Study Hub for CXC English A & B

Whenever you are going to prepare to write a short story, consider the following questions: 1.          What is the story going to be about? 2.        What is the theme of the story? 3.        Who are the characters? How will they behave? How will other characters react to them? 4.        Where will the events in the story take place? 5.        Will any special techniques be used in the story such as a flashback, twist and so on? 6.        How will the story begin? 7.        What is the problem in the story? What is the conflict? 8.        What are the actions in the story? 9.        How will the story be resolved?      Use these questions to guide what you incl...

WRITTEN REPORT According to CXC, "the written report of the investigation should be a summary of the processes, procedures and outcomes of the research. It should include the material collected, reasons for selection and analysis of the material."  A satisfactory report should be about 250-300 words in total. It is worth 10 marks. KEY TERMS Processes: Focus on describing how the group collected the three pieces that were most appropriate for the group report and the difficulties you may have experienced doing so. If the group had no difficulties, give a reason for this. Procedures: Summarize how the group went about analyzing the materials. For example, what was done to achieve the objectives of the research? How did the group decode/analyse the material? What did the analysis reveal?   The analysis covers the relevance of the material/stimuli/pieces and the artistic/visual/literary/aural features of what is selected. Outcomes: Focus on your ...

This poem deals with the changes that occur as people transition from childhood to adulthood. The phrase “once upon a time” refers to the past when people’s actions used to be better. The speaker is now bemoaning the fact that people, in particular adults, have changed. As they mature, the way adults behave towards others becomes different. They no longer shake hands or laugh with their hearts. Now, everything is a show with people smiling or shaking hands because it is expected. Here, the writer uses contrast to highlight the pretentious nature of some adults. They say one thing but mean a completely different thing in their heart and mind. The speaker uses contrast to show how people behaved as children and how they behave as adults. Unfortunately, for the speaker, he, too, has become like them. He has turned into the very thing he hates – a hypocrite.  Now, he “wear faces like dresses” and hide behind these facades when he is to take part in specific events. This is why t...

The poem focuses on the theme single parenting and the challenges mothers often face. It highlights how a mother feels when all she hopes her child will become does not materialize. The first stanza basically highlights the effects of pregnancy such as being emotional, having a metallic taste in the mouth and general discomfort. All throughout the pregnancy she had envisioned him becoming a success story.  “She carried him like the poor carry hope” – this simply highlights just how much she expects of him.  She hopes he gets a visa so he can achieve something in order to help her. Gradually, the reader learns that she is struggling on her own because the father has neglected his responsibilities. In fact, he has failed to maintain any of his children who he treats with “equal unbiased indifference”.  This forces her to take on two roles – a mother and father. So great is her dreams for him that she does not limit nor “set no ceiling” on his ambitions. If he wants ...

The tasks that you must complete are either to be done as an individual or group effort. Individual Tasks Each student has a responsibility to complete these tasks. Plan of Investigation : This is worth 5 marks and has a word limit of 100 words. Reflection: You are expected to write three reflections. Each reflection should comprise of 150 words. The reflections are worth 5 marks . Oral Presentation: Each student is expected to present on his/her chosen sub-topic using a genre of his or her choosing. This presentation is worth 10 marks . Individual Participation Measure: This is worth 5 marks . This captures how the student interacts with other members of his/her group and the impact and scope(range) of his/her contribution. Group Tasks These will be completed by each group. They involve sharing topics, working together to discuss and solve problems, explaining ideas and learning from peers. Written Report: The word limit for this task is 250...

THE ENGLISH A SBA (Writing the Reflections) Worth: 5 marks Please note that the reflections must be written in class. Each reflection should comprise of 150 words . You should have three reflections in all, and each reflection has a different focus. Reflection 1 In this reflection, you are expected to reflect on how each of the three pieces you have selected shaped your thinking about the topic. As you consider how each piece has shaped your thinking, consider the following: Have you gained any new knowledge? What does each piece make you think or feel about the topic? What do you understand more? Has your thinking changed? Recommendation: Encourage students to reflect on how each piece shaped their thinking in a separate paragraph. Reflection 2 This reflection focuses on the use of language in each piece. For print stimuli, focus on how the writer/author uses words to communicate or evoke a specific response in the selected stimuli. Firstly, the candidate mus...

This is an individual task that is worth 5 marks . It should comprise of 100 words. It is an introduction to the topic/issue/theme. It answers the following questions: What is your chosen theme and sub-topic? Why did you choose this issue/topic/theme? What are the expected benefits to you as a student of English? Consider how it will impact your vocabulary, knowledge, research skills, discussions and other aspects of your performance in English. How do you plan to collect relevant information on your issue/topic/theme and use specific English skills to analyse the pieces?  Overall, this section gives an overview of the general direction the SBA will take.   Once you are finished with your plan of investigation, then you should start writing your reflections. SAMPLE PLAN OF INVESTIGATION NOTE: Please note that this sample is by no means prescriptive (or standard) but should be used as a guide . My group and I have chosen the theme skin bleaching. I wil...