - one hour to complete 3 sections
section 1 - old testament, 4 option questions (each split in to a,b,c,d, collectively worth 21
marks), CHOOSE 1
section 2 - new testament, 4 option questions (each split in to a,b,c,d, collectively worth 21
marks), CHOOSE1
section 3 - world religions and contemporary issues (35 option questions each worth 6
marks, total 18 marks), CHOOSE 3
REVISION WORK – select 5 Old Testament topics and 5 New Testament topics (see below), write out
the summaries and meanings and a modern example. Select 10 topics on the World Religions topics
(see below) and write them out as 6 mark answers.
Remember for sections one and two you must answer the questions in the following way:
Part Question type What is expected? Marks
A Factual Information
This question asks for factual information or a brief definition. e.g: What does ‘stewardship mean’? Answer: Looking after the world for God.
2
B Knowledge You must write a full paragraph. Your paragraph must be well organised and show what you have learnt. There are 6 marks so you must make at least 6 points. Make sure you answer the question and don’t simply write random facts.
6
C Understanding of Interpretation
You must write a full paragraph. You must demonstrate your understanding of the passage. You must clearly explain what it means and make strong links between the points you make and the text. There are 6 marks and you must make at least 3 points and explain them all clearly.
6
D Evaluation This part asks you to answer a question usually presented as a quotation with which you can agree or disagree. You must argue for or against the quotation using modern examples and references to the bible, where appropriate. You will need to write 2-3 paragraphs. Your paragraphs may be quite short but must be well structured. Example: ‘We do not need to look after the world anymore.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer.
7
Topics to revise from:
Old Testament God, Human Nature and Covenant
The Creation Accounts: Genesis 1: 1-2: 25
The Garden of Eden and The Fall: Genesis 3
Cain and Abel: Genesis 4: 1-16
The Near Sacrifice of Isaac: Genesis 22: 1-19
The Exodus and Passover: Exodus 12: 1-13
The Ten Commandments: Exodus 19: 1-8 and Exodus 20: 1-17 Leaders and Prophets of the Old Testament
Moses: Exodus 3: 1-17
David: David and Bathsheba; 2 Samuel 11: 1-17
Nathan: 2 Samuel 12: 1-14
Solomon: 1 Kings 3
Elijah: 1 Kings 18: 19-46 and 1 Kings 19: 1-18 New Testament
Jesus’ Teaching
Zacchaeus: Luke: 19: 1-10
The Paralysed Man: Mark 2: 1-12
The Rich Young Man: Mark 10: 17-31
The Woman and Simon the Pharisee: Luke 7: 36-50
The Good Samaritan: Luke 10: 25-37
The Lost Son: Luke 15: 11-32
Jesus’ Life, Death and Resurrection
The Birth of Jesus: Matthew 1: 18-25
The Temptations: Luke 4: 1-13
The Call of the Disciples: Luke 5: 1-11
Peter’s Declaration: Mark 8: 27-33
The Transfiguration: Mark 9: 2-13
HINT - revise 5 old testament topics and 5 new testament topics. Pick your topics and look for modern examples of that issue on action in the world today.
Re-read the model questions and answers I have given you as well as the questions you have answered in your exercise books.
World Religions and Contemporary Issues
You will choose to answer descriptive questions on your choice of world religions, on topics such as:
founders, prophets and teachers
main beliefs, teachings and doctrines
holy books
main festivals
main ceremonies and worship
places of worship
service to the community
pilgrimage
main traditions
Also :
science and religion
stewardship and the environment
law, rules and human rights
leadership and wisdom
social justice and treatment of the poor
prejudice and discrimination
attitudes to death
You can make reference to your U7 research project in your answers.
As each question is worth 6 marks make sure you have included 6 good pieces of information. HINT - You must produce legible work - watch the handwriting!
